Brazil's PET imports shift amid antidumping uncertainties; Malaysia volumes drop

Uncertainties regarding a possible Brazilian antidumping duty on Malaysian polyethylene terephthalate resulted in no PET imports from that country in November, impacting Brazil's overall PET imports for the month.

With no volumes from Malaysia, imports of virgin PET resin into Brazil in November were down 43% from the year-ago month, according to data published by the Ministry of Development, Industry and Commerce on Dec. 4.

In 2024, Malaysia was Brazil's leading source of PET resin imports. However, by November 2025, it fell to the sixth position, capturing only 9% of the market share. This reflected a 55% decrease in import volume compared to the previous year.

This shift has created opportunities for Vietnam and China, both of which were already significant players in the previous year. They have now taken the lead in imported PET supply, currently holding 27% and 16% of the market share, respectively.

Also, Turkey is emerging as a key source of imported PET in Brazil, having tripled its volume from 2024 and now accounting for 13.5% of the market share. The country's growth can be partially attributed to the antidumping measures on Malaysia, along with the current market leaders, Vietnam and China.

Malaysia and Vietnam have been under an antidumping investigation since April 3, while several Chinese companies had duties imposed in November 2016, renewed in 2022 and now valid until November 2027.

Duties for the Chinese companies are applied at a fixed value per company, ranging from $87.23/mt to $682.38/mt.

Recycled PET impacted by virgin imported resin

Despite the shift among suppliers, data from the Brazilian ministry shows an increase in demand for virgin PET resin overall. Brazilian imports of virgin PET resin in 2025 saw a 15% increase from January-November 2024.

However, November was marked by a 28% decrease in volume compared with October. The month's numbers are also lower compared to November 2024, down 43%.

Still, in the recycled PET market, participants continue to point out the strong price competition with imported virgin resin in recent months.

"One thing is certain, flake costing Real 6.00/kg tax-free is complicated when virgin resin is at Real 6.40/kg tax-free," a recycled PET flake buyer said.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed Brazil post-consumer clear flakes DAP Sao Paulo at Real 6.20/kg on Dec. 5, flat on the day, mirroring the price stability of clear bottle bales, pending fresh indications.