Udeesha Tomar
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
Leading procurement research solutions across chemicals, materials, and food & beverages, with expertise in price forecasting and market analytics.
Polycarbonate Price Trend Analysis 2026: Price Drivers, Historical Prices, Market Insights, Supply Demand Analysis & Latest News
Written ByUdeesha Tomar
Polycarbonate Price Trend Q1 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate | China | EXW | USD 2,381.58/MT | April 2026 |
| Polycarbonate | USA | CIF | USD 2,468.58/MT | April 2026 |
| Polycarbonate | Germany | FOB | USD 2,507.58/MT | April 2026 |
| Polycarbonate | India | CIF | USD 2,431.58/MT | April 2026 |
| Polycarbonate | Japan | CIF | USD 2,423.58/MT | April 2026 |
| Polycarbonate | China | EXW | USD 2,265.87/MT | March 2026 |
| Polycarbonate | USA | CIF | USD 2,353.00/MT | March 2026 |
| Polycarbonate | Germany | FOB | USD 2,457.00/MT | March 2026 |
| Polycarbonate | India | CIF | USD 2,321.00/MT | March 2026 |
| Polycarbonate | Japan | CIF | USD 2,302.00/MT | March 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Polycarbonate prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
- Polycarbonate prices showed an overall upward trend globally, supported by rising energy costs and geopolitical disruptions, though gains were uneven across regions.
- Feedstock pressures intensified due to higher crude and LNG prices linked to the US-Iran war and Strait of Hormuz risks, raising production and logistics costs.
- Downstream demand remained weak across key sectors, limiting full pass-through of rising costs despite tightening supply sentiment.
Asia
In the first quarter of 2026, the average price was RMB 13.84/kg, which was RMB 13.08/kg in January, and RMB 12.83/kg and RMB 15.62/kg in the subsequent months. Previous quarter average prices were around RMB 14.00/kg, compared with RMB 13.84/kg in Q1 2026, showing a quarter-on-quarter decline of ~1.10%. Polycarbonate prices registered a rise of ~19.39% during the quarter supported by higher feedstock costs and firmer market sentiment amid global supply concerns. The US-Iran war and logistical disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz raised crude-linked production costs and created uncertainty in regional trade flows, which supported price gains. However, persistent oversupply and weak downstream demand, particularly from the electronics and automotive sectors, limited sharper upward movement.
Europe
Polycarbonate prices in Europe moved upward as sellers pushed for increases due to rising feedstock and logistics costs linked to the US-Iran conflict. Brent crude and LNG price concerns, along with shipping disruptions, supported bullish sentiment, while freight delays of several weeks and rising insurance costs added pressure, which led to price increases. Around 11% of Europe’s PC imports come from the Middle East, making supply vulnerable to disruptions. However, global oversupply and weak demand restricted full cost pass-through. Additionally, Covestro expanded capacity with a new polycarbonate line in Belgium, adding to regional supply availability.
North America
In North America, polycarbonate prices followed a firm trend supported by rising global energy costs and supply chain disruptions. Higher crude prices increased production and transportation costs, while geopolitical tensions raised concerns over global supply flows, which led to upward pricing pressure. However, weak downstream demand and sufficient domestic supply availability limited the extent of price increases. Trade uncertainties and tariffs also weighed on buying sentiment.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, polycarbonate prices are expected to remain firm with a slight upward bias, supported by elevated feedstock costs and geopolitical risks, while weak demand may cap sharper increases.
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Asia
Polycarbonate (PC) prices in Asia were relatively stable with some fluctuations in the fourth quarter of 2025. There was an improvement in the supply side as several plants increased their operating rates following the completion of maintenance shutdowns. Consequently, the levels of production improved during the quarter, ensuring that the overall supply was comfortable in the market. On the other hand, the prices of the raw material Bisphenol A recorded mixed movements. In China, the prices of BPA declined in October as the overall supply was relatively higher than the demand from the downstream sector.
Consequently, the cost pressure was eased for the overall polycarbonate sector. However, as the quarter was coming to an end, tight BPA supply from some Asian exporters was recorded. The demand for polycarbonate was relatively weaker in the fourth quarter of 2025. Consequently, the demand was relatively weaker in the fourth quarter of 2025. Despite the tense relations that threatened the imposition of tariffs, the export flows were steady. Therefore, the prices of polycarbonate did not decline significantly throughout the quarter. The spot prices in China settled at around 1938 USD/MT towards the end of said period.
Europe
In Europe, the prices of Polycarbonate were stable in Q4’25. The demand from major industries like construction and automotive was low. The downstream markets of epoxy and engineering plastics also experienced low demand, thus affecting the demand for PC. On the other hand, the prices of BPA in this market decreased due to adequate supply and low demand, thus decreasing the production cost for PC producers. The imports from Asia were also cheap, thus pressuring the domestic market. The European PC market was balanced but under pressure due to demand, thus keeping prices steady to slightly lower in Q4’25.
North America
In North America, Polycarbonate prices were relatively stable and experienced slight increases towards the end of Q4’25. The market was driven by changes in BPA, as the U.S. relied heavily on imports from Asia. The temporary shutdown of plants in Asia and the rise in transportation costs reduced the supply of BPA, which put pressure on the cost of BPA in the U.S. PC market. Nevertheless, downstream demand from the construction and automotive industries was moderate to weak, which prevented substantial increases in prices. Buyers were cautious and made purchases only of the required quantity. The interplay of stable raw material prices and weak demand maintained PC prices relatively stable.
About Polycarbonate
Polycarbonates, usually abbreviated as PC, belong to a group of thermoplastic polymers. They contain carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates are often utilised in engineering as they are strong and tough materials and some of its grades are optically transparent as well. They can also be easily moulded and thermoformed.
Polycarbonate Product Detail
Industrial Uses
Electronic Components, Construction Materials, Automotive, Aircraft and Security Components
Supplier Database
Covestro AG, SABIC, Teijin Limited, Trinseo S.A., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corp.)
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Polycarbonate Production Process
- Production of Polycarbonate via Bisphenol A and Carbonyl Chloride via Condensation Polymerisation; and via Bisphenol A and Diphenyl Carbonate
While preparing Polycarbonate from bisphenol A and carbonyl chloride through the process of condensation polymerisation, a solution of bisphenol A in sodium hydroxide is produced, which is then combined with carbonyl chloride dissolved in an organic solvent. Further, the polymerisation reaction is carried out in the presence of a catalyst to obtain Polycarbonate as the final product.
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Polycarbonate Production from Bisphenol A (BPA or Bis-A) and Diphenyl Carbonate (DPC)
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Polycarbonate Production from Bisphenol A (BPA or Bis-A) and Carbonyl Chloride via Condensation Polymerisation.
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