In January 2026, the domestic viscose staple fiber market showed a weak and consolidating trend, with market prices declining slightly. The main raw material, dissolving pulp, remained largely stagnant, and while industry finished product inventories were not high, end-user demand was weak. Viscose staple fiber manufacturers lowered their prices in the latest round of pricing adjustments, leading to a decrease in high-priced goods on the market. A strong wait-and-see atmosphere prevailed, and prices are likely to remain low in the short term.

Market prices were trending downwards

According to the commodity price analysis system of SunSirs, in January 2026, viscose staple fiber manufacturers successively released new prices, all showing slight decreases. As of January 29, 2026, the average market price of viscose staple fiber was 12,800 RMB/ton, a decrease of 100 RMB/ton compared to the previous month, representing a monthly decrease of 0.78%. The overall market transaction pace was stable.

Cost side support was limited

Regarding the cost side, in January 2026, the market price of dissolving pulp, the main raw material for viscose staple fiber, showed little fluctuation and remained in a weak and stagnant state, providing limited support to viscose staple fiber prices. Specifically, the price of domestically produced dissolving pulp remained at around 6,700 RMB/ton, while the price of imported hardwood pulp was approximately US$800/ton, and the price of softwood pulp was around US$870/ton. In the auxiliary materials market, the prices of caustic soda and sulfuric acid remained largely stable with minor fluctuations, failing to provide effective cost support. Overall, the cost side remained relatively flat.

Downstream demand remained weak

The downstream rayon yarn market was performing weakly, becoming a key factor limiting demand for viscose staple fiber. Last week, the operating rate of rayon yarn factories showed no significant change, but the market was in its traditional off-season, resulting in unsatisfactory sales. In terms of price, the price of ring-spun R30S in Shandong province was around 17,200 RMB/ton, and the price of ring-spun R40S was approximately 18,300 RMB/ton, showing a slight downward trend. At the same time, physical inventory at rayon yarn factories continued to rise, and end-use fabric manufacturers lacked new orders, leading to reduced purchasing enthusiasm for viscose staple fiber and insufficient support from the demand side.

Market Outlook:

From a supply and demand perspective, the operating rate of viscose staple fiber plants is expected to remain stable in the short term, and some manufacturers have low inventory levels, providing relatively strong support from the supply side. However, there is unlikely to be a substantial improvement in demand from the end market, and downstream buyers will continue to purchase on an as-needed basis, resulting in limited demand-side driving force. Regarding raw materials, the main raw materials, dissolving pulp and sulfuric acid, are expected to remain largely stable, while the liquid caustic soda market may experience a slight decline, meaning cost support will remain insufficient.

Summary: Considering various factors such as costs and supply and demand, although the overall physical inventory of viscose staple fiber factories is not high, inventory is showing an upward trend.  Coupled with weak downstream demand and limited cost support, the overall market sales speed remains weak but stable. Sunsirs analysis predicts that the price of viscose staple fiber will continue to operate at a weak and low level in the short term.

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