Polyester FDY Price Divergence Deepens: New Signals in Zhejiang Fiber Pricing Strategies

On August 7, 2026, major Zhejiang polyester fiber producers quoted polyester FDY (150D/96F, semi-dull AA grade) in a range of CNY 8,410 to 8,760 per ton, a spread of CNY 350. Given similar raw material costs, this gap exceeds typical logistics and brand premiums, signaling divergent pricing strategies among leading companies.

The Logic Behind Price Divergence

Tongkun Group quoted the industry's highest price at CNY 8,760, while Zhejiang Tiansheng followed at CNY 8,660. Jiabao Fiber hit the bottom at CNY 8,410. Hangzhou Kaisi, Zhejiang Juxing, and Rongsheng Petrochemical all quoted CNY 8,500, forming a middle cluster. Notably, the spread is not simply a function of capacity—Tongkun and Rongsheng, both giants, differ by CNY 260 per ton.

This divergence stems first from differences in raw material cost pass-through for PTA and MEG. More integrated companies smooth cost fluctuations through internal supply, while others rely on spot purchases. Second, product certifications and customer lock-in affect pricing power. Third, inventory pressure and production schedules drive flexible pricing.

Transmission to Weaving and Foreign Trade

For downstream weaving mills, a CNY 350 per ton gap translates to about 3.5% cost variance in fabric—enough to decide order profitability in thin-margin grey fabrics. Buyers focusing on a single supplier may miss cost optimization opportunities. Foreign traders must watch for fulfillment risks, especially in fixed-price long-term contracts, where raw material spread can erode profits.

Regionally, Shaoxing and Hangzhou quotes reflect logistics and cluster effects. Shaoxing-based Jiabao and Juxing offer lower prices, possibly due to local procurement scale, while Hangzhou firms serve broader networks and hold firmer quotes. This regional divergence may encourage cross-regional comparison, intensifying price competition.

Price Outlook

In the short term, FDY quote divergence may persist. Summer maintenance season approaches, potentially tightening supply and supporting higher prices. However, terminal garment orders show no significant rebound, capping upside. Public industry data indicate moderate inventory days, with destocking pressure remaining. Over the next two weeks, quotes may fluctuate within ±CNY 50, but the high-low spread may stay above CNY 300.

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - Establish multi-supplier comparison mechanisms, focusing on Shaoxing-Hangzhou spreads to reduce costs. - For regular FDY specs, consider quarterly framework agreements with lower-priced suppliers like Jiabao or Juxing. - Monitor PTA futures; if raw materials decline, delay large orders for better pricing.

For Foreign Trade Companies - Quote based on the day's lowest price plus reasonable margin to avoid order losses from supplier adjustments. - Include floating price clauses linked to FDY raw material fluctuations in contracts to mitigate long-term risks. - Build backup supply relationships with multiple fiber plants to ensure delivery stability.