PET bottle chip export order intake approaches 70 million tons again in April 2025

According to CCFGroup latest statistics, domestic PET bottle chip factories received export orders totaling approximately 690,000 tons in April 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 68.6% compared to April 2024 and a month-on-month rise of 25.8% from March. This brings monthly export order intake close to the 700,000-ton milestone again, following the record high of 710,000 tons set in September 2024. Considering the significant price gap between domestic and export markets earlier, if orders redirected from domestic to overseas markets by traders are roughly included, total April export order intake could approach or even exceed 800,000 tons.

The rebound in PET bottle chip exports in April was driven by three factors:

1. Price declines: Due to the impact of additional U.S. tariffs earlier, domestic PET raw material prices fell significantly, pushing export prices to near historic lows.

2. Policy uncertainty: Despite the U.S. government's 90-day tariff exemption policy, overseas buyers remained concerned about future policy risks, leading to preemptive stockpiling at low prices.

3. Seasonal demand: Overseas end-users naturally increased inventory ahead of summer, while falling prices also gave buyers leverage in contract negotiations.

Additionally, although new capacity is expected in Q2-Q3, delays in commissioning and strong pre-orders (especially after Spring Festival shutdowns) have alleviated inventory pressure. With limited domestic demand growth so far this year, exports are projected to maintain a 40%+ share of total sales. While factories currently enjoy sufficient orders, inventory pressure has shifted to traders.

Note: Export calculations under general trade typically use the spot exchange selling rate. A price gap of over 200yuan/mt is considered actionable, while gaps above 300yuan/mt are highly favorable.

According to Jan-Apr export order intake: Average monthly sales stood at 520,000-530,000 tons. Factoring in redirected orders, Q2 monthly shipments are estimated to exceed 600,000 tons, with April-May potentially reaching 650,000 tons. Actual shipments depend on vessel schedules.