US imports slowed from 132,000 tons in September to 117,000 tons in October, then plunged to 77,000 tons in November.

On September 8, 2025, the US imposed a 46% tariff on imports of both bottle grade and film/fiber grade PET from Vietnam. One objective of the high rate was to discourage transshipments from third countries (like China, the world’s largest exporter of PET) seeking to avoid tariffs by using minimal processing in Vietnam to change country of origin status. In October, the US and Vietnam reached a Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade that reduced the rate to 20%. A similar high rate was also imposed on Thailand and was also later lowered.

From International Trader Publications World Trade Analyses on both grades of PET polymer, and, The US Polymer Trade Report, analyzing US imports and exports by country and region for all grades of PE, PP, Styrenic Polymers, PVC, PET, recyclable polymers and key fabricated plastic products.