The overall float glass market remains weak, with prices continuing their downward trend this week. Inventory also shows a slight increase, though regional variations remain pronounced.
As of December 25, 2025, total inventory across national float glass sample enterprises reached 58.623 million standard crates, up 65,000 crates week-on-week (+0.11%) and up 29.63% year-on-year. Regional inventory shifts indicate accumulation remains concentrated in northern and central regions. This stems partly from seasonal factors, with northern demand notably contracting—particularly as processing plants in Northeast and Northwest China have suspended operations for holidays. Additionally, midstream inventory pressures persist in areas like Shahe and Hubei, where slow overall absorption rates and predominantly low-priced sales have created price inversions with manufacturers' costs, further suppressing factory shipment rates. In contrast, demand in eastern and southern regions remains relatively stable. Companies in these areas have implemented sales policies, resulting in significantly better shipment performance compared to the north.
Float glass inventories shift from decline to increase, intensifying market challenges
Regional price trends reveal pronounced disparities. The sharpest price declines occurred in North China, particularly in Shahe, driven by low-priced spot and forward sales flooding the market. This has repeatedly pushed the price center downward. Under pressure from low-priced goods in the north and central regions, East China's market prices have also been adjusted downward multiple times. However, South China's market demand remains relatively stable, with prices holding firm. Supported by inventory reductions, some enterprises intend to raise prices, with some issuing price increase notices or adopting promotional strategies centered on price hikes.
Recently, with shrinking demand and slower shipments, some northern enterprises have begun preparing for the upcoming off-season to maintain normal production and sales while reducing inventory pressure. Measures include implementing winter stockpiling policies, securing orders at low prices for hedging purposes, or offering volume-based discounts. With the Spring Festival still some time away, supply is expected to decrease later, but overall pressure remains significant. As market demand gradually winds down, supply-demand dynamics are unlikely to see significant improvement. Amid low prices, some mid-to-downstream enterprises are replenishing inventories at discounted rates, which may temporarily boost production-to-sales ratios. However, this is unlikely to reverse the market's weak trend.
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