Asia rPET Prices Hit YTD Low as Bale Costs Continue Rising: Sources

Prices for recycled polyethylene terephthalate were muted across Asia last week, with pellet prices sliding to their lowest levels this year even as feedstock costs continued to climb, according to market participants.

In major markets such as China, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, rPET pellet prices were assessed at a multi-month low of $1,000–$1,300 per metric ton FOB. The decline came despite a $5 -$10 week-to-week increase in post-consumer PET bale prices, driven by tighter collection conditions and a seasonal slowdown in waste collection ahead of the winter months.

Downstream demand for flakes and pellets has remained steady but insufficient to counter the persistent rise in bale prices, market participants said. “Pellet prices are at rock bottom while bale costs keep rising,” said a Malaysia-based buyer. “Margins are under significant pressure.”

Market sentiment remains cautious heading into the first quarter of 2026. Market participants said any near-term recovery in rPET pricing will depend on improved bale supply or a pickup in end-user restocking ahead of Q1 2026 contracts. For now, prices continue to remain under pressure due to weak demand and rising input costs.

–Reporting by Xin Nee Chua, xchua@opisnet.com; Editing by Mei-Hwen Wong, mwong@opisnet.com