Polyester staple fibre markets in Asia succumbed to a persistent fall in raw material costs but were seen going steady on the weekend as feedstock markets rebounded marginally. In China, polyester prices declined in the first half of the week, but the sentiment appeared mixed later as major producers hiked offers tentatively but trading prices remained flat. The polyester market in Shandong and Hebei were stable amid range-bound discussions. In Fujian, producers moved sideways and offers and deals were discussed separately. Offers for 1.4D direct-melt PSF fell to 8.95-9.15 Yuan a kg (US$1.29-1.32 a kg, down US cents 4) in Jiangsu and Zhejiang while the same in Fujian and Shandong were US$1.30-1.33 a kg, down US cents 3-4.

In Pakistan, producers reduced offers for the second straight week on falling raw material costs, while imported goods turned a bit cheaper as the currency weakened further. 1.4D PSF producers’ offers were further cut by PakRs10 to PakRs.184-186 a kg (US$1.37-1.38 a kg, down US cents 8).

In India, prices for the second half of November were reduced on weak feedstock and despite stronger currency. Offers were cut INR 6 with 1.2D at INR92.25 a kg (US$1.28 a kg) and 1.4-2D to INR91.50 a kg or US$1.27 a kg, both down US cents 7.

Nylon

In China, nylon staple fibre 1.5D prices were down to 19-20.50 Yuan a kg (US$2.74-2.96 a kg, down US cents 8).

Acrylic

Acrylic staple fibre markets in Asia were quiet and prices stable despite a heavy decline in upstream acrylonitrile prices. However, seeing the slowing downtrend in upstream, acrylic producers lowered offers, while downstream users largely adopted a wait-and-see stance. In China, the acrylic fibre industry run rate dropped to 33% during the week, indicating a cut in supply, as many units remained idled, and some reducing production. Demand was weak as the acrylic fibre market entered a sensitive period where sharp decline loomed, and downstream yarn mills showed no buying interest. In India, producers’ offers remained unchanged after they were revised down for November. In Pakistan, too, prices rolled over taking cue from other Asian markets. With acrylonitrile market settling down and downside range still exist, acrylic fibre prices will mainly follow the trend gradually in coming weeks.

Taiwan origin 3D bright ASF tow offers remained unchanged at US$2.40-2.45 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$2.95-3.01 a kg). In Pakistan, 1.2D ASF prices rolled over in Karachi market at PakRs.345 a kg (US$2.57 a kg, down US cent 1 due to weak currency). In India, producers’ offers for November were steady at INR187.50-199 a kg (US$2.58-2.74 a kg, up US cents 3-4 due to strong INR).

Viscose

Viscose staple fibre markets in China witnessed active trading atmosphere by the weekend after prices started falling sharply day-on-day and having lost more than 4% week-on-week. Seeing massive liquidity at low levels, downstream mills in China started stocking up materials, with the volume at around 30 days' worth. Viscose fibre producers finished their sales mostly and were engaged in fund realization. In Pakistan, viscose fibre prices did not move in the Karachi market, but may take cues from falling prices in China soon. In India, producers’ offers remained unchanged for viscose fibre based on still high cost.

In China, offers in the spot markets tumbled week on week with 1.5D VSF at 14 Yuan a kg (US$2.02 a kg, down US cents 9) and 1.2D at 14.10 Yuan a kg (US$2.03 a kg, down US cents 10). In Pakistan, offers for 1.5D VSF were unchanged at PakRs270-273 a kg (US$2.01-2.03 a kg) in Karachi. In India, 1.2-2.0D VSF prices rolled over at INR150-200 a kg (US$2.09-2.79 a kg, up US cents 4 due to stronger INR).