For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The PTMEG Price Index in the U.S. climbed steadily through Q2 2025, with prices stable in early April before rising sharply through May and June as spandex and textile demand strengthened, retail sales surged, and front-loaded procurement intensified ahead of tariff deadlines.
• April stability reflected weak THF feedstock support, subdued domestic spandex consumption, and cautious buying amid tariffs and soft apparel demand, though late-month restocking and rising freight costs provided initial upward pressure.
• May saw pronounced gains as downstream activity accelerated—boosted by Easter-driven retail demand, stronger apparel sales, and higher spandex utilization—while Asian supply constraints from maintenance and holidays tightened global availability.
• June’s rally continued as buyers advanced purchases to hedge against tariff-driven cost inflation and potential port congestion, with robust demand for sportswear, elastic fabrics, and performance textiles keeping sentiment firm despite global logistics risks.
Why did the price of PTMEG change in July 2025 in North America?
• In July, the PTMEG Price Index in North America eased as slower retail-driven demand and cautious buying behavior offset stable feedstock costs.
• The PTMEG Price Forecast points to continued stability into August, with modest support from export demand balancing restrained domestic procurement and subdued textile sector momentum.
APAC
• The PTMEG Price Index in China reflected an upward trajectory by the end of Q2 2025, with prices softening through April on weak THF feedstock support and sluggish spandex demand, stabilizing in May, and climbing in June as export-driven textile demand strengthened.
• April declines were driven by reduced spandex sector utilization, ongoing U.S. tariff pressure on Chinese textiles, and inventory accumulation, prompting several producers to lower operating rates or undergo maintenance shutdowns.
• Prices steadied in May as balanced supply and stable THF costs coincided with a brief tariff pause between the U.S. and China, which spurred renewed textile orders and restocking, while Middle Eastern buyers increased pre-Eid procurement.
• June gains were supported by sustained export orders, rising operating rates at PTMEG plants, and stronger downstream textile and spandex offtake, though port congestion at Shanghai and Ningbo and weather-related delays emerged as logistical risks.
Why did the price of PTMEG change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July, the PTMEG Price Index in Asia inched up as overseas restocking and upcoming maintenance shutdowns at two plants offered temporary support, though high inventories and weak domestic spandex-linked demand kept sentiment fragile.
• The PTMEG Production Cost Trend stayed neutral, with feedstock Tetrahydrofuran (THF) prices stable, offering no cost-driven push even as producers faced extended stock cover and steady operations.
• The PTMEG Price Forecast points to limited upside into August, with maintenance-related supply tightening partly offset by tepid spandex sector growth, high inventories, and slow textile orders at home and overseas.
Europe
• The PTMEG Price Index in Germany reflected a firm upward trajectory in Q2 2025, with prices holding stable in early April, rising sharply through May, and climbing further in June as seasonal textile demand and tightening inventories drove momentum despite persistent logistical bottlenecks.
• April stability came amid weak THF feedstock support, subdued spandex and textile demand, and the impact of sharply higher U.S. tariffs on EU textile exports, which dampened buyer sentiment and limited procurement to immediate needs.
• May saw steady price gains as seasonal recovery in spandex and functional fabrics boosted demand, while maintenance-driven supply constraints in Asia, elevated THF costs, and ongoing port delays at Hamburg and major Asian hubs supported firmer pricing.
• June’s continued rally was fueled by tightening European inventories, firm demand for performance wear and non-woven applications, and rising Asia–Europe freight costs as container shortages and congestion strained global supply chains.
Why did the price of PTMEG change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July, the PTMEG Price Index in Europe edged higher as firm seasonal demand from textiles and spandex, fueled by hot weather and a surge in European apparel trade, offset steady feedstock costs and rising Asia–Europe freight rates.
• The PTMEG Production Cost Trend remained stable, with Tetrahydrofuran (THF) prices unchanged, though higher freight charges and shipping delays from Asia nudged import costs upward despite sufficient domestic inventories.
• The PTMEG Price Forecast suggests moderate stability into August, with sustained textile-driven demand offsetting broader industrial softness, while freight volatility and import delays may continue to underpin offers despite cautious spot buying.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Throughout Q1 2025, the Poly Tetra Methylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG) market in North America saw consistent price declines, primarily driven by weak downstream demand and persistent oversupply. In January, prices remained mostly weak as the holiday season suppressed industrial activity, and the spandex sector struggled with excess inventory and low procurement. A cold snap along the Gulf Coast further disrupted logistics and market momentum.
February brought additional pressure as declining consumer confidence, reduced household spending, and new tariffs on Chinese raw material imports weighed heavily on the textile industry. Despite stable feedstock THF prices, elevated stock levels and minimal bulk purchases limited any chance of recovery.
