Polyester Staple Fiber Prices Diverge: Gap Between Filtration Fiber and Spinning Grade Widens to 8,000 CNY/ton

Water treatment fiber balls at 15,500 CNY/ton, spinning-grade polyester staple fiber at 7,080 CNY/ton—a spread exceeding 8,000 CNY/ton is rare in the polyester staple fiber market. Public pricing data from July 10, 2026, reveals that under the same polyester raw material system, staple fiber products for different end-uses are diverging sharply.

Background

On July 10, water treatment fiber balls (standard grade, 30-50mm diameter) were quoted at a uniform 15,500 CNY/ton by Henan Kaijie Water Treatment Co., delivered to Zhengzhou, Henan. In contrast, spinning-grade polyester staple fiber (first grade, 1.56dtex*38mm, melt direct-spun cotton type) was quoted by Hebei Chujiao Supply Chain and Zhejiang Tianchen Textile Supply Chain, covering four brands—Xintuo, Yida, Huahong, and Huaxicun—with prices ranging from 7,080 CNY/ton (Huahong) to 7,370 CNY/ton (Huaxicun), delivered to Xuzhou, Suqian, and Wuxi in Jiangsu.

Although both products fall under the polyester staple fiber category, their production processes and customer bases differ. Fiber balls require special crimping, heat-setting, and cutting steps for wastewater filtration, while spinning-grade fiber supplies cotton mills for blended or pure-yarn production.

Industry Impact

The high price of water treatment fiber is not a short-term phenomenon. Stricter environmental policies and higher industrial wastewater discharge standards have driven demand for efficient filtration media. Fiber balls have limited substitutes, and Henan Kaijie holds a strong position in this niche. The 15,500 CNY/ton price has been stable for some time, reflecting balanced supply-demand dynamics.

Conversely, the 7,080-7,370 CNY/ton range for spinning-grade fiber indicates pressure. Jiangsu, as the main production hub, hosts Xintuo (Xuzhou), Yida (Suqian), Huahong, and Huaxicun (Wuxi), but downstream fabric mills are operating at reduced capacity. Industry data shows that Jiangsu-Zhejiang loom utilization averaged 65%-70% in Q2 2026, 5-8 percentage points lower than the same period in previous years.

The widening price gap suggests that procurement strategies need adjustment. Spinning mills focusing only on spinning-grade fiber may miss profit opportunities in specialty segments like water treatment fiber. For polyester plants with flexible capacity, shifting toward specialty fibers could be a viable route.

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - Spinning-grade fiber: The current 7,080-7,370 CNY/ton range still carries downside risk. Recommend purchases on a need basis, avoiding large stockpiles. Use Huahong's 7,080 CNY/ton as a price anchor for negotiations with Yida and Xintuo. - Water treatment fiber balls: Prices are stable but suppliers are concentrated. Recommend signing quarterly framework agreements with Henan Kaijie to secure supply, while monitoring potential new entrants.

For Mills - Spinning-grade fiber mills: Consider shifting some capacity to water treatment fiber balls or similar specialty products to avoid price wars in commodities. Technical conversion requires 3-6 months; evaluate return on investment. - Monitor upstream PTA and MEG prices: Current processing margins for polyester staple fiber are compressed. If upstream raw material prices rebound, spinning-grade fiber prices may find support.