Polyester

Polyester staple fibre prices moved down in China this week as upstream costs retreated from a multi-year high. Nevertheless, polyester margins have narrowed, while sales have slowed, resulting in reduction in operating rates of polyester facilities in key China markets. The average sales-to-output ratio in the polyester sectors in China stood at 40-50% during the week. A ratio below 100% indicates inventory building, as sales were lesser than production. In Jiangsu and Zhejiang, offers for 1.4D direct-melt PSF fell to 11.32-11.57 a kg (US$1.66-1.69 a kg), while the same in Fujian and Shandong were at US$1.66-1.70 a kg, all down US cents 2-3 on the week. Export offers, however, remained stable at US$1.40-1.45 a kg FOB China.

In Pakistan, polyester fibre prices were boosted by higher PTA and MEG prices on the international market. The margin of domestic producers has again increased, implying limited room for prices to rise further. 1.4D PSF producers’ offers were raised further by PakRs3 to PakRs.198-200 a kg (US$1.61-1.62 a kg, up US cents 3).

Nylon

Nylon staple fibre 1.5D prices in China were raised to 20.90-21.60 yuan a kg (US$3.06-3.16 a kg, up US cent 1).

Acrylic

Acrylic staple fibre prices remained unchanged this week in Asian markets. In China, production is likely to remain capped in September as margins are eroded by high cost of feedstock acrylonitrile. Last week, ASF plants were operating at an average rate of 50%, which may continue for the rest of the month. Taiwan origin 3D bright ASF tow offers remained unchanged at US$2.50-2.60 a kg, while offers in China for medium-length and cotton-type acrylic fibre rolled over at 20.50-21.90 yuan a kg (US$3.00-3.07 a kg)

ASF prices in India were steady after they were hiked beginning of the month. Producers’ offers were steady at INR194-205.50 a kg (US$2.70-2.86 a kg) for September.

In Pakistan, too, prices remained flat in Karachi market after they were lifted in early August. 1.2D ASF prices rolled over in Karachi market at PakRs.360 a kg (US$2.92 a kg).

Viscose

Viscose staple fibre prices were largely stable in Asian markets during the week, with mild upticks seen in China driven by firmer dissolving pulp sentiment. Following brisk sales last week, some offers were raised early in the week, which was followed by some other producers. Enquiring atmosphere warmed up somewhat, as downstream mills began to cover shorts on limited raw material stocks. Offers for medium-end viscose goods were at 15-15.50 yuan a kg (US$2.19-2.27 a kg), with trading price at 15.00-15.30 yuan a kg (US$2.20-2.24 a kg). Offers for high-end goods were at 15.50 yuan a kg (2.27 a kg). In spot, 1.5D VSF offers inched up to 15.10 yuan a kg (US$2.21 a kg) and 1.2D to 15.27 yuan a kg (US$2.23 a kg).

In Pakistan, VSF prices remained stable in the week. Offers for 1.5D VSF rolled over at PakRs275-278 a kg (US$2.23-2.26 a kg) in Karachi.