On July 6, 2026, spot prices for polyester DTY (150D/48F semi-dull low-elastic) ranged from 9000 to 9550 yuan per ton, with a high-low spread of 550 yuan. This gap has widened by nearly 200 yuan from a month ago, signaling accelerating divergence in pricing power among producers for the same specification.
Industry Logic Behind Price Divergence
Data from Zhejiang's industrial cluster reveals two distinct paths. Rongsheng Petrochemical offered 9050 yuan/ton, while Tongkun Group quoted 9550 yuan/ton, a 500-yuan difference. Mid-range players like Hangzhou Kaisi and Zhejiang Zhengkai priced between 9300-9500 yuan/ton.
This spread is not random market fluctuation but a result of strategic choices. Rongsheng, leveraging its integrated chain from PX to PTA to polyester, compresses raw material costs to industry lows, allowing aggressive pricing to squeeze smaller rivals. Tongkun, conversely, maintains higher pricing through product quality or differentiated services.
For buyers, this 550-yuan gap translates to nearly 6% cost variation per ton—enough to determine profit or loss on orders amid weak downstream fabric pricing.
Overcapacity: Anchor or Time Bomb?
Polyester DTY overcapacity is an industry consensus. In 2025, China's polyester filament capacity grew over 8%, while downstream weaving utilization hovered around 65%. This mismatch depresses prices: DTY average price in H1 2026 fell about 5% year-on-year.
Zhejiang, producing over 40% of national capacity, shows a clear pricing gradient from Shaoxing to Hangzhou to Tongxiang, reflecting survival strategies amid overcapacity.
Notably, PTA prices weakened in Q2 2026, dropping from 5800 to 5400 yuan/ton, providing room for DTY declines. But downstream weavers, facing weak end-demand, buy hand-to-mouth, causing DTY inventory to accumulate.
Practical Implications for Buyers
For textile fabric purchasers, this market means expanded bargaining power but increased risk. Choosing low-price suppliers may risk quality volatility or delivery delays, while high-price suppliers' cost pressure is hard to pass to end clients.
For Purchasers - Prioritize integrated players (e.g., Rongsheng, Tongkun) for stable pricing and self-sufficiency in raw materials - For differentiated needs (e.g., micro-denier, cationic modified), consider mid-sized firms like Zhejiang Zhengkai or Hangzhou Kaisi with technical expertise - Establish multi-supplier comparison to lock long-term agreements at current spread, avoiding single-source risk
For Foreign Trade Firms - Monitor RMB exchange rate impact on export costs; current quotes in RMB require currency buffers for export orders - Southeast Asian markets demand mid-to-low-end DTY; target entry at 9050-9300 yuan/ton by partnering with cost-efficient producers - Watch EU carbon footprint regulations; prioritize suppliers with environmental certifications
Future Price Outlook
Short-term, DTY prices will oscillate in the 9000-9600 yuan/ton range. Downside risks come from weaker PTA and high polyester inventory; upside support from autumn/winter fabric stocking demand. Medium-term, capacity consolidation is incomplete, industry margins will compress further, and M&A may accelerate.
For textile professionals, today's price divergence is not a short-term phenomenon but a signal of the industry's shift from scale competition to efficiency competition. Those who control costs best will seize the initiative in the next cycle.