The textile raw material market witnessed an unprecedented divergence in the second quarter of 2026. According to industry public data, among the 17 monitored bulk commodities, only six posted quarterly gains. Spandex led the rally with a 12.66% surge, followed by viscose staple fiber at 7.74%. In stark contrast, nylon POY, acrylonitrile, and nylon FDY plummeted by 13.20%, 12.89%, and 12.72%, respectively. The overall sector average quarterly change was -5.15%.
These figures reveal not just price movements but a fundamental restructuring of supply-demand dynamics across different textile chains. The rallying products are concentrated in elastic fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers, while the decliners are clustered in the polyester and polyamide chains. The degree of divergence is rare in recent quarters.
The Strong Logic Behind Spandex and Viscose
Spandex prices rose from RMB 26,333/ton at the start of Q2 to RMB 29,667/ton at the end, a year-on-year increase of 21.09%. This trend is closely tied to the sustained demand for high-stretch fabrics in sportswear and athleisure. Downstream apparel brands have prioritized the procurement of elastic and comfortable fabrics, directly boosting spandex mill operating rates and pricing power. Viscose staple fiber also benefited from the substitution trend toward eco-friendly fibers, rising 7.74% quarter-on-quarter and 9.06% year-on-year.
Notably, cotton prices also recorded a 4.56% quarterly gain, with a year-on-year increase of 15.88%. The strength in cotton prices provided cost support for cotton yarn, with 21S and 32S cotton yarn rising 2.33% and 1.44%, respectively. This means buyers of natural fiber-based fabrics faced clear cost pressures in Q2.
Deep Correction in Polyester and Nylon Chains
In contrast, the entire polyester chain suffered a rout. Polyester staple fiber fell 10.52%, while polyester FDY, POY, and DTY dropped between 10.59% and 11.89%. PTA, the upstream raw material, also declined 11.79% in the quarter. The core driver of this downturn is overcapacity. Domestic polyester capacity has expanded significantly in recent years, while demand growth from end-use apparel and home textiles has failed to keep pace, leading to inventory buildup and price pressure.
The nylon chain experienced an even steeper correction. Nylon POY, FDY, and DTY fell 13.20%, 12.72%, and 12.49%, respectively. Acrylonitrile, a key raw material, also dropped 12.89%. The concentrated release of nylon capacity has mismatched with a period of weak orders for nylon fabrics, especially in outdoor and sportswear segments where some brands have shifted procurement to more cost-competitive polyester or blended products, further depressing nylon demand.
Implications for Procurement and Production Decisions
Q2's price divergence is essentially a redistribution of profits along the supply chain. Spandex and viscose staple fiber suppliers gained stronger bargaining power, while polyester and nylon producers were forced to concede margins. For fabric buyers, this means more refined category management is required.
From an inventory strategy perspective, continuously rising spandex and viscose carry the risk of chasing highs. It is advisable to lock in long-term contracts or adopt a phased procurement approach to smooth costs. For continuously falling polyester and nylon categories, current prices are already at relatively low levels, but caution is needed regarding further downside from overcapacity.