SunSirs: Polyester Filament Showed a Trend of First Stabilizing and Then Rising Last Week (January 16-23)

Price trend

Last week (January 16-23, 2026), polyester filament yarn prices showed an initial stable trend followed by an increase, accelerating on Friday. Some major manufacturers in Zhejiang and Fujian raised their prices by 50-100 RMB/ton, leading to an upward shift in spot transaction prices and improved market sentiment driven by futures. Mainstream specifications of POY/FDY/DTY saw a cumulative increase of 50-100 RMB/ton during the week. As of January 23rd, mainstream polyester filament yarn factories in Jiangsu and Zhejiang quoted POY (150D/48F) at 6,750-6,830 RMB/ton, DTY (150D/48F low elasticity) at 7,900-8,100 RMB/ton, and FDY (150D/96F) at 6,980-7,050 RMB/ton.

Analysis of core factors

Strong cost pass-through: Rising prices of crude oil, PX, and PTA led to an approximately 3.8% increase in polyester raw material costs during the week. The domestic PTA price closed at 5,150 RMB/ton, and this cost pressure forced an upward adjustment in filament yarn prices.

Supply contracted significantly: weekly capacity utilization rate was 69.8% (down 2.0 percentage points week-on-week), and production was 482,000 tons (down 15,000 tons week-on-week); major manufacturers initiated quarterly production cuts (POY/FDY production reduced by approximately 15%), several facilities underwent maintenance, inventory levels were neutral to low, and supply of some varieties was tight, supporting price increases.

Manufacturers were strongly inclined to maintain high prices: The industry was experiencing negative cash flow, and there was a strong sentiment among manufacturers to reduce production and maintain prices before the Spring Festival. This, coupled with the strengthening of futures prices boosting confidence, had led major manufacturers to collectively raise their prices, driving the market upward.

Demand-side support came from essential needs: downstream weaving operating rates were 50-55%, and texturizing rates were 45-50%. Stockpiling was nearing completion, with demand mainly driven by sporadic essential needs. There was weak willingness to chase higher prices, and bulk transactions are rare, limiting price increases.

Market Outlook:

According to SunSirs, in the short term, supported by rising costs and supply constraints, prices are expected to remain volatile but with an upward bias. The mainstream price ranges for POY/FDY/DTY are expected to be 6,750-6,850/6,950-7,080/7,900-8,000 RMB/ton. However, with the approaching holiday season and the resulting slowdown in downstream demand, the market will gradually enter a phase of limited transactions despite existing price levels. Price increases before the holidays will be limited, and after the holidays, attention should be paid to the resumption of production and the pace of demand recovery.

If you have any inquiries or purchasing needs, please feel free to contact SunSirs with support@sunsirs.com.