Asia
During H2 2025, the polytetramethylene ether glycol market in Asia remained closely tied to developments in the 1,4-butanediol and spandex chains. Chinese production capacity continued to expand, keeping supply competition elevated, while slower growth in spandex demand limited the ability of producers to pass through higher feedstock costs. CCFGroup's 2025 industry review subsequently noted that Chinese polytetramethylene ether glycol capacity growth remained substantial, while imports declined and exports increased, reflecting China's increasingly competitive supply position.
Europe
European polytetramethylene ether glycol demand remained more closely connected with non-fibre polyurethane applications, including elastomers, adhesives and coatings, rather than the predominantly spandex-driven Asian market. Procurement remained sensitive to import availability and upstream tetrahydrofuran costs. The European Union's June 2025 initiation of an anti-dumping investigation into 1,4-butanediol from China, Saudi Arabia and the United States also introduced greater uncertainty around future feedstock sourcing, although definitive duties were not imposed until 2026 and therefore should not be treated as an H2 2025 price driver.
North America
In North America, polytetramethylene ether glycol consumption remained comparatively diversified, with polyurethane elastomers and other non-fibre applications representing an important demand base. The region was therefore less directly dependent on spandex than China and other Asian markets. During H2 2025, procurement conditions were influenced by downstream industrial demand, import availability and tetrahydrofuran-linked production economics, while the European Union's investigation into 1,4-butanediol trade added a developing trade consideration for international suppliers without yet creating the direct tariff impact seen later in 2026.