For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) Spot Price in North America rose during the Q2 2025 especially in USA where it rose by 6.1%, reaching USD 1273/MT CFR Texas in June.
• The quarter began with bearish sentiment as prices dropped amid high inventories, weak production economics, and softer MEG feedstock values. Demand from textiles and home furnishings remained muted, with buyers focusing on inventory drawdowns.
• May marked a turning point, by prices rising as downstream restocking resumed and tight supply, port congestion, and firming freight rates drove landed higher costs.
• In June, prices peaked up, supported by sustained logistics constraints, strategic procurement, and firmer upstream costs.
• Demand gradually recovered, with improving sentiment in the textile and nonwoven sectors. U.S. textile and apparel imports rose during Jan–Apr 2025, signaling improved end-use consumption.
Why did the price of PSF change in July 2025 in the North American region?
• In July 2025, the PSF Price Index in the North American region declined, primarily due to falling import prices from Asia, where lower production costs and weak feedstock values prevailed amid ongoing softness in upstream crude oil benchmarks.
• The PSF Freight Trend added to the downward pressure, with declining international shipping rates making imports more affordable.
APAC
• The Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) Price in APAC market inclined in Q2 2025 especially in South Korea where it rose by 6.1%, reaching USD 1273/MT CFR Busan in June.
• The quarter began on a bearish note, with April marked by oversupply, high inventory levels, and weak downstream demand. PSF prices dropped amid competitively priced imports and falling feedstock values.
• May brought a shift in market dynamics, as production cutbacks in China and improved downstream confidence supported a gradual price recovery. South Korean producers maintained strategic inventory levels and optimized output, while domestic and export demand stabilized, particularly from textile and apparel sectors.
• June saw further price gains, driven by escalating intra-Asia freight rates and tighter supply conditions. Despite steady demand, logistical constraints and increased shipping costs triggered a late-quarter price rebound, pushing prices up.
• Overall, the quarter’s bullish price momentum was underpinned by supply chain discipline, strategic restocking, and late-quarter cost-push inflation from freight and upstream volatility.
Why did the price of PSF change in July 2025 in the APAC region?
• In July 2025, the PSF Price Index in the APAC region declined, primarily due to a weak feedstock market and continued softness in upstream crude oil prices.
• The PSF Import Price Trend remained under pressure, with key producing nations offering lower-priced materials amid reduced regional buying interest.
EUROPE
• The Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) Price in Europe during the Q2 2025, especially in the German market where prices rose by 4.1%, reaching USD 1205/MT CFR Hamburg in June.
• April began with bearish sentiment, as German PSF prices declined sharply due to high inventory levels, stable domestic production, and an influx of competitively priced Asian imports. Prices dropped by month-end amid subdued demand from textile and furnishing sectors and the impact of U.S. tariffs on eurozone goods.
• Market dynamics shifted in May, with restocking activity ahead of China’s Labor Day holidays, improved domestic demand, and a rebound in export interest driving prices up. Spot levels rose steadily, by the end of the month, supported by tight supply management.
• In June, supply-side resilience was tested by congestion at Bremerhaven and Hamburg ports, as well as inland rail disruptions.
• Demand fundamentals strengthened across the quarter, particularly from Germany’s textile and technical fiber sectors. International sourcing diversification and transatlantic trade growth helped offset weaker Asian exports. Domestic buyers gradually shifted from cautious to strategic procurement as sentiment improved.
Why did the price of PSF change in July 2025 in the European region?
• In July 2025, the PSF Price Index in the European region trended downward, largely influenced by declining import prices from Asia, where reduced production costs and weak feedstock values persisted due to softness in upstream crude oil benchmarks.
• The PSF Global Logistics Trend contributed to additional pressure on prices, as falling freight charges made imports more competitive.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) market exhibited a bearish price trend, despite an initial upward movement in January and February. In January, PSF prices surged, driven by strong demand from key sectors like textiles and home furnishings, alongside rising import prices due to anticipated US port strikes and logistical challenges. This momentum continued into February, supported by rising production costs and tight supply conditions. However, concerns over trade tensions and tariff impacts led to cautious procurement behavior, limiting significant price increases.
In the late quarter, a notable downturn began as a result of ample inventory levels and weak consumption in the downstream textile sector. Prices fell sharply, influenced by reduced demand and falling prices in the textile industry. Despite stable supply and logistics conditions, including lower ocean freight rates, the lack of significant recovery in demand led to further price declines.
