8,200 RMB per ton—this was Rongsheng Petrochemical's ex-factory quotation for polyester POY (150D/48F semi-dull, first-grade) on July 3, 2026. On the same day, Zhejiang Juxing Chemical Fiber quoted 8,050 RMB per ton for the same specification, a spread of 150 RMB. For procurement managers tracking chemical fiber trends, this divergence signals more than price fluctuation—it marks the beginning of a profit redistribution along the supply chain.
The Logic Behind Price Divergence
The price gap between suppliers of identical POY specifications is not random. Rongsheng Petrochemical, as a vertically integrated PTA-polyester leader, often sets the industry benchmark. Its 8,200 RMB/ton quote reflects both the cost advantage from self-supplied raw materials and a test of downstream weaving mills' tolerance.
Zhejiang Juxing's 8,050 RMB/ton quote is more market-elastic. As a regional mid-sized fiber producer, its pricing is closer to spot supply-demand dynamics. The coexistence of these two pricing models suggests the market is in a tug-of-war rather than a clear uptrend or downtrend.
On the cost side, PTA prices have been weakening since mid-June, eroding the cost support for POY. If current processing margins persist, upstream producers still have room to concede, but downstream weaving mills' willingness to purchase has already diverged.
Downstream Weaving: Dual Pressure from Inventory and Orders
Polyester POY is primarily used as raw material for textured yarn, eventually feeding into woven and knitted fabric production. Currently, loom utilization in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces remains around 70%, but new orders are mostly small and short-term, lacking sustained large-order support.
- Greige fabric inventories have risen for three consecutive weeks, with some mills' inventory turnover exceeding 30 days.
- Apparel brands have slowed order placement, and export orders are affected by overseas market uncertainties, leading to cautious sentiment.
This means that even if POY prices soften, weaving mills will not rush to build large inventories. Instead, they will adopt a 'buy-as-needed' strategy to minimize raw material stock. Such behavior further suppresses POY prices.
Foreign Trade Transmission: Dual Variables of Exchange Rates and Freight
In 2026, the RMB exchange rate has widened its fluctuation range, impacting export-oriented textile companies. As an intermediate, POY price changes transmit through textured yarn and greige fabric to final garment exports.
- RMB depreciation theoretically aids exports, but Southeast Asian currencies have depreciated simultaneously, weakening the price advantage.
- Ocean freight rates rebounded at the end of Q2, increasing the total cost for exporters.
Therefore, the current POY price softening offers both an opportunity to lower raw material costs and a risk of profit erosion from exchange rate and freight volatility.
Short-Term Outlook: Downside Risk Outweighs Upside Potential
Overall, the polyester POY market has entered a critical observation window in early July. Upstream PTA plant maintenance schedules are limited, keeping supply ample; downstream weaving demand shows no significant pickup; and intermediate trader inventories are at moderate levels with no hoarding intention.
Over the next two weeks, mainstream POY quotes are expected to oscillate within the 8,000-8,200 RMB/ton range, with the possibility of individual producers cutting prices to free up cash. For buyers, this range may present a window to lock in short-term costs.
Practical Recommendations
For Procurement Managers - Stagger purchases: Split monthly volumes into 2-3 orders to avoid single high-price positions. - Monitor PTA futures: POY spot prices are highly correlated with PTA futures; if PTA breaks below previous lows, delay purchases. - Compare supplier quotes: Leverage the price gap between Rongsheng and regional producers to select the best value.
For Exporters - Calculate total cost: Incorporate POY price, texturing fees, weaving waste, ocean freight, and exchange rate fluctuations into your pricing model. - Hedge exchange rate: For orders exceeding 60 days, use bank forward contracts to lock in exchange rates. - Explore Southeast Asian markets: Some regional weaving mills still demand Chinese POY; consider expanding export channels.
Every POY price change is a thermometer for the entire textile supply chain. The current softening is both a risk and an opportunity to reassess procurement and sales strategies.