Market data from Zhili Cotton Fabric City for the week of May 28 to June 3 reveals a structural divergence typical of the traditional off-season. While overall trading volumes have contracted, not all categories are cooling—T/C 65/35 yarn-dyed twill, driven by orders from children's wear enterprises, has actually seen a modest uptick.
Category Divergence in Off-Season
All-cotton poplin and T/C yarn-dyed twill are among the few actively moving products. The T65/C35 21*21 108*58 63-inch specification recorded rising sales, boosted by concentrated procurement from local children's wear companies. Another product, T65/JC35 60/2*30 158*76 63-inch vertical cord fabric, has attracted interest from merchants for use in trousers and school uniforms, though current transactions are primarily sample orders rather than spot sales.
In contrast, inventories of T/C 80/20 and 90/10 blends remain high, indicating weakening downstream demand for low-ratio polyester-cotton blends. All-cotton corduroy is generally sluggish, with only the 21-wale specification seeing limited movement. Bedding fabrics have entered a slow sales period, though the T/C CVC65/35 40*40 100*80 104-inch wide-width fabric maintains some turnover due to demand for duvet covers and pillowcases.
All-cotton flannel sales continue to decline, with prices stabilizing with minor adjustments. Rayon fabric turnover is acceptable, but actual transaction prices show room for concessions, reflecting stronger buyer bargaining power.
Anti-Static and Casual Fabrics: Stable with Local Bright Spots
Anti-static fabric overall trading volume is modest, with prices stable. The anti-static fine twill (32/2*32/2 100*53 63-inch) remains favored by workwear manufacturers, moving relatively smoothly. Industry insiders expect anti-static fabric sales are unlikely to increase in the near term, with prices likely to stay unchanged.
For casual fabrics, overall sales volume is low, but prices are stable. C 10*10 70*42 47-inch heavy canvas remains the sales leader, while coarse yarn twill remains active due to schoolbag orders. All-cotton small grid fabric is also performing well. Next week is expected to see a steady but minor adjustment in casual fabrics.
Inventory Pressure and Price Outlook
From an inventory perspective, the market is characterized by a coexistence of stock accumulation in standard products and supply shortages in niche categories. T/C 65/35 yarn-dyed twill and similar active products benefit from rigid demand from children's wear enterprises, providing short-term price support. In contrast, high-inventory products like T/C 80/20 and 90/10 face greater downward price pressure. All-cotton corduroy and bedding fabrics show clear off-season characteristics, with prices expected to loosen further.
For buyers, the current divergence means bargaining power varies by category. Active products require attention to delivery times and quality, while inventory products offer opportunities for better prices and payment terms.