The month ended with a 5.5% drop in the US, bringing PSF prices down to USD 1200/MT CFR Texas. This marked a clear shift from the early-quarter upward trend, confirming the overall bearish sentiment for Q1 2025 in the North American market.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the overall Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) market in Europe, exhibited a bearish price trajectory, despite initial gains in January and February. In early Q1, prices surged, buoyed by logistical disruptions due to holiday-related port congestion, labor shortages, and vessel delays, which constrained imports. Simultaneously, steady demand from the textile and automotive sectors, coupled with low feedstock costs, upheld market sentiment. In the late month, import constraints from Asian market, driven by rising feedstock prices and plant maintenance activities, supported a continued upward trend. Anticipation of shipping delays ahead of the Lunar New Year spurred restocking efforts, boosting prices. In February, the bullish momentum waned as post-holiday production recovery in China ensured ample supply, stabilizing prices. Despite steady demand, subdued polyester futures and cautious procurement behavior, owing to macro uncertainties, tempered price movement. The late part of Q1 marked a notable downturn, with bearish sentiment dominating. A combination of ample inventories, muted downstream demand, and lower freight costs weakened import prices. The imposition of US tariffs on Chinese goods curtailed Chinese exports, leading to inventory overhangs and intensified global oversupply. Additionally, port strikes in Hamburg and Bremerhaven disrupted logistics, compounding challenges. Thus, March concluded with a clear decline in PSF prices, confirming the overall bearish trend for Q1 2025. In the German market, prices ended the quarter at USD 1158/MT CFR Hamburg, marking a 3.3% decline compared to the end of the previous quarter.
APAC
During Q1 2025, the Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) market in the Asia-Pacific region experienced a mixed yet overall bearish pricing trend. In early January, PSF prices climbed due to a surge in upstream PTA costs, triggered by supply tightness amid maintenance turnarounds. Concurrently, demand improved as overseas buyers advanced purchases ahead of the Lunar New Year, adding upward pressure. Inventory drawdowns also supported prices, despite weak loom operating rates. In February, PSF prices remained stable initially as the market gradually recovered after a post-holiday. However, as PSF plant operating rates improved, surpassing levels from the previous year—supply rebounded strongly. Meanwhile, downstream demand from textile mills stayed muted. Producers temporarily maintained stable prices as feedstock cost declined. By late February, the market turned bearish due to slow destocking, limited new orders, and subdued buying interest. In March, the downtrend persisted. Although manufacturing activity showed a slight post-holiday recovery, weak demand from the weaving sector and cautious procurement prevented any price rebound. Continued cost deflation in upstream materials further undermined pricing support. Additionally, market sentiment was weighed down by ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty around proposed U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, which dampened export enthusiasm. Overall, the Chinese market saw notable fluctuations, ending Q1 2025 with a 1.5% price decline from the end of previous quarter, settling at USD 950/MT FOB Shanghai.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) market experienced a consistent decline throughout Q4 2024, influenced by weak demand, economic uncertainties, and external market dynamics.
In the early part of Q4, the market faced downward pressure as low-cost imports from Asia, particularly China, surged due to reduced feedstock prices like PTA. North American demand remained moderate, while robust supply from consistent imports and high inventory levels in Asia weighed on prices. Additionally, the ongoing ILA Port Strike disrupted supply chains, deterring buyers from stockpiling due to high freight charges and limited downstream activity.
Midway through the quarter, the PSF market exhibited marginal price fluctuations. While stable production levels and moderate feedstock costs provided some support, the influx of cheap imports and subdued demand from sectors like textiles and nonwoven applications kept the market under pressure.
By early December, the market's bearish trend deepened, driven by weak downstream demand, limited feedstock cost support, and geopolitical tensions impacting crude oil prices. Inflationary pressures and weak retail sales further strained the textile sector. Consequently, PSF prices in the U.S. market fell by 5.6%, reflecting the broader challenges facing the region.
Europe
The European Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) market faced an overall declining trend throughout Q4 2024, influenced by weak demand, competitive imports from Asia, and economic uncertainties. In early Q4, a drop in PTA prices in China and high inventories in Europe exerted downward pressure on prices, despite a brief rebound fuelled by increased demand during India’s festive season. Oversupply from Asia, subdued domestic demand, and cautious consumer sentiment contributed to the bearish market sentiment. Marginal declines persisted in the mid-quarter as high inventories, reduced procurement, and weak consumer confidence outweighed stable feedstock prices and seasonal factors. By the final part of Q4, the downward trend deepened due to falling crude oil prices, limited feedstock cost support, and sluggish demand from the textile sector. Competitive Asian imports and elevated inventory levels in Europe further intensified market pressure. Consequently, PSF prices, particularly in the German market declined by 6.7% during the quarter, settling at USD 1,198/MT CFR Hamburg, reflecting the impact of oversupply and a challenging economic environment.