In March, PTMEG prices continued to slip as export volumes of textiles and apparel fell sharply, particularly to Latin American and Asian markets. While U.S. manufacturing activity showed mild improvement, spandex demand remained subdued. Persistent trade uncertainty, cautious procurement, and global competition maintained a bearish sentiment, keeping prices under pressure across the quarter. PTMEG prices in the U.S. closed Q1 2025 at USD 2,215/MT DEL Texas.
APAC
Throughout Q1 2025, the PTMEG market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region witnessed a continuous decline in prices, driven by persistent oversupply and weak demand from downstream sectors, particularly spandex. In January, prices fluctuated slightly but remained under pressure due to high inventories and subdued buyer sentiment ahead of the Lunar New Year. Although some cost support emerged from feedstock THF, reduced operations at spandex factories and weak domestic offtake hindered any sustained price increase. February saw continued downward pressure as market activity remained slow after a post-holiday. Ongoing capacity expansions and minimal export momentum intensified price competition, with weak textile and apparel demand further limiting PTMEG consumption. In March, while spandex plant utilization rose moderately, excessive PTMEG supply and weak export growth curbed recovery hopes. Maintenance shutdowns at major PTMEG plants attempted to balance the oversupplied market, but high inventories and cautious downstream procurement kept sentiment soft. Demand fundamentals remained bearish throughout Q1. PTMEG prices in China closed the quarter at USD 1,750/MT FOB Shanghai.
Europe
Throughout Q1 2025, the PTMEG market in Europe saw consistent price declines, primarily driven by weak downstream demand and persistent oversupply. In January 2025, prices remained weak amid the holiday slowdown, with low operating rates across the spandex and textile sectors. The market faced subdued activity due to cautious procurement and limited cost support from feedstock THF. February brought further declines as high inventories and a slow textile sector recovery added to downward pressure. Ongoing economic challenges, including weak consumer spending, high energy costs, and earnings shortfalls from major petrochemical firms—deepened caution in the market. Manufacturing activity across Germany slowed, and producers continued to adjust output to manage stock levels. By March, demand remained muted despite stable THF prices, with intensified competitive pressures and tariff concerns further reducing market confidence. Producers responded by lowering utilization rates, yet high inventories and limited end-use sector recovery prevented price stabilization. PTMEG prices in Germany ended the quarter at USD 2,291/MT FD Hamburg.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the North American PTMEG market showed a mixed performance. Prices declined in October, driven by weak demand from the spandex and polyurethane sectors, combined with high inventories and persistent oversupply. Spandex producers operated at reduced rates due to mounting inventory burdens and sluggish downstream activity, while cautious procurement further weighed on the market.
However, prices began to recover in November and December, supported by rising production costs from elevated energy prices and increased seasonal demand for winter apparel. Colder weather drove moderate improvements in the spandex industry, with a gradual rise in demand for cold-resistant fabrics used in seasonal clothing. Despite this seasonal boost, the market remained constrained by oversupply, restrained purchasing activity, and cautious economic sentiment, limiting the extent of recovery.
Producers managed output carefully to balance inventory concerns, while moderate increases in US retail sales provided additional support for downstream consumption. Ending the quarter, the price for PTMEG in the USA was recorded at USD 2,350/MT Del Texas, reflecting seasonal and cost-driven improvements.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the APAC PTMEG market experienced a mixed trend. October saw continued price declines due to weak spandex demand, oversupply, and falling raw material costs. Sluggish domestic trade and exports, coupled with a weaker-than-expected recovery in downstream demand despite increased textile export volumes, contributed to the downward pressure. By late October, prices declined further due to these persistent market conditions. In November, PTMEG prices continued their decline, marking six consecutive months of reductions, driven by weak demand from polyurethane and spandex industries and bearish market sentiment. Although feedstock prices saw a slight uptick, overall production costs remained subdued, and oversupply and high inventories exacerbated market challenges. In December, PTMEG prices saw a slight increase due to steady demand from spandex industries driven by the seasonal rise in winter apparel production. However, downstream procurement remained cautious, and oversupply continued to weigh on the market despite the seasonal demand uptick. Ending the quarter, the price for PTMEG in China was recorded at USD 1,880/MT FOB Shanghai.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the European PTMEG market showed mixed trends. Prices in October and November continued to decline due to weak demand from the spandex and polyurethane sectors, coupled with persistent oversupply and intense price competition. High inventory levels and subdued activity in downstream industries further pressured the market, with limited purchasing activity from cautious buyers. Spandex producers, burdened by low profitability and oversupply, reduced operating rates, exacerbating the weak sentiment. However, December brought a slight increase in PTMEG prices as colder weather spurred a seasonal rise in winter apparel production, driving moderate demand improvement in the spandex industry. Manufacturers adjusted inventories carefully, balancing production against restrained purchasing behaviors. While the seasonal uptick provided temporary relief, the market remained constrained by excess supply and cautious procurement, limiting broader recovery. By the end of the quarter, the price for PTMEG in Germany was recorded at USD 2,434/MT FD Hamburg, reflecting the seasonal demand improvement and ongoing efforts to stabilize amidst oversupply challenges.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG) market in North America faced a challenging environment characterized by declining prices. The significant factors contributing to this downtrend were multifaceted. Weak demand from downstream industries, particularly the spandex and textile sectors, played a pivotal role in exerting downward pressure on PTMEG prices. Oversupply issues further exacerbated the situation, with excess inventory levels hindering any potential price recovery. Additionally, subdued global economic conditions and heightened competition among industry players added to the negative sentiment in the market.
