Polyester
Polyester staple fibre prices were lifted across Asian markets by 5-10% amid rising cost, low production levels and some demand recovery.
In China, some offers in Jiangsu and Zhejiang were hiked in early October, reacting to rising PTA and MEG cost, with less discounts available. In Jiangsu and Zhejiang, most of offers for fibre were moved to a lower level with discounts on offer. Mainstream nominations from Hengyi Petrochemical and Ningbo Quandi were cut, seeing 1.4D semi-dull materials and 3-D-crimped hollow siliconized fibre pegged lower. In Fujian, offers moved downwards and firm deals remained in discussion. In Shandong and Hebei, prices kept dropping amid rigid demand from downstream buyers. Offers for 1.4D direct-melt polyester staple were raised in Jiangsu and Zhejiang to average 7.78-8.02 Yuan a kg (US$1.21-1.25 a kg, up US cents 13 on the month) while the same in Fujian and Shandong were lifted US cents 12-13 to US$1.19-1.2 a kg.
In Taiwan, offer for 1.4D were stable at US$1.10 a kg FOB.
In Pakistan, producers again raised their offer, although less sharply, amid recent rise on raw material and competing cotton prices. 1.4D PSF offers were lifted by PakRs12 or US cents 5 to PakRs234-238 a kg (US$1.37-1.38 a kg).
In India, producers’ offers were raised for October to INR110.75 a kg (US$1.48 a kg) for 1.2D and to INR110 a kg (US$1.47 a kg) for 1.4D. In India, offers are revised every fortnight.
Nylon
Nylon staple fibre prices surged 6% in October in China while producers reported breakeven business amid normal demand. 1.5D offers averaged 18.90-19.40 Yuan a kg (US$2.94-3.02 a kg, up US cents 16 on the month).
Acrylic
Acrylic staple fibre markets were quiet across Asia after previous buoyancy and prices were kept firm on the week.
Offers for Taiwan origin 1.5D acrylic fibre were raised US cents 10 on the month to US$2.92-3.00 a kg FOB.
In China, the reference prices of cotton-type staple fiber, tow and top were lifted over as feedstock acrylonitrile cost and increase in costs of accessories. Thus, acrylic fibre producers sold goods at higher prices. Downstream spun yarn producers only bought goods on need basis, and the volume was limited. The industrial run rate stayed at 50-60% during October. Demand for fibre was moderate as fresh orders for spun yarn was limited. Prices for medium-length and cotton-type acrylic fibre 1.5D and 3D tow averaged 19.60-20.50 Yuan a kg (US$3.05-3.19 a kg, up US cents 16 from September average.
In Pakistan, overseas suppliers raised their offers in Karachi market to average PakRs.480-485 a kg (US$2.80-2.82 a kg, up US cents 13 on the month).
Indian producers offers for October were up INR4 from September at INR228-230 a kg (US$3.11-3.14 a kg).
Overall, acrylic fibre prices were at a high position during the month, thus there was limited room for further rise in the coming month.
Viscose
Viscose staple fibre prices firm up in China during October over low production levels, and whatever the fall in dissolving pulp cost. Affected by power regulations, industrial run rate was low at around 55%, although the power rationing in some regions of Jiangsu eased somewhat. Prices generally saw weaker upward momentum later in the month. Possibly affected by the regulation on steam coal prices, upstream feedstock prices are expected to stabilise. With moderate inventory pressure, viscose producers mainly delivered goods for previous orders. In spot, average prices jumped 8-9% to 13.36 Yuan a kg (US$2.08 a kg,) for 1.5D and 1.2D to 13.90 Yuan a kg (US$2.17 a kg).
In Taiwan, offers for 1.5D were steady at US$2.05 a kg FOB during the month.
In Pakistan, viscose fibre prices have remained stable since the previous drop seen in mid-August. Offers in Karachi at PakRs350-355 a kg (US$2.04-2.07 a kg).
In India, producers raised their offers in the third week of October on global cues. Offers for 1.2-1.5D were at INR203-205 a kg (US$2.72-2.74 a kg).
Overall, it is expected that prices will mostly stable, with the possibility of mild downticks, amid thin transactions.