Asian Pacific
The Asian Pacific Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) market witnessed an overall declining trend throughout Q4 2024, primarily driven by weak demand, high inventory levels, and fluctuating feedstock dynamics. In early Q4, the Chinese PSF market faced a 2% price drop as PTA prices rose slightly, while PX prices declined steadily. This imbalance, coupled with oversupply from increased production and weak domestic demand in the textile sector, created a bearish market sentiment. Overseas demand, particularly from India, offered limited support but was insufficient to offset the declining trend. Mid-quarter, the market continued its downward trajectory, as stable manufacturing activity was overshadowed by weak downstream demand and ample supply. Lower production costs, aided by declining PTA prices and stable MEG costs, encouraged cautious pricing strategies among manufacturers, but persistent oversupply and logistical disruptions kept prices under pressure. By the end of Q4, the seasonal demand lull exacerbated the bearish trend, with downstream textile industries scaling back operations. Limited foreign trade orders for home textiles failed to reverse the decline, leading to an overall price drop of 8.79% in the Chinese market during the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Throughout Q3 2024, PSF prices in the North American market experienced a notable decline. This downward trend was primarily driven by low import costs, fluctuating raw material prices, and limited offtake from downstream sectors. The interplay of these factors created a challenging pricing environment for producers.
In the USA, where the most significant price changes occurred, PSF prices fell by 4% compared to the previous quarter. The market exhibited seasonal fluctuations and a clear correlation between price movements and demand dynamics. Specifically, there was a marked decrease in prices from the first to the second half of the quarter, reflecting persistent challenges within the market. In contrast, prices were up by 2% compared to the same quarter last year, indicating some resilience in the overall pricing structure.
As the quarter concluded, the price of Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) in the USA reached USD 1,301/MT CFR Texas. This figure underscores the prevailing negative pricing environment and highlights the ongoing pressure on market values.
APAC
The third quarter of 2024 saw a notable decline in Polyester Staple Fibre (PSF) prices throughout the APAC region, marking a significant shift in market dynamics. The -1.6% year-on-year change underscores a persistent downward trend, further compounded by a quarter-on-quarter decrease of -1.5%. Additionally, a remarkable -5% drop between the first and second halves of the quarter illustrates a consistent negative trajectory that has raised concerns among industry. Several key factors have contributed to this downturn in prices. Chief among them is the subdued demand from critical end-user industries, particularly in textiles and construction. Coupled with challenging global shipping conditions, which have restricted trade flows and escalated logistics costs, these elements have created a perfect storm for pricing pressures. In China, the market experienced the most significant price fluctuations, reflecting broader regional trends and heightened volatility. The combination of weakened consumer demand and logistical disruptions has created a challenging environment for suppliers. By the end of the quarter, the price for PSF stood at USD 1058/MT (Spot) Ex-Zhejiang, highlighting the prevailing bearish sentiment in the market.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Polyester Staple Fibre (PSF) market in Europe faced a period of declining prices due to several significant factors. A substantial influx of lower-cost imports from Asian markets led to oversupply and intense pricing pressure across the region. Compounding this situation was weakened demand resulting from sluggish downstream industries and elevated inventory levels, which further contributed to the downward trend in PSF prices. Germany, as a major market, experienced the most pronounced price fluctuations during this time. The quarter recorded a notable 3.7% decrease in PSF prices compared to the previous quarter, highlighting the challenging market conditions. Despite this decline, prices rose by 4.8% compared to the same month last year, indicating some resilience in the market. Additionally, the 5% difference between the first and second halves of the quarter reinforced the consistent downward pricing trajectory. By the end of the quarter, PSF prices in Germany stood at USD 1,285/MT CFR Hamburg, reflecting a persistently negative pricing environment. Overall, the quarter was characterized by a substantial decrease in PSF prices, underscoring a challenging and bearish market sentiment.
FAQs
1. What role did feedstock costs play in Q2 2025 PSF pricing?
Fluctuating PTA and MEG values sent mixed signals. MEG dropped across regions, while PTA remained stable-to-firm, enabling steady manufacturer margins.
2. Why did PSF prices rise in APAC during Q2 2025?
Prices surged, driven by Chinese production cuts, a rebound in textile demand, and rising intra-Asia freight rates that tightened regional supply in June.
3. Which sectors drove PSF demand recovery in Q2 2025?
Textile, furnishing, and nonwoven segments supported recovery globally, while technical fibers gained traction in Europe and apparel imports surged in the U.S.
4. What is the short-term PSF price outlook heading into Q3 2025?
The outlook is mixed: APAC and North America face downward pressure from low-cost imports and feedstock weakness, while Europe may see stabilized pricing amid tighter local inventories and strategic sourcing.
