Purified terephthalic acid (PTA) market prices in China rose 3.82% week-on-week to 6,530 yuan per tonne as of August 23, 2026, according to a research report. International crude oil price increases supported PTA costs, while spot circulation remained tight. Demand weakness limited further price gains.
PTA industry operating rates were 57.98% during the week, with one 1.5 million tonnes per year plant in East China restarting and another complex with 7.2 million tonnes per year of capacity increasing operating rates. Estimated weekly output rose 10.31% to 1.08 million tonnes. However, multiple plant restarts were delayed, and supply increments had not fully converted into tradeable spot cargoes, keeping industry inventories declining and spot supply tight.
