China rPET Prices Stable for Second Week on Unchanged Demand: Sources

China’s recycled polyethylene terephthalate or rPET bale and flake prices have remained stable for a second consecutive week, as firm feedstock and operating costs continue to be supported by steady downstream demand, market participants said.

According to OPIS data, prices for bales with labels were assessed at $560-$600 per metric ton, unchanged from the previous week. Prices for bales without labels also held steady at $750-$820/mt. The range for rPET flake prices remained stable at $920/mt to above $1,000/mt.

Market participants said overall demand conditions remained largely unchanged, with buyers continuing to purchase cautiously and only securing material based on near-term production needs.

“The prices have been relatively stable recently. Not sure if it will drop quickly as summer approaches,” a China-based seller said.

Several recyclers noted that demand for clean bales has continued to support the market, although buyers remain selective due to the wide price gap between labeled and unlabeled feedstock.

However, market sources said the approaching summer season could influence downstream demand patterns, though sentiment remains cautious amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and weak order visibility.

Market participants expect China’s rPET market to remain stable in the near term, with pricing direction likely dependent on upcoming seasonal demand trends and movements in upstream oil and virgin plastics markets.

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