For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Prices in North America
- In United States, the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, reflecting surging feedstock costs.
- Consumer inflation reached 3.3% and retail sales grew 4.0% in March 2026, supporting Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) demand.
- The Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Production Cost Trend increased as wholesale prices rose 4.0% in March 2026.
- Industrial production grew 0.7% and the Manufacturing Index expanded in March 2026, stabilizing the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Demand Outlook.
- Unemployment hit 4.3% and consumer confidence reached 91.8 in March 2026, reflecting a resilient labor market.
- Acrylonitrile feedstock costs surged in March 2026, directly elevating the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Forecast.
- Automotive sector production strengthened in March 2026, boosting industrial consumption for Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) derivatives.
- United States apparel import demand weakened in February 2026, shifting domestic Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) consumption.
Why did the price of Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) change in March 2026 in North America?
- Acrylonitrile and propylene feedstock costs surged significantly during January through March 2026, driving prices upward.
- Regional acrylonitrile supply tightened due to unexpected production disruptions across North America in March 2026.
- Strong automotive sector demand for acrylonitrile derivatives strengthened overall market consumption levels during March 2026.
Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Prices in APAC
- In China, the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, following surging feedstock costs.
- The 1.0% CPI and 1.7% retail sales growth in March 2026 supported the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Demand Outlook.
- The Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Production Cost Trend increased as the PPI rose 0.5% in March 2026.
- Industrial production grew 5.7% and the Manufacturing Index expanded in March 2026, driving Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) consumption.
- The 5.4% unemployment rate in March 2026 and 91.6 consumer confidence in February 2026 constrained domestic textile purchases.
- Textile and apparel export shipments accelerated in Jan-Feb 2026, strengthening the overall Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Demand Outlook.
- Upstream naphtha and propane feedstock costs surged globally in March 2026, elevating the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Index.
- The Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Forecast indicated an upward trajectory in March 2026 as regional petrochemical inventories depleted.
Why did the price of Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Upstream naphtha and propane feedstock costs surged globally in March 2026 due to logistical disruptions.
- Chinese producers aggressively destocked acrylonitrile inventories in March 2026, tightening the regional chemical supply chain.
- Overall chemical raw material costs escalated sharply in March 2026 driven by rising geopolitical tensions.
Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by surging feedstock costs.
- The Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Production Cost Trend increased in March 2026 as CPI inflation reached 2.7%.
- Acrylonitrile feedstock costs settled higher in March 2026, despite producer prices showing a -0.2% deflation rate.
- The Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Demand Outlook strengthened in February 2026 alongside 0.7% retail sales growth.
- Consumer confidence hit -24.7 in March 2026, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 6.3%.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded in March 2026, even though industrial production remained flat at 0.0% in February 2026.
- German textile industry new orders surged significantly in February 2026, boosting the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Index.
- The Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Forecast trended upward in March 2026 after Asian petrochemical imports plummeted.
Why did the price of Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) change in March 2026 in Europe?
- European propylene and acrylonitrile feedstock costs surged significantly during March 2026 due to logistical bottlenecks.
- Global acrylonitrile inventories declined sharply in late March 2026, tightening regional supply availability across Europe.
- German textile industry new orders surged in February 2026, driving robust downstream synthetic fiber consumption.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Prices in North America
- In the United States, the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Index rose in Q4 2025, driven by rising production costs.
- Acrylonitrile production costs faced upward pressure in October 2025 due to limited ammonia supply.
- Propylene feedstock costs rebounded in late December 2025, increasing overall ASF production expenses.
- US Acrylonitrile supply remained limited in October and December 2025, affecting precursor availability.
- Robust automotive demand for acrylonitrile in December 2025 supported precursor pricing.
- Textile and nonwoven sector demand remained soft in Q4 2025, influenced by inventory optimization efforts.
- The Consumer Price Index increased 2.7% in December 2025, and the Producer Price Index rose 3.0% in November 2025.
- Total Industrial Production increased 2.0% in December 2025, reflecting broader economic activity.
- Retail trade sales were up 3.1% in November 2025, indicating consumer spending trends.
- The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.4% in December 2025, indicating a stable labor market.
Why did the price of Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) change in December 2025 in North America?
- Acrylonitrile production costs increased in October 2025 from limited ammonia supply.
- Propylene feedstock costs rebounded in late December 2025, raising ASF expenses.
