In the first half of September, Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) prices in major global markets showed varied trends. PSF prices across Europe remained stable, while the US saw prices drop and Asia experienced an uptick. These price changes resulted from a complicated mix of supply and demand, fluctuations in feedstock costs, changing trade policies, and shifts in consumer confidence.
In Europe, the prices of PSF remained generally stable, experiencing only minor fluctuations. In Germany, there was a slight decrease in prices by 0.82% during the week that concluded on September 19th, 2025. Sufficient availability of PSF, supported by prior imports from Asia, satisfied stable demand in the context of a sluggish market sentiment and lower production costs. On the demand side, cautious consumer confidence and varied performance across the textile and apparel sectors led to a steady outlook. Retailers faced inflation and reduced spending, prompting them to manage inventory carefully to keep stock levels optimal and control costs.
In the US, PSF prices took a downward turn, falling by 2.7% due to oversupplied demand. A large influx of imports came in as a response to expected tariff hikes, leading to high inventory levels and reduced buying interest in textile and apparel sectors. The domestic market saw little cost pressure since prices for key feedstocks for PSF, MEG and PTA remained steady with only minor fluctuations. Weak consumer sentiment further dampened domestic demand, limiting material sales and worsening the price drop. This situation of high supply and low demand created a tough environment for market players trying to stabilize PSF prices.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the prices of PSF have risen, with China indicating a 2.35% increase in early September for FOB prices. This rise can be attributed to strong demand stemming from the peak buying season, which drove prices upward. Nevertheless, the production costs for PSF stayed low, as PTA prices decreased and MEG prices held steady.
Demand from downstream markets showed a slight recovery compared to the previous month, though overall order volumes did not meet industry expectations. The beginning of the traditional Golden September shopping season greatly improved market sentiment and drove stronger sales in thermal fabrics, especially in home textiles, leading to incremental growth in demand. While demand for autumn and winter fabric samples from grey fabric mills saw a brief increase. PSF supply was still strong, helped by the reopening of maintenance facilities at Hengli Huizhou and Xinfengming in early September. Looking ahead, new production facilities are expected to start in October, likely to increase domestic supply and further impact on market dynamics and price stability in the region.
