Chemical Updates

Asian PTA: Prices fall amid weaker upstream PX / China domestic demand softens / MEG tightness could cap polyester rates in India

Aug 03, 2026

Asian PTA prices fell on July 31, tracking volatility in upstream PX markets. the FOB China marker at $809/mt, falling $10/ mt day over day and $22/mt week over week. As of July 30, market sources in China estimated that PTA operating rates rose over the week to 63.4% from 59.2%, while polyester operating rates were estimated to have been at 81.9%, compared with 82.9% in the previous week. In China’s domestic market, floating price premiums for prompt cargoes were heard to have continued narrowing over the week. the premium against the TA2609 contract at 133 Yuan/mt July 31, down from 145 Yuan/mt on July 24. Tradable indications for FOB China cargoes were heard to have declined, as market participants expected supply from Indian producers to recover, dampening Indian buyers’...

Exclusive market movement data, shipping lineups, demand signals and pricing rationale continue in full report.

Unlock complete article access with a paid account.

Continue Reading With Membership

This is a preview. Login and activate a paid plan to read the complete article.