Daily review: Cost Support Remains, Polyester Bottle Chip Market Shows Firm and Volatile Trend

Market Overview: On May 20, 2026, prices in the polyester bottle chip market rose slightly. The average market price of polyester bottle chips in East China was RMB 8,930/ton, up RMB 30/ton from the previous working day, representing an increase of 0.34%. Polyester feedstock prices showed a stronger trend, and favorable cost-side support remained in place. Most polyester bottle chip producers kept their quotations stable, while a few raised prices by RMB 50/ton. The market’s actual negotiated price focus edged upward slightly. Downstream buyers mostly maintained a wait-and-see attitude, with only moderate purchases made to meet immediate needs.

On the supply side: the overall operating rate of polyester bottle chips is around 77.39%.

Upstream market: International oil prices fluctuated during the day, providing some bottom support on the cost side. The East China domestic PTA market edged up, with prices around RMB 6,520/tonne. The ethylene glycol market fluctuated weakly, with spot prices in the East China market at around RMB 4,830/tonne.

Outlook: The prospects for U.S.-Iran peace talks remain highly uncertain, and the market is maintaining a cautious stance toward the negotiations. Last week, the API reported a decline in U.S. crude oil inventories, lending support to the market. International oil prices are expected to continue fluctuating within a wide range in the short term, with cost support still in place. Downstream buyers show limited willingness to replenish stocks at high prices, and transaction volume growth is likely to remain constrained. In the short term, the PET bottle chip market is expected to undergo a high-level adjustment, with prices in the East China market fluctuating within the range of RMB 8,700-9,100/mt.