- US Acrylonitrile supply remained limited in Q4 2025, affecting precursor availability.
Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Prices in APAC
- In China, ASF Price Index remained stable in Q4 2025, influenced by subdued textile demand.
- ASF production costs were largely stable in Q4 2025, with acrylonitrile showing minimal upward movement.
- Producer Price Index (PPI) declined 1.9% year-on-year in December 2025, reflecting easing factory prices.
- Subdued textile demand and retail sales up 0.9% year-on-year in December 2025 softened ASF demand.
- China's Manufacturing Index expanded in December 2025; industrial production increased 5.2% year-on-year.
- China's exports contracted in October 2025 and remained weak throughout Q4 2025, affecting trade.
- Affordable natural gas prices were fostered by expanding global LNG supply in Q4 2025, influencing energy costs.
- Low inflationary pressure, with CPI up 0.8% year-on-year in December 2025, impacted purchasing power.
- The urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1% in December 2025, reflecting labor market conditions.
Why did the price of Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Subdued textile demand in Q4 2025 pressured ASF prices in APAC.
- Acrylonitrile feedstock costs showed minimal upward movement early Q4 2025.
- Retail sales increased 0.9% year-on-year in December 2025, indicating modest spending.
Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Index fell in Q4 2025, as producer prices declined by -2.5% in December 2025.
- Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) production costs declined, with Germany's producer prices falling -2.5% year-on-year in December 2025.
- Consumer confidence in Germany was pessimistic at -17.5 in December 2025, dampening Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) demand.
- Retail sales in Germany grew 1.1% year-on-year in November 2025, indicating subdued Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) consumer demand.
- Industrial production in Germany expanded 0.8% year-on-year in October 2025, offering limited support for Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) demand.
- Germany's manufacturing sector weakened in December 2025, with new and export orders falling, impacting Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) demand.
- Stocks of inputs for German manufacturing were run down aggressively in December 2025, reflecting cautious Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) inventory.
- Foreign orders for German manufacturing fell sharply in December 2025, negatively affecting Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) export prospects.
Why did the price of Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Producer prices in Germany declined -2.5% in December 2025, lowering ASF production costs.
- Pessimistic consumer confidence at -17.5 in December 2025 weakened ASF demand.
- Germany's manufacturing sector weakened in December 2025, with new orders falling.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Prices in North America
- In the United States, the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, due to subdued synthetic fiber demand.
- ASF production costs faced mixed pressures in Q3 2025, with PPI rising 2.6% year-over-year in August 2025.
- Propylene feedstock costs declined in Q3 2025, while ammonia feedstock costs experienced upward pressure during the quarter.
- ASF demand outlook was bearish in Q3 2025, as consumer confidence declined to 94.2 in September 2025.
- Industrial production marginally increased by 0.1% year-over-year in September 2025, indicating weak industrial demand.
- Retail sales increased by 5.42% year-over-year in September 2025, supporting consumer-facing ASF applications.
- CPI rose 3.0% year-over-year in September 2025, and unemployment was 4.3%, impacting consumer purchasing power.
- Acrylonitrile production rates were affected by limited ammonia supplies in Q3 2025, impacting precursor availability.
Why did the price of Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) change in September 2025 in North America?
- Subdued synthetic fiber demand and chemical market deterioration tempered buying interest in Q3 2025.
- Acrylonitrile production costs faced mixed pressures from declining propylene and rising ammonia in Q3 2025.
- Weakening consumer confidence and marginal industrial production growth impacted ASF demand in Q3 2025.
Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Prices in APAC
- In China, the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by weak industrial demand.
- Acrylonitrile (AN) prices, key ASF feedstock, softened in China during Q3 2025, reducing production costs.
- China's Manufacturing Index contracted in September 2025, signaling reduced production for ASF sectors.
- Industrial production increased 6.5% year-on-year in September 2025, providing some support for ASF demand.
- CPI declined 0.3% year-on-year in September 2025, impacting consumer purchasing power for ASF products.
- PPI fell 2.3% year-on-year in September 2025, reflecting weak pricing power for ASF manufacturers.
- Domestic apparel sales improved in China during Q3 2025, partially offsetting declining apparel exports.
- Automotive vehicle sales significantly increased in Q3 2025, boosting ASF demand in industrial applications.
Why did the price of Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Weak industrial demand, with a contracting Manufacturing Index in September 2025, pressured ASF prices.
