The Polycarbonate Price Trend in Q2 2026 showed a strong upward movement across major global markets as higher raw material costs, supply restrictions, and changing trade conditions pushed prices higher.
Polycarbonate is widely used in automotive components, electrical equipment, electronics, construction materials, and consumer products because of its strength, transparency, and durability.
During the quarter, higher feedstock costs and disruptions to the supply of important raw materials increased production expenses for manufacturers. Reduced production rates in South Korea also limited the availability of export material.
At the same time, demand from major end-use industries remained relatively stable, providing additional support to market prices. However, June brought a correction in several markets as crude oil and upstream feedstock prices softened and buyers became more careful with their purchases.
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Global Polycarbonate Market Overview in Q2 2026
The global polycarbonate market experienced significant price pressure during the second quarter of 2026. The main reason was the increase in production costs, particularly those linked to Bisphenol A, an important raw material used in polycarbonate manufacturing.
Changes in crude oil prices and disruptions to naphtha shipments affected the wider petrochemical supply chain, while reduced availability of aromatic feedstocks added further pressure to production expenses.
These developments made it more expensive for manufacturers to produce and supply polycarbonate. When production costs increase, suppliers generally try to recover part of the additional expense through higher selling prices. This became an important factor across export and import markets during Q2.
Supply conditions also played an important role. Lower operating rates and maintenance-related disruptions at major South Korean production facilities reduced the amount of material available for export. Since South Korea supplies polycarbonate to several Asian and international markets, changes in its export availability affected buyers in China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico.
Demand also helped support prices. Automotive manufacturers continued to require polycarbonate for lighting components, interior parts, and other applications. Electrical and electronics producers needed the material for housings, protective components, and equipment parts. Construction and consumer goods manufacturers also maintained their purchasing requirements.
However, the market did not continue moving upward at the same pace throughout the quarter. By June, lower crude oil, benzene, and phenol prices had reduced some of the pressure on Bisphenol A production costs. Buyers also became more cautious about purchasing at elevated prices. As a result, several markets recorded monthly price declines, although Mexico remained almost unchanged with a slight increase due to higher freight costs.
Polycarbonate Price Trend in South Korea
South Korea remained an important market for understanding global polycarbonate price movements during Q2 2026. Export prices for general-purpose polycarbonate, with an MFI of 22, increased by 16.74% compared with Q1 2026 on an FOB Busan basis.
The increase was mainly connected to higher feedstock costs and tighter supply conditions. Disruptions to naphtha shipments affected the availability of important petrochemical raw materials, while higher costs associated with Bisphenol A production increased the expenses faced by polycarbonate manufacturers.
Lower operating rates and production interruptions at major facilities also reduced spot availability. Temporary restrictions on naphtha exports added further pressure to domestic feedstock supply. With fewer readily available export volumes and higher production expenses, suppliers maintained stronger offers through much of the quarter.
However, June brought a change in market direction. Polycarbonate prices in South Korea declined by 3.09% during the month. Lower crude oil, benzene, and phenol prices helped reduce upstream production costs. At the same time, cautious purchasing and softer regional demand encouraged suppliers to lower their export offers.
This movement shows how quickly the market can respond when raw material costs begin to ease. Even after a strong quarterly increase, lower feedstock expenses and weaker buying interest can create downward pressure on prices.
Polycarbonate Price Trend in China
China recorded a 16.75% increase compared with Q1 2026 in imported polycarbonate prices on a CIF Shanghai basis for South Korean-origin material. The increase reflected higher South Korean export offers, reduced export availability, and rising replacement costs for imported cargoes.
Many Chinese buyers depend on imported material to meet their requirements for manufacturing and industrial applications. When export prices rise in the supplying country, importers generally face higher costs when purchasing new shipments. Freight and other import-related expenses can further influence the final landed price.
During Q2, steady demand from automotive, electronics, and consumer goods manufacturers helped maintain buying activity despite higher costs. Importers continued to secure cargoes to meet production requirements, while limited export availability from South Korea supported firm offers.
In June, the market moved lower, with imported polycarbonate prices declining by 3.07%. Lower crude oil, benzene, and phenol prices reduced pressure on Bisphenol A production costs. Improved supply availability and cautious downstream procurement also encouraged South Korean suppliers to lower their CIF offers.
For Chinese buyers, the monthly decline provided some relief after the sharp increase recorded during the quarter. However, the extent of any further correction would depend on the availability of imported material, changes in production costs, and the purchasing requirements of downstream industries.
