On July 8, 2026, polyester FDY (150D/96F semi-dull) prices from major Zhejiang producers ranged from 8,110 to 8,450 CNY/ton, a spread of 340 CNY/ton. This divergence is not random volatility but a microcosm of intensified competition within the industrial cluster.
Industry Logic Behind Price Divergence
On that day, Jiabao Fiber offered the lowest price at 8,110 CNY/ton, while Tongkun Group quoted the highest at 8,450 CNY/ton. Rongsheng Petrochemical, Juxing Chemical, Kaishi Group, and Tiansheng Chemical reported 8,300 CNY/ton, 8,250 CNY/ton, 8,350 CNY/ton, and 8,310 CNY/ton respectively. All these companies are located within a 150-kilometer radius in Zhejiang's core chemical fiber belt, yet their pricing strategies differ significantly.
What does this divergence mean? First, amid overcapacity, companies no longer price uniformly based on PTA feedstock fluctuations but adjust flexibly according to their own inventory turnover, customer payment terms, and capacity utilization. Jiabao's low-price strategy likely aims to quickly destock or grab orders from small and medium weaving mills, while Tongkun's high price reflects its brand premium and long-term contract stickiness.
Transmission to Downstream Weaving and Fabric Mills
For buyers, a 340 CNY/ton spread means a cost difference of over 4% per ton. A medium-sized weaving mill consuming 100 tons per month could see monthly cost variation of 34,000 CNY by choosing different suppliers. However, low-price sources often come with stricter payment terms or shorter credit periods, and the AA-grade quality standard may be compromised.
From a supply chain perspective, FDY price divergence will exacerbate profit volatility in the weaving segment. If raw material costs can be compressed through low-price procurement, fabric mills can gain a 2-3% gross margin advantage when finalizing orders; conversely, buying at high prices without corresponding order price increases may directly squeeze margins.
Short-Term Price Expectations and Operational Recommendations
Industry data shows the polyester FDY operating rate is around 78-82%, with inventory days of 15-20, indicating a generally loose supply-demand balance. Over the next month, the price divergence in Zhejiang's industrial belt is expected to persist, with the spread likely remaining between 300 and 500 CNY/ton.
