In the Asian Pacific market, Nonwoven Fabric prices stayed low in September 2025. The Chinese market saw a marginal fluctuation in Nonwoven Fabric prices, while prices in Japan and India dropped significantly. This trend is mainly due to high inventory levels and low production costs, as feedstock Polypropylene (PP) prices fell during the period, amidst the weak upstream and volatile crude oil market. Additionally, off-season demand further exacerbated the situation and tariffs significantly impacted both local and export markets for Nonwoven Fabric, reducing market confidence. As a result, regional manufacturers and suppliers adopted cautious strategy, showing the challenges and uncertainty across the market.
In Japan, Nonwoven Fabric prices fell by 1.44% for the month. This drop is largely due to high inventory, with import prices stable throughout the month. However, production costs for Nonwoven Fabric in the domestic and broader Asian markets remained low, along with falling feedstock prices and fluctuations in the upstream crude oil market. On the demand side, the market faced a traditional off-season, and tariffs notably impacted on the export market, further weakening market confidence.
In India, Nonwoven Fabric prices dropped by 2.28%, due to low production costs, cheap Chinese materials, and a weak export market. On August 27, 2025, U.S. authorities set a 50% tariff on Indian goods to penalize India for buying Russian oil and weapons. These tariffs are among the highest globally and have affected textiles and related goods like Nonwoven Fabric during this time.
In China, Nonwoven Fabric prices remained steady with slight weekly variations throughout the month. Supply remained adequate during this period, supported by high inventory and low production costs. Feedstock Polypropylene (PP) prices fell by 1.5% during the month due to low pressure from upstream costs. At the same time, OPEC+ continued to increase production, while global demand temporarily declined and international oil prices showed minimal changes.
Overall demand for Nonwoven Fabric was soft during this time, hit by weak downstream and overseas consumption. While demand from downstream markets showed a slight recovery compared to the previous month, overall order volumes did not meet expectations. The start of the traditional Golden September shopping season also failed to live up to hopes, affecting market sentiment.
The export market felt significant pressure during this period. According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs, textile and clothing exports reached USD 26.54 billion in August, reflecting a 5% drop and a 0.8% month-on-month decline. Additionally, President Trump announced that starting October 1, the U.S. would impose a new round of high tariffs on various imported products. This has added more uncertainty to the market and restricted material procurement.
