Understanding PTA prices
Raw materials and production
Polyester production connects purified terephthalic acid and monoethylene glycol to polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate. These feedstocks, PET resin, staple fibre and yarn are distinct stages of the chain. Processing and specifications determine the end product.
Applications and consumption
Beverage bottles, packaging films and textiles consume polyester-related materials. Fibre is spun or otherwise processed for textile applications, while bottle resin requires its own properties. Demand for packaging and clothing can change independently even when they share upstream inputs.
What affects PTA prices?
Petrochemical feedstock costs, plant output, textile orders and packaging demand influence the polyester chain. Inventories and processing margins link the stages without making their prices identical. Product form, grade and quotation unit must be checked for comparison.
How to read PTA price today
This page follows PTA in China. The price type is Spot assessment, with values expressed in CNY/t. Compare quotations only after matching the product specification, unit, market and publication period. Changes in the chart describe the recorded series; they do not measure every transaction in the wider market. A local purchase may include freight, processing, taxes or dealer margins. Differences in quality or delivery conditions can therefore produce a different final cost even when the reference price is unchanged.
The latest dated observation is the reference available on this page. Trading holidays or publication delays can leave the displayed date earlier than today; this is not a live tick feed.
Further reading: British Plastics Federation — materials and applications ↗
Frequently asked questions about PTA
What is PTA price today?
The latest available value is 7,231.00 CNY/t, for 10/16/2026. It represents Spot assessment. Check the displayed period and market before treating it as a quotation for a purchase today. The latest dated observation is the reference available on this page. Trading holidays or publication delays can leave the displayed date earlier than today; this is not a live tick feed.
What affects PTA prices?
Petrochemical feedstock costs, plant output, textile orders and packaging demand influence the polyester chain. Inventories and processing margins link the stages without making their prices identical. Product form, grade and quotation unit must be checked for comparison.
What is PTA used for in everyday life and industry?
Beverage bottles, packaging films and textiles consume polyester-related materials. Fibre is spun or otherwise processed for textile applications, while bottle resin requires its own properties. Demand for packaging and clothing can change independently even when they share upstream inputs.
Why can local PTA prices differ from this chart?
Local offers may include delivery, processing, taxes and commercial margins. Differences in quality, product form, market and contract timing can also change the price. Compare the same specification and unit before drawing conclusions.
Where can I compare historical PTA prices?
Use the price chart and dated history table on this page, or download the CSV. Choose a period and keep the market, product and units consistent. Missing publication dates are not filled with invented observations.