On August 3, 2026, the domestic polyester filament market presented a notable signal: for the same specification of FDY 150D/96F semi-dull AA grade, quotations among major Zhejiang producers varied by up to 260 yuan per ton. Tongkun Group quoted 9060 yuan, while Rongsheng Petrochemical and Juxing Chemical both quoted 8800 yuan, with Tiansheng and Jiabao at 8960 and 8950 yuan respectively. This spread is not incidental; it reflects deep divergence in capacity layout, cost structure, and sales strategy.
Background
The quotation data comes from public industry information involving five major Zhejiang chemical fiber enterprises, with delivery points concentrated in core textile industrial areas such as Hangzhou and Shaoxing. Notably, the quotes did not move uniformly up or down; instead, they displayed an obvious tiered distribution: Tongkun at the highest, Rongsheng and Juxing at the low end, and Tiansheng and Jiabao in between. Such divergence is uncommon in previous quotations, where price differences for the same specification in the same region typically remained within 100 yuan per ton.
From the raw material side, recent fluctuations in PTA and MEG prices have amplified differences in inventory costs among enterprises. Tongkun, as an integrated leader, has a higher self-sufficiency rate for raw materials and stronger cost control, yet its quotation is the highest, possibly indicating a focus on product quality and brand premium. In contrast, Rongsheng and Juxing tend to prioritize volume over price, especially against the backdrop of weak demand, making low-price strategies a primary means to secure orders.
Industry Impact
The widening price spread offers downstream weaving enterprises greater procurement choice but also increases decision-making complexity. For a weaving mill with annual purchases of several thousand tons, a 260 yuan per ton difference directly translates into hundreds of yuan per ton in cost variation, enough to affect profit margins. However, the lowest price is not always optimal; factors such as supply stability, product consistency, and after-sales service must be weighed.
From an industry structure perspective, this quotation divergence also reflects the new competitive normal after increased capacity concentration. Leading enterprises, leveraging scale and integration advantages, can sustain higher quotations, while smaller manufacturers face greater survival pressure and must resort to price competition to maintain operating rates. This divergence may accelerate industry consolidation, beneficial in the long run but potentially heightening short-term market volatility.
For foreign trade enterprises, exchange rate fluctuations and overseas demand uncertainty remain key risks. As a textile raw material, polyester FDY price movements directly transmit to fabric and garment export costs. It is advisable for exporters to lock prices with suppliers or adopt floating pricing mechanisms in long-term contracts to mitigate raw material price risks. Additionally, monitoring demand changes in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia can help adjust export structures in a timely manner.