Ring-Spun Cotton Yarn Prices Diverge: Spread Widens Between 21S and 32S as Shandong Mills Show Mixed Pricing Strategies

The ring-spun cotton yarn quotes on July 10, 2026, revealed a clear divergence in pricing strategies among major Shandong mills for 21S and 32S specifications, with the spread reaching nearly 2,000 CNY/ton. This disparity is not a coincidence but a direct reflection of differing judgments on inventory costs, downstream order pace, and market outlook.

Price Divergence: 21S Consolidates at Low End, 32S Sees High-Stakes Gambling

Public quotes show 21S knitting-grade high-quality ring-spun cotton yarn ranged between 22,800-24,400 CNY/ton among key Shandong suppliers. Guanxing Textile offered the lowest at 22,800, while Weifang Guanjie quoted 24,400, a spread of 1,600 CNY. The 32S spread was even more pronounced: Hongyang Chemical quoted 26,400, while Guanxing only 24,500—a gap of 1,900 CNY.

• 21S quotes: Guanxing 22,800, Jinyi Yarn 23,200, Runfengda 23,200, Guanjie 24,400
• 32S quotes: Guanxing 24,500, Jinyi Yarn 24,800, Runfengda 24,800, Guanjie 25,400, Hongyang Chemical 26,400

Notably, Hongyang Chemical, a trader rather than producer, quoted 32S significantly higher than mill self-quotes, indicating stronger premium expectations in the distribution channel for finer counts.

Industry Impact: Misaligned Inventory and Order Rhythms Behind Spread

What does the widening spread between 21S and 32S mean for downstream weaving mills and buyers? First, 21S, as a staple knitting variety, faces ample inventory and intense competition, pressuring prices. Guanxing's 22,800 quote likely reflects destocking pressure. In contrast, 32S, used in more applications (e.g., knit underwear, T-shirts), requires higher-grade raw materials, leading to tighter supply and supporting higher quotes.

This divergence also reveals split market outlooks among Shandong mills. Some opt for volume at low prices to free up cash, while others stick to profit margins, waiting for order recovery. For buyers, now is a window to lock in low-cost 21S inventory, but 32S requires multi-source comparison to avoid overpaying.

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - For 21S, prioritize Guanxing's 22,800 quote but verify supply stability and quality consistency to avoid price traps - For 32S, compare Jinyi Yarn (24,800) and Guanjie (25,400); on large orders, use 24,800 as a bargaining anchor - Scrutinize trader quotes like Hongyang's 26,400; the premium may include logistics or credit costs—request a breakdown before committing

For Mills - Mills quoting 21S below 23,000 should guard against losses; consider balancing with 32S orders - Mills quoting 32S above 26,000 should proactively disclose quality certifications or raw material sources to justify the premium - Establish regional quote coordination to avoid excessive spreads between cities like Weifang and Liaocheng, which could drive customers away