- Softening Acrylonitrile (AN) and upstream propylene costs in Q3 2025 reduced production expenses for ASF.
- Deflationary pressures from a 0.3% CPI decline in September 2025 impacted consumer purchasing for ASF goods.
Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter, influenced by contracting manufacturing in September 2025.
- ASF production costs rose in Q3 2025, driven by European ammonia price surges in September and elevated gas prices.
- Demand for ASF declined in Q3 2025 as Germany's textile sector experienced a significant downturn.
- The Manufacturing Index contracted in September 2025, signaling reduced demand for ASF.
- Consumer confidence was significantly negative (-23.6 index) in September 2025, dampening discretionary spending.
- Industrial production in Germany declined by 1.0% year-over-year in September 2025, reducing ASF demand.
- Despite a 3.9% unemployment rate, a 2.4% CPI YoY in September 2025 indicated inflationary pressures.
- Producer Price Index (PPI) declined by 1.7% year-over-year in September 2025, reflecting lower input costs.
- European chemical production continued to decline in Q3 2025, decreasing ASF supply and capacity utilization.
Why did the price of Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Contracting manufacturing activity in September 2025 reduced ASF demand.
- European ammonia price surges in September 2025 increased ASF production costs.
- Negative consumer confidence in September 2025 dampened discretionary spending.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
The price of Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) showed a mixed trend during the second quarter. In the first month of the second quarter, the price of ASF decreased due to low production costs amid falling crude oil and acrylonitrile prices.
However, producers had to reduce their run rates to meet the low demand, which added to the market pressure. Despite these weak fundamentals, the market was supported by high producer inventories and the weak global economy. Meanwhile, the price of ASF recovered slightly in the second month. Looking ahead, the US Bureau of Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers rose by 0.1% in May, providing further support for price increases.
Finally, in the last month of the quarter, weak demand in the region and rising inventories caused prices to fall again. Market participants also expected the ASF market to be challenging for about three months due to a significant slowdown in export demand from Europe due to the off-season for knitwear. Ultimately, the ASF 1.5D price declined to settle at USD 2650/MT FOB Texas.
APAC
The price of Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) experienced mixed sentiment in the second quarter of 2023, with prices mainly on a downward trend. The slowdown in orders reinforced this trend, as downstream demand declined and plants in Korea cut back production. Major ASF producers were forced to cut prices to attract customers, but buyers and consumers were reluctant to place new orders. Market sources said that it was difficult to improve the region's weak demand and that inventories were rising. In addition, export orders were low amid weak seasonal demand for woolen clothing. However, by the middle of the quarter, the price of ASF rose slightly as a result of tight material availability. This shortage provided some support to the ASF market despite the downward trend in the acrylonitrile market. Downstream orders from the upholstery sector increased during the quarter, but demand for knitwear declined. Overall, limited material availability was the main factor influencing the price of ASF during the period. In the first half of the year, the price decline was mainly driven by weak demand from sectors such as sweaters and hand-knitting yarns, which signaled a pessimistic outlook for ASF. The market had also experienced limited demand and minimal trading activity, which further exacerbated the downward price trend. As a result, the ASF price showed a mixed trend, hovering around USD 2602/MT CFR Busan.
Europe
The price of Acrylic Staple Fibre (ASF) fell in the German market during the second quarter of 2008, as crude oil prices fell on the back of gloomy forecasts for the global economy and concerns about the US banking system. Buying sentiment was also affected by reduced operating rates in the textile industry. However, due to low domestic demand, recent offers in the domestic market showed slight price declines. By the middle of the quarter, the price increase in the German ASF market suggested that the manufacturing sector in the region was only marginally affected. Consumer demand, however, remained mixed. Low stocks in the region supported the upward price trend, but this was not enough to justify the price increase, as the European market was also struggling with rising inflationary concerns. Meanwhile, there was no support from the feedstock market as the acrylonitrile market in the European region was in decline. Uncertainty in the European market with low inventories therefore led to a partial recovery in ASF prices in the second month of the quarter. However, by the end of the second quarter, the price of ASF 1.5D had fallen back to settle at USD 2320/MT FD Hamburg. Monthly inflation, as estimated by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, also fell by 0.5% in June 2023. However, the off-season for knitwear continued to weigh on the market as demand from end-user industries fell sharply.