Polycarbonate Price Trend in India
India recorded one of the strongest price increases among the markets covered during Q2 2026. Domestic polycarbonate prices on an Ex-Mumbai basis increased by 32.69% compared with Q1 2026.
The main reason was the combination of tighter domestic availability and significantly higher import replacement costs. As South Korean export prices increased, Indian importers faced greater expenses when arranging new shipments. Higher Bisphenol A production costs and restricted export availability further strengthened overseas offers.
Import replacement cost is particularly important in markets that rely on imported supplies. When new cargoes become more expensive, traders often revise domestic selling prices to reflect the higher cost of replenishing their inventories. This can happen even when existing stock was purchased at an earlier, lower price.
Demand from automotive, electrical, electronics, and consumer goods manufacturers remained supportive during the quarter. Buyers continued to require polycarbonate for production, while limited spot availability contributed to the upward movement in domestic prices.
However, the market corrected in June. Polycarbonate prices in India declined by 4.97% as imported cargo arrivals improved availability. Lower import parity, more competitive overseas offers, and cautious purchasing by downstream buyers reduced replacement costs.
This correction highlights the importance of import availability in India’s polycarbonate market. When additional cargoes arrive and international prices soften, domestic sellers may face pressure to reduce their offers. Buyers may also delay purchases if they expect prices to decline further.
Polycarbonate Price Trend in Indonesia
Indonesia recorded a 16.41% increase compared with Q1 2026 in imported polycarbonate prices on a CIF Jakarta basis for South Korean-origin material.
Higher South Korean export prices were a major factor behind the increase. Reduced operating rates at production facilities limited available supplies, while higher Bisphenol A production costs pushed supplier offers upward. These developments increased the landed cost of imported polycarbonate for Indonesian buyers.
Demand from automotive, electrical, electronics, and consumer goods manufacturers remained relatively steady. Importers continued purchasing material to support their production requirements, even as replacement costs increased.
In June, imported polycarbonate prices in Indonesia declined by 3.02%. Lower crude oil and upstream feedstock costs helped reduce export offers from South Korea. Improved cargo availability also eased supply pressure, while cautious purchasing by downstream industries reduced support for higher import prices.
For Indonesia, the quarterly increase and June decline demonstrate the close relationship between overseas supply conditions and domestic import costs. Changes in South Korean production, export pricing, and shipping availability can quickly influence the prices paid by Indonesian importers.
Polycarbonate Price Trend in Mexico
Mexico experienced a 20.98% increase compared with Q1 2026 in imported polycarbonate prices on a CIF Manzanillo basis for South Korean-origin material.
Higher export prices from South Korea, limited cargo availability, and increased ocean freight rates all contributed to the increase. Reduced operating rates and elevated Bisphenol A production costs supported supplier offers, while longer transit times increased the cost of replacing imported material.
Freight is an important part of the final price for import-dependent markets. Even when the product price remains unchanged, higher shipping expenses can increase the amount buyers pay for each shipment. This was particularly relevant in Mexico during Q2, as importers faced higher landed costs.
Demand from automotive, electrical, and consumer goods manufacturers remained relatively steady, helping support procurement activity throughout the quarter.
Unlike the Asian markets covered above, Mexico recorded a small increase of 0.07% in June. Although South Korean export prices began to ease, rising freight rates offset much of the decline. Consequently, landed import costs remained elevated, and CIF offers increased slightly.
This shows why international polycarbonate prices do not always move in the same direction across every market. Freight rates, shipping schedules, import dependence, and local purchasing conditions can influence the final price independently of raw material costs.
Polycarbonate Price Chart: Understanding Q2 2026 Movements
The Polycarbonate Price Chart for Q2 2026 reflects a clear upward trend during the quarter, followed by a correction in most of the markets covered. South Korea and China recorded quarterly increases of 16.74% and 16.75%, respectively. Indonesia followed with a 16.41% increase, while Mexico recorded a stronger rise of 20.98%. India experienced the largest increase, at 32.69%, because of tighter domestic availability and significantly higher import replacement costs.
The chart would show these quarterly increases as positive movements from the Q1 2026 price level. June data would then highlight the change in direction: South Korea declined by 3.09%, China by 3.07%, India by 4.97%, and Indonesia by 3.02%. Mexico, in contrast, recorded a marginal increase of 0.07% as higher freight rates offset easing export prices.
These figures show that the quarterly rise was not uniform across all markets. India faced a stronger domestic price increase, while the other markets were more directly influenced by South Korean export prices and international freight costs. The June corrections suggest that some of the earlier cost pressure had started to ease, although supply conditions remained an important factor.
