China's PTA Exports in January–February 2025 Remain Focused on Neighboring Asian Markets

In the first two months of 2025, China's total PTA exports reached 654,900 tons, with key export destinations concentrated in neighboring Asian markets such as Oman, Vietnam, Egypt, and Pakistan. Meanwhile, PTA imports remained low, totaling only 5,200 tons.

According to data from China Customs, China imported just 5,200 tons of PTA in January–February 2025, highlighting the continued low import volume. PTA exports, on the other hand, showed strong growth, with 271,900 tons exported in January and 383,000 tons in February—an increase of 111,100 tons or 40.86% month-on-month.

Oman was China's largest PTA export destination during this period, accounting for 13.83% of total exports, with shipments reaching 90,578.29 tons. Vietnam and Egypt ranked second and third, importing 83,365.53 tons and 76,070.4 tons, respectively, representing 12.73% and 11.62% of total exports. Pakistan followed with 73,310.4 tons (11.19%), while Turkey imported 58,418.52 tons (8.92%), ranking fifth.

China's PTA imports remained minimal due to the country's ample domestic supply and the preference of downstream polyester producers for locally sourced PTA.

From January to February 2025, China's PTA exports increased by 85,100 tons year-on-year, reflecting a 14.94% growth rate. Notably, India significantly ramped up its PTA purchases in February, importing approximately 38,546.4 tons—up from just 504 tons in January.

India's PTA import restrictions, imposed in 2023 under the BIS certification requirements, previously excluded China from the approved supplier list. However, under BIS regulations, PTA purchased from China must be re-exported as finished products within six months. This recent resurgence in India's re-export activity has driven up demand for Chinese PTA.

Turkey, which was China's largest PTA export market in 2024, also increased its imports in February, purchasing 53,246.4 tons—up from 5,172.12 tons in January. However, with Turkey's SaSa commissioning a new PTA production facility in early March, the country is expected to reduce its dependence on Chinese PTA in the future. Nevertheless, for the time being, Turkey continues to face a PTA supply gap and is expected to maintain purchases from China until its domestic production stabilizes.

China's PTA industry is expected to maintain a pattern of high exports and low imports. Based on historical seasonal trends, March typically marks the peak season for PTA exports. Export volumes in March are projected to increase from February levels, with monthly exports likely reaching approximately 450,000 tons.