Acrylonitrile Leads Textile Raw Material Surge on July 24, Accelerating Cost Pass-Through in Chemical Fiber Chain

On July 24, 2026, bulk textile commodity prices exhibited a clear 'chemical fiber strong, natural fiber weak' pattern. Acrylonitrile posted the day's biggest gain at 4.19%, followed by polyester FDY (+1.66%), polyester staple fiber (+0.96%), and polyester POY (+0.82%). Raw silk was the only decliner, falling 0.14% and down 10.58% year-on-year.

Chemical Fiber Raw Materials Surge Broadly

Among 17 monitored textile commodities, 7 rose, only 1 fell, with an average daily gain of 0.47%. Acrylonitrile jumped from 9,950 yuan/ton to 10,366.67 yuan/ton, up 31.5% year-on-year. Polyester FDY closed at 8,903.33 yuan/ton (+26.4% YoY), polyester staple fiber at 7,662.83 yuan/ton (+16.12% YoY), and PTA at 6,170.34 yuan/ton (+27.71% YoY). The entire upstream and midstream chemical fiber complex was broadly higher.

Notably, nylon series (DTY, FDY, POY), viscose staple fiber, rayon yarn, and spandex remained flat, indicating that the price rally has so far been concentrated in upstream monomers and polyester links without fully transmitting to nylon and regenerated cellulose fiber segments.

Cost Push vs. Demand

Acrylonitrile's sharp rise was the day's standout event. As a key feedstock for acrylic fiber, ABS resin, and carbon fiber, its price volatility often ripples across multiple supply chains. The 31.5% year-on-year gain suggests a sustained cost escalation rather than a short-term blip. For downstream acrylic spinning mills, raw material costs are nearing break-even levels, potentially forcing production cuts or product mix adjustments.

The polyester chain's collective uptick showed stronger linkage. All five varieties—PTA, POY, FDY, DTY, and staple fiber—rose simultaneously, with gains amplifying from upstream PTA (+0.22%) to downstream FDY (+1.66%). This inverted pyramid structure, where prices rise more sharply closer to end-use, usually indicates that weaving mills are restocking actively and willing to accept higher raw material costs. However, it also carries risk: if final apparel orders disappoint, inventory overhang could quickly reverse the price trend.

Raw Silk's Lone Decline: Industry Logic

Raw silk fell 0.14% to 424,200 yuan/ton, with a year-on-year decline of 10.58%—the only negative YoY among all tracked items. This starkly contrasts with chemical fiber strength. Two factors explain the divergence: ample global supply from Brazil, India, and other major producers, and slowing luxury goods consumption, which has dampened demand for high-end silk fabrics. For silk reeling mills in Guangxi and Jiangsu, current prices are well below last year's levels, squeezing profit margins.

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - Acrylonitrile and polyester raw materials remain prone to further upside; weaving mills with replenishment needs should consider modest inventory build-ups but avoid overcommitting at peak prices. - Nylon and viscose varieties offer price stability and can be used as substitutes or in blended formulations to mitigate cost risk. - Monitor raw silk prices closely; if the downtrend persists, consider locking in low prices via long-term contracts with suppliers.

For Exporters - Adjust export quotations promptly, especially for polyester fabrics and acrylic yarn orders; adopt floating price clauses to hedge against raw material volatility. - Silk exporters can capitalize on current low raw silk prices to boost procurement, improving gross margins on second-half orders. - Track PTA futures as a leading indicator for inflection points in polyester costs.