U.S.: Polycarbonate Market 2024

Polycarbonate Market Size in the U.S.

The U.S. polycarbonate market contracted to $X in 2022, which is down by -5.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +13.6% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

Polycarbonate Production in the U.S.

In value terms, polycarbonate production declined modestly to $X in 2022. Overall, production, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 33% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Polycarbonate Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2022, shipments abroad of polycarbonates (in primary forms) decreased by -2.6% to X tons, falling for the fourth year in a row after two years of growth. In general, exports recorded a perceptible reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 9.9%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, polycarbonate exports rose remarkably to $X in 2022. Overall, exports continue to indicate a mild reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Mexico (X tons), China (X tons) and Canada (X tons) were the main destinations of polycarbonate exports from the United States, together accounting for 68% of total exports. Brazil, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 20%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Malaysia (with a CAGR of +24.7%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, Mexico ($X) remains the key foreign market for polycarbonates (in primary forms) exports from the United States, comprising 44% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by China ($X), with a 19% share of total exports. It was followed by Canada, with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Mexico stood at +3.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: China (-6.0% per year) and Canada (+1.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average polycarbonate export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 12% against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate a modest increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 14%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mexico ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Japan (+2.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Polycarbonate Imports

Imports into the U.S.

In 2022, the amount of polycarbonates (in primary forms) imported into the United States contracted sharply to X tons, waning by -15.1% on the previous year's figure. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 80% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then dropped sharply in the following year.

In value terms, polycarbonate imports shrank to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, showed a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 86% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X, and then dropped in the following year.

Imports by Country

Thailand (X tons), South Korea (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main suppliers of polycarbonate imports to the United States, with a combined 60% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Belgium, China, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Spain and Singapore, which together accounted for a further 32%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by China (with a CAGR of +33.5%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest polycarbonate suppliers to the United States were South Korea ($X), Germany ($X) and Thailand ($X), with a combined 53% share of total imports. Canada, Belgium, Japan, China, Mexico, Spain and Singapore lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 37%.

Among the main suppliers, China, with a CAGR of +26.5%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average polycarbonate import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 4.1% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 24%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Canada ($X per ton), while the price for China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Singapore (+7.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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