US Polycarbonate Prices Show Decline Trend in September 2023 Amidst Weak Demand

Over recent weeks, the price trajectory of Polycarbonate within the US market has exhibited a descending trend, primarily attributed to subdued order volumes from domestic businesses. Notably, this Polycarbonate price decline has occurred against a backdrop of stability in the pricing of the key raw material, Bisphenol A, which has remained consistent over the same period.

In September 2023, US manufacturers reported a further deterioration in their overall operational conditions. Both domestic and international demand for Polycarbonate remained weak, although the rate of decline was less severe. Additionally, the ongoing strike led by the United Auto Workers (UAW) had a notable impact on September's sales, with disruptions in production likely to have lasting effects on potential sales levels throughout the fourth quarter of 2023. The slower rate of decline in demand may offer some hope for a potential turnaround, but the ongoing strike and other factors still presented significant challenges for manufacturers.

Simultaneously, the situation was exacerbated by a decline in new export orders for Polycarbonate materials. This decrease was attributed to challenging economic conditions in critical export markets, dampening demand for US goods and products abroad. The weakened domestic and international demand for Polycarbonate grades posed additional challenges for US manufacturers during this period.

Economists have warned, emphasizing that while the United States has not experienced significant economic repercussions thus far, the potential for a protracted strike lasting a month or more poses a real threat to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Such a strike could have detrimental effects on the economy, including the heightened risk of entering into a recessionary phase. The longer the strike persists, the greater the potential impact on various economic indicators and overall economic stability, making it a matter of concern for policymakers and businesses alike.

The price of Polycarbonate IM was hovering around USD 3294/MT on a DDP US Gulf basis with a weekly declination of 1.5% during the final week of September 2023.

As per the ChemAnalyst, there is an expectation that the price of Polycarbonate will stabilize in the US market. This comes after a period of price decline observed in the previous month. This stabilization is the anticipation of a more balanced supply-demand scenario. It is noted that the market currently has sufficient material availability to fulfill the needs of downstream industries, which suggests that the demand for Polycarbonate is expected to level off or remain relatively consistent soon.