Focusing on the USA, the region experienced the most significant price changes during the quarter. PTMEG prices witnessed a substantial percentage change from the same quarter last year, registering a notable decline of 28%. Moreover, compared to the previous quarter in 2024, prices dropped by 11.3%, reflecting the continued downward trend. The price variation between the first and second half of the quarter further highlighted the challenging market conditions.
In conclusion, the latest quarter-ending price for PTMEG in the USA stood at USD 2364/MT, signaling a persistently decreasing pricing environment. The overall trends underscored a negative trajectory, influenced by a combination of factors that weighed heavily on market dynamics.
APAC
In Q3 2024, Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG) market faced significant challenges in APAC, marked by falling prices due to weak demand and oversupply. China, the largest market, saw a continued decline in PTMEG prices, driven by sluggish demand from the spandex and textile sectors. Despite the traditional peak season, the spandex market did not recover, leading to high inventories and limited procurement. Export volumes for clothing and textiles increased, but low prices curbed any substantial rebound in PTMEG demand. Supply remained high, with PTMEG plants in China reducing production rates due to financial losses and excess inventories. Fierce price competition further pushed prices toward historic lows. Meanwhile, demand stayed weak, especially in the spandex sector, which struggled with oversupply and declining prices. Domestically, retail sales of clothing and textiles fell by 1.6% year-on-year in August, reflecting low consumer confidence. PTMEG prices witnessed a substantial percentage change from the same quarter last year, registering a notable decline of 36.5%. Moreover, compared to the previous quarter in 2024, prices dropped by 11%, reflecting the continued downward trend.
Europe
In Q3 2024, PTMEG prices in Europe continued their downward trajectory, driven by weak demand and oversupply. The market witnessed a substantial percentage change from the same quarter last year, registering a notable decline of 14%. Moreover, compared to the previous quarter in 2024, prices dropped by 5.8%, reflecting the continued downward trend. In Germany, PTMEG prices remained under pressure due to global weakness in textile demand, impacting downstream sectors like textiles and spandex. Bearish sentiment, low trading volumes, and weak cost support from feedstock tetrahydrofuran exacerbated the market's challenges. Procurement was cautious as buyers limited purchases amid fears of losses. Despite efforts to stabilize prices, weak foreign trade orders and overcapacity kept pressure on the market. Demand for PTMEG remained sluggish, particularly in the spandex sector, with limited recovery prospects. In conclusion, the latest quarter-ending price for PTMEG in the Germany stood at USD 2604/MT, 1000 FD Hamburg, signaling a persistently decreasing pricing environment. The overall trends underscored a negative trajectory, influenced by a combination of factors that weighed heavily on market dynamics.
FAQs
• What is the current price of PTMEG?
Prices vary by region, with Europe seeing firmer offers due to strong textile and apparel demand, while Asia, North America, and the Middle East face softer trends amid high inventories and slower spandex market growth.
• Who are the top PTMEG producers globally?
Major producers include BASF, Invista, Mitsubishi Chemical, Shanxi Sanwei, and Hyosung, which lead output across Asia, Europe, and North America.
• What is the PTMEG Price Forecast for August 2025?
Prices are expected to edge lower in most regions, with only Europe showing mild upward resilience due to firm seasonal apparel demand, while other markets remain pressured by oversupply and tepid procurement activity.
• How is the PTMEG Production Cost Trend impacting global prices?
Stable feedstock Tetrahydrofuran (THF) prices have kept production costs balanced, with freight rate fluctuations—especially on Asia–Europe and Asia–North America routes—being the primary factor influencing import costs and regional offers.
