2026 Viscose & Polyester Raw Material Price Trend Analysis: What Buyers Need to Know

Introduction

As we enter the first quarter of 2026, the global nonwoven fabric market continues to face dynamic shifts in raw material costs. For importers of Spunlace Nonwoven fabrics, understanding the price trajectory of Viscose (Rayon) and Polyester (PET) is crucial for strategic procurement and cost control. Here is our analysis of the market trends for 2026.

1. Polyester (PET) Chips: Stabilization with Slight Fluctuation

Polyester prices are intrinsically linked to the crude oil market and the