A price chart is useful for comparing these movements over time, identifying turning points, and understanding how regional markets respond differently to the same international developments. For buyers, it can also help with inventory planning and decisions about whether to purchase immediately or wait for additional market clarity.
Polycarbonate Price Index: Key Factors Behind the Movement
The Polycarbonate Price Index remained firm during Q2 2026 as higher production costs and constrained supply supported market pricing. The index reflects the combined influence of raw material expenses, supplier availability, import costs, freight, and demand from major consuming industries.
Bisphenol A costs were a central factor because changes in its production expenses affected polycarbonate manufacturers. Higher crude oil and naphtha-related costs also influenced the wider petrochemical chain. When these costs rise together, producers face greater pressure to maintain margins through higher selling prices.
Supply availability was another important factor. Reduced operating rates and production interruptions in South Korea limited the material available for export. This supported prices in importing markets, particularly where buyers depended on overseas cargoes to meet their requirements.
The index also reflects differences between regions. India’s stronger quarterly increase was connected to domestic supply constraints and higher import replacement costs. In China and Indonesia, changes in South Korean export prices had a direct influence on import offers. Mexico faced an additional challenge from rising ocean freight costs.
By June, lower upstream feedstock prices and more cautious purchasing weakened price support in most of these markets. Better cargo availability also helped reduce pressure in India and Indonesia. However, Mexico remained relatively firm because freight expenses continued to offset lower product prices.
Monitoring the index alongside individual market prices can help businesses understand whether price changes are driven by global production costs or local supply and logistics conditions.
Polycarbonate Price Forecast: What Could Influence the Market Ahead?
The polycarbonate price forecast will depend on the balance between feedstock costs, production availability, freight rates, and demand from downstream industries. The June corrections suggest that the strong upward pressure seen earlier in Q2 had started to ease in several markets. However, this does not automatically mean that prices will continue to fall.
If crude oil, naphtha, benzene, and phenol prices remain lower, production costs may become more manageable for manufacturers. This could encourage suppliers to offer more competitive prices, especially if supply availability improves and buyers continue purchasing cautiously.
On the other hand, renewed supply disruptions, higher shipping expenses, or reduced operating rates could limit the scope for further price declines. Markets that depend heavily on imports may remain sensitive to changes in export offers and freight costs.
Demand will also be important. Automotive, electrical, electronics, construction, and consumer goods manufacturers need reliable supplies of polycarbonate for their production activities. If demand strengthens while supply remains restricted, prices could regain upward momentum. If purchasing remains cautious and inventories are sufficient, suppliers may face pressure to offer discounts.
For buyers and procurement teams, the most practical approach is to monitor raw material prices, supplier offers, shipment arrivals, and downstream order levels together. Comparing these factors can provide a more complete understanding of the market than relying on a single price movement.
The forecast remains conditional because feedstock costs, logistics, and demand can change quickly. Businesses should therefore use price trends as a planning tool rather than assume that one direction will continue throughout the next quarter.
Conclusion
The Polycarbonate Price Trend in Q2 2026 was shaped by higher feedstock costs, restricted supply from South Korea, and steady demand from important industrial sectors. Prices increased across all five markets covered, with India recording the strongest quarterly rise at 32.69%. South Korea, China, and Indonesia experienced similar increases, while Mexico saw additional pressure from higher freight rates.
June brought a correction in most markets as lower upstream costs, improved cargo availability, and cautious purchasing reduced price pressure. Mexico remained nearly stable because freight expenses offset the decline in South Korean export prices.
The Polycarbonate Price Chart and Polycarbonate Price Index help explain these movements by showing how global production costs interact with regional supply conditions and import expenses. Looking ahead, the direction of prices will depend on raw material trends, manufacturing activity, logistics, and demand from end-use industries. Businesses that regularly track these factors will be better prepared to manage purchasing costs, plan inventories, and respond to changes in the polycarbonate market.
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About Price Watch™
Price Watch™ is an India-based, independent raw material price reporting agency that provides real-time price forecasts and data-driven insights into global raw material markets. Price Watch™ specializes in tracking raw material prices, analyzing market trends, and delivering timely updates on plant shutdowns, supply disruptions, capacity expansions, and demand-supply dynamics. The Price Watch™ platform empowers manufacturers, traders, and procurement professionals to make faster, smarter decisions. Leveraging AI-powered forecasting and over a decade of historical data, Price Watch™ transforms market volatility into actionable opportunity.
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