Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) (2025 Program)

This report discusses the process technologies for purified terephthalic acid (PTA), which is primarily used to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET) via esterification with ethylene glycol followed by melt-phase polycondensation. PTA is commercially produced by the oxidation of para-xylene with air followed by purification and recovery/recycle of catalysts and solvents. Production economics for the United States, Middle East, and China under a consistent first quarter 2025 price scenario are also presented.