On July 3, 2026, the price range for polyester FDY (150D/96F semi-dull) in Zhejiang's chemical fiber belt narrowed to 8,300-8,650 yuan/ton, with the spread between top and bottom quotes shrinking from 400 yuan at the start of the month to 350 yuan. Behind this figure lies a divergence in pricing strategies among leading firms and a wait-and-see attitude among downstream weaving mills.
Logic Behind the Price Range
Rongsheng Petrochemical and Zhejiang Juxing Chemical Fiber both quoted the industry low of 8,300 yuan/ton, while Tongkun Group led at 8,650 yuan/ton, creating a 350 yuan gap. Zhejiang Tiansheng Chemical Fiber, Hangzhou Kaishi Chemical Fiber, and Zhejiang Jiabao New Fiber reported 8,510 yuan, 8,550 yuan, and 8,310 yuan respectively, forming three distinct price tiers. Geographically, quotes from Shaoxing (average ~8,305 yuan/ton) and Hangzhou (average ~8,500 yuan/ton) reveal different inventory pressure and customer structures.
Industry data suggest that Rongsheng and Jiabao may face higher finished-goods inventory or urgent cash flow needs, while Tongkun maintains a premium through stronger vertical integration. For downstream buyers, the 8,300 yuan quote approaches the lower bound of Q2 2026's price center.
Raw Material Costs and Supply-Demand Dynamics
Polyester FDY pricing is fundamentally tied to PTA and MEG costs. In Q2 2026, PX plant maintenance pushed PTA prices higher, but ample MEG supply offset some cost pressure. The current 8,300-8,650 yuan range implies processing margins have narrowed by about 200 yuan/ton from Q1 levels, suggesting limited downside unless feedstock prices collapse.
On the demand side, downstream weaving mills are entering a traditional slow season. Water-jet loom operating rates in Jiangsu and Zhejiang fell from 78% in June to around 73%. Terminal apparel brands are placing short-run, small-lot orders, and grey fabric traders remain cautious about stocking. This 'production-to-order' rhythm directly suppresses fiber makers' ability to raise prices.
Industrial Belt Effects and Regional Divergence
The Shaoxing-Hangzhou price gap reflects differing industrial ecosystems. Shaoxing-based firms like Juxing and Jiabao are deeply embedded in local weaving clusters, serving price-sensitive small and medium-sized mills. In contrast, Hangzhou players like Rongsheng and Tongkun have longer value chains—from PTA to polyester to spinning—enabling them to absorb some cost fluctuations and adopt more flexible pricing.
This divergence may intensify: inventory-heavy firms could continue discounting, while integrated players may shift toward differentiated products (e.g., fine-denier yarns) to avoid price wars. For buyers, this is a window to lock in low-cost supply, but they should verify quality to avoid off-grade material.