SunSirs: Driven by Bullish Factors, the Viscose Staple Fiber Market Trended Stronger in March

Price Trends: Prices Rose in March

According to monitoring data from SunSirs, market prices for domestic 1.2D viscose staple fiber (38mm) exhibited an upward trend in March 2026; bullish factors completely dominated the market, leading to an upward price adjustment.

As of March 31, the prevailing domestic ex-factory price for 1.2D viscose staple fiber stood at 13,180 RMB/ton—representing a monthly increase of 2.97% compared to the 12,800 RMB/ton recorded at the end of February (February 28), and a cumulative monthly rise of 340 RMB/ton compared to the 12,840 RMB/ton recorded at the beginning of March (March 1).

Viewed in stages, the price trend in March can be divided into three phases:

1. Early-Month Moderate Recovery Phase (March 1 – March 11): Prices saw a slight rebound from 12,840 RMB/ton to 12,900 RMB/ton—a gain of 0.47%. The market was characterized by a tug-of-war between supply and demand and a phase of sentiment recovery, resulting in a gradual upward trend in prices.

2. Mid-month Rapid Rally Phase (March 12 – March 21): Prices experienced a sharp surge, climbing rapidly from 12,900 RMB/ton to 13,180 RMB/ton—a single-phase increase of 2.17%. This constituted the core phase of the month's upward price trend, characterized by the concentrated release of bullish factors, strong market optimism, and significant upward adjustments in corporate quotations.

3. End-of-Month High-Level Stabilization Period (March 21 – March 31): Prices remained steady at a high level of 13,180 RMB/ton as the market entered a phase of high-level consolidation; supplier quotes remained firm, and downstream buyers procured on an as-needed basis, resulting in temporarily stable prices.

From a full-year perspective, March saw the price of viscose staple fiber break out of the low-level fluctuation pattern observed in January and February, achieving its largest single-month increase since December 2025. This move completely reversed the previously weak trend, shifting the market's center of gravity significantly upward.

Upstream Raw Materials: Cost Support Strengthened

The primary upstream raw materials for viscose staple fiber are cotton pulp and dissolving pulp; the raw material market trended upward in March, providing solid cost support for the rise in viscose staple fiber prices.

Cotton Pulp: Domestic cotton pulp market prices are trending steadily upward. Raw cotton prices have rebounded, while operating rates among cotton pulp manufacturers remain low, resulting in tight supply. Manufacturers continue to raise their quoted prices, providing direct cost-side support to the viscose staple fiber market.

Dissolving Pulp: Prices for imported dissolving pulp have strengthened in tandem; overseas supply remains tight, while domestic port inventories are at low levels. Traders' quotes remain firm, further driving up raw material costs for viscose staple fiber.

The sustained strength in input costs has provided viscose staple fiber manufacturers with the confidence to raise their quoted prices; coupled with operating rates remaining within a reasonable range and minimal inventory pressure, this has driven market prices on an upward trajectory.

Downstream Demand: Purchasing Activity Picked Up

The primary downstream sectors for viscose staple fiber include textiles—specifically yarn, greige fabric, and non-woven fabrics. In March, demand in these downstream markets showed signs of marginal improvement, thereby providing demand-side momentum for price appreciation.

Yarn Market: Operating rates among downstream viscose yarn manufacturers were gradually recovering, and previously accumulated inventories have been effectively depleted. As the traditional peak season for textiles approached, order volumes had begun to pick up; consequently, yarn mills had shown increased enthusiasm for purchasing viscose staple fiber, with demand in the spot market being bolstered by a rise in need-based restocking.

Grey Fabric and End Markets: The domestic home textile and apparel markets were gradually entering their restocking cycles; the release of end-market orders had facilitated smooth sales of grey fabric, with this positive momentum subsequently filtering upstream to the viscose staple fiber sector, thereby boosting market demand.

Export Markets: Overseas orders were gradually recovering, with export orders for certain viscose staple fiber and yarn products on the rise; this trend further alleviated domestic supply pressure and lent support to market prices.

Furthermore, bullish sentiment in the market was strong in March, and a certain level of restocking demand from downstream sectors further amplified the magnitude of price increases, driving the market's center of gravity to shift upward rapidly.

Market Outlook:

Looking ahead to April, the viscose staple fiber market is expected to remain subject to a tug-of-war between bullish and bearish forces; however, supportive factors continue to provide a degree of underpinning:

Supportive Factors: Upstream raw material costs remain elevated, inventories held by manufacturers are low, and quoted prices remain firm. Furthermore, the peak season for downstream textile industries is continuing, and there remains room for further improvement in demand, thereby lending support to market prices.

Bearish Factors: Following the price rally, downstream buyers face increased cost pressures and are exhibiting resistance; furthermore, should the recovery in demand fall short of expectations, prices may face downward correction pressure.

Overall, the market for viscose staple fiber in April is highly likely to maintain a trend of high-level volatility, with price fluctuations hovering within the range of 13,000–13,300 RMB/ton. Key factors to monitor include trends in raw material prices, the recovery of downstream orders, and changes in production operating rates among manufacturers.

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