Asian textile fibre prices seen recovering

ASIAN TEXTILE FIBRE PRICES SEEN RECOVERING IN SEPTEMBER

TEXTILE BEACON

Polyester

Polyester staple fibre prices were raised in China while they stayed stable in India and Pakistan in September amid weaker demand and low production levels.

In China, some offers in Jiangsu and Zhejiang were hiked late in September, reacting to rising futures, with less discounts available. In Fujian, nominations were increased and firm deals were under negotiation. Bolstered by rising polyester, the sale/production status appeared active, seeing mainstream ratios at 100-200% and sporadic ones at over 500%. During the last week, more polyester plants undertook maintenance due to regional energysaving regulations, and a few plants cut production as well. As a result, the comprehensive run rate of units fell to 85.2%. Offers for 1.4D direct-melt polyester staple in Jiangsu and Zhejiang averaged 7.00-7.18 Yuan per kg (US $1.08-1.11 per kg, up US cents 2), while the same in Fujian and Shandong ranged from US $1.08-1.12 per kg. In Taiwan, the offer for 1.4D was lowered by US cents, from US $1.20 a kg FOB to US $1.10 a kg. In Pakistan, no change was reported in producers’ offers in the Karachi market as they stayed frozen for six weeks in a row. PakRs.224 per kg (US $1.33 per kg) is the average price for 1.4D PSF. In India, offers were rolled over as they are revised every fortnight. Offers for H2 September were fixed at INR105.25 a kg (US $1.43 a kg) for 1.2D and INR104.50 a kg (US $1.42 a kg) for 1.4D.

Nylon

Nylon staple fibre prices were lifted as producers operated at breakeven amid normal demand. Demand was normal but textile makers kept low run rates due to the off-season and few fresh orders. 1.5D offers averaged 16.70-17.15 Yuan per kilogramme (US $2.58-2.65 per kilogram, an increase of US cents three months on month).

Acrylic

Acrylic staple fibre markets in Asia extended the stable trend that began in early September. Offers for Taiwan-origin 1.5D acrylic fibre were rolled over during August at US $2.85 per kg FOB. In China, the reference prices of cotton-type staple fibre, tow and top were rolled over as market sentiment saw limited changes. One set of acrylic fibre units in north China resumed, so supply volume increased slightly, while market demand stayed quiet. Upstream cost support was also steady as acrylonitrile producers held stable prices that could hardly change in the short term. Prices for medium-length and cotton-type acrylic fibre 1.5D and 3D tow averaged 18.70-19.00 Yuan per kg (US $2.89-2.94 per kg, up 4-6 cents per kilogram). In Pakistan, no change was seen in overseas suppliers’ offers in Karachi markets. Offers were at PakRs.450-455 a kg (US $2.67-2.70 a kg) in the Karachi market.

Indian producers’ offers for September were rolled over from August at INR228-230 a kg (US $3.11-$3.14). Overall, acrylic fibre prices will extend a stable run given no favourable market factors and limited stock pressure.

Viscose

Viscose staple fibre prices were lowered further in China after markets resumed from the mid-Autumn festival holidays. By month’s end, producers had strong intentions of maintaining the prices after the recent cut, so it is unlikely that the prices will drop further in the short run. On the other hand, the energy-saving regulation has depressed downstream buying interest. Thus, the industry may see reductions in both supply and demand. In spot, average prices fell to 12.30 Yuan a kg (US$1.90 a kg, down US cents 7) for 1.5D and 1.2D to 12.70 Yuan a kg (US$1.97 a kg, down US cents 8). In Taiwan, offers for 1.5D were lowered by US cents from 12 to $2.08 a kg FOB during the month. In Pakistan, overseas suppliers kept their offers stable in the Karachi market during the month. Offers were at PakRs350-355 a kg (US $2.08-2.11 a kg, down 8 cents due to the weak currency). In India, no change was reported in viscose fibre prices, although COVID related restrictions were easing. Offers for 1.2-1.5D ranged from INR200-202 per kg (US $2.72 per kg). Overall, it is expected that prices will mostly be stable, with the possibility of mild downticks amid thin transactions.