In the midstream of the textile supply chain, price fluctuations in polyester POY (pre-oriented yarn) have become a focal point for recent market attention. Public quotes on July 1, 2026, show that ex-factory prices for 150D/48F semi-dull POY among major Zhejiang producers ranged from 8,050 to 8,400 yuan per ton, a spread of 350 yuan—unusually wide for recent trading sessions.
Industry Logic Behind Price Divergence
The widening price range fundamentally reflects significant differences in cost control, inventory management, and sales strategies among individual companies. For example, the firm quoting 8,050 yuan may prioritize cash flow recovery or hold a bearish outlook, while the one at 8,400 yuan likely benefits from lower inventory levels or a quality premium. This divergence means downstream weavers and texturizing mills can no longer rely on a simple "market average" and must compare suppliers individually to find the best value.
Notably, all quoted prices originate from Shaoxing and Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, China's core POY production cluster. While this geographic concentration minimizes logistics cost differences, it amplifies the role of each company's operational health in determining final pricing.
Supply-Demand Dynamics and Price Center Shift
From a broader perspective, the current 8,050–8,400 yuan range represents a significant retreat from highs seen in the first half of 2026. This decline is closely tied to weakening prices of upstream feedstocks PTA and MEG. Loose supply in the PX segment has compressed PTA margins, reducing cost support for POY.
Meanwhile, downstream demand has failed to provide a counterbalance. Weaving mill operating rates in Jiangsu and Zhejiang have slipped slightly since late June, with insufficient end-use orders leading to rising grey fabric inventories. Texturizing mills have shifted to just-in-time POY purchasing, with little appetite for stockpiling. Under this dual pressure of falling raw materials and weak demand, POY producers must choose between sales volume and margin—some opting for price cuts to move inventory, pulling down the entire price range.
Practical Recommendations
Given the current environment of divergent POY quotes and a softening price center, companies along the supply chain need to adjust their strategies.
For Buyers - Establish a multi-supplier comparison mechanism, prioritizing sources below 8,100 yuan/ton, but verify batch consistency and quality stability. - Shorten procurement cycles from weekly to every 2–3 days to capture short-term low-price windows created by inventory pressure. - Monitor pricing moves from leading producers like Rongsheng Petrochemical and Tongkun Group, as their adjustments often signal broader market trends.
For Export-oriented Enterprises - Incorporate floating price clauses or shorten quotation validity to 3–5 days when contracting, to hedge against rapid raw material cost fluctuations. - Use the current relatively low price level to partially lock in costs for existing forward orders. - Track POY import prices in Southeast Asia; if the domestic price advantage narrows further, reassess the competitiveness of export orders.
Overall, the polyester POY market is navigating a period of multi-directional adjustment. For industry participants, refined management and rapid responsiveness will be key moats for weathering cyclical volatility.