— Latest Trends in the Global Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Market —
As of June 2025, the global PET resin market is experiencing two notable trends: a stable pricing environment and an expanding demand for recycled materials. Both virgin PET (pellets) and recycled PET (rPET) are seeing strengthened supply capabilities, reflecting growing efforts toward building a circular economy.
Based on domestic and international market data, the association has summarized the current PET resin market trends for 2025 as follows:
■ Virgin PET Pellet Price Trends
Currently, trading prices for bottle-grade virgin PET pellets in the Asian market are as follows:
- As of May 2025
→ RMB 6,400 per ton (approx. JPY 117,000 per ton)
During the first half of 2025, stable prices have persisted under the influence of crude oil and raw material costs. No major fluctuations are anticipated, with prices expected to remain in the range of RMB 6,200–6,600 per ton.
■ Global PET Market Size
Virgin PET (PET Pellets)
| Year | Global Market Size (USD) | CAGR |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | USD 48.43 billion | – |
| 2024 | USD 52.94 billion | +9.3% |
| 2032 Forecast | USD 109.63 billion | 9.5% |
The market continues to grow, driven primarily by demand in packaging, textiles, and particularly beverage bottles.
Recycled PET (rPET)
| Year | Global Market Size (USD) | Global Supply Volume (Weight Basis) | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | USD 13.99 billion | – | – |
| 2025 | USD 15.04 billion | Approx. 5.11 million tons | 7.5% |
| 2030 Forecast | – | Approx. 7.17 million tons | 7.0% |
The rPET market, particularly for bottle-to-bottle applications, continues to expand under strengthened global environmental policies. Demand for high-quality rPET that meets food safety standards is increasing, with capacity expansion led by Europe, North America, and Japan.
■ Domestic Supply of rPET in Japan
| Year | Domestic Supply Capacity (B-to-B rPET) |
|---|---|
| End of 2023 | Approx. 348,000 tons/year |
| End of 2024 | Approx. 373,000 tons/year |
| 2025 Forecast | Approx. 445,000 tons/year |
In Japan, major beverage manufacturers are accelerating voluntary recycling initiatives. The domestic supply capacity is expected to continue expanding.
■ Future Market Trends and Challenges
- Policy Developments:
Regulations such as the “Plastic Resource Circulation Act” and mandatory recycling requirements are advancing in many regions, including the EU and Japan. - Demand Trends:
Recycling targets set by the beverage and food industries (e.g., using over 50% rPET by 2030) are driving market growth. - Challenges:
Improving collection rates of used bottles and standardizing rPET quality remain key priorities for the industry.
■ Summary
As of 2025, the PET resin market is evolving toward a more circular economy, with stable pricing trends and expanding demand for recycled materials. The continued growth in demand for high-quality rPET and the establishment of a stable supply chain will be key drivers for future market development.
The Resin & Plastic Materials Environmental Association will continue to monitor market trends and provide information to support environmental impact reduction and the realization of a circular economy.
