September in the Textile Industry: Peak Season Fails to Deliver Strong Performance; Weak Demand and Rising Costs Drive Market Decline

October 2nd

In September 2025, the textile industry as a whole failed to welcome the traditional "golden September" peak season. Most raw material and yarn prices were under pressure and declined, presenting a weak market situation characterized by "insufficient cost support, lackluster demand recovery, and high inventory pressure."

The chemical fiber sector is generally under pressure:

The polyester industry chain is showing signs of weakness. Prices for polyester filament have been gradually declining, while factory inventories have surged to a high of 20–31 days, forcing companies to offer discounts and ramp up promotional activities. Meanwhile, PTA and polyester staple fiber prices fell by 3.01% and 1.39%, respectively, over the past month, as expectations of new production capacity coming online continue to weigh heavily on supply dynamics. Nylon filament is also struggling, with prices hitting their lowest levels of the year—dropping more than 3% in just one month. This decline is being driven by softer PA6 chip prices and a noticeable lack of downstream orders, further constraining market activity.

Cotton textile industry chain supply and demand game:

The cotton market is experiencing a weak fluctuation, with the spot price of 3128B grade cotton at the end of the month falling by 2.95% compared to the beginning of the month. A strong expectation for a bumper new cotton crop (with an estimated 8.3% increase in total national production) stands in stark contrast to the "peak season not being as busy" in downstream sectors. The textile industry's operational rates show a divergence, being "strong in Xinjiang and weak in inland areas," with insufficient foreign trade orders and cautious domestic demand putting pressure on the market.

Local Highlights and Future Market Outlook:

Viscose staple fiber emerged as one of the few bright spots, with prices rising slightly by 0.61%, primarily due to the industry maintaining low inventory levels. However, looking ahead to October, as new cotton enters the market in bulk and terminal demand remains sluggish without significant improvement, the textile industry as a whole will continue to face the dual challenges of ample supply and weak demand. As a result, most product prices are expected to remain volatile, leaning toward the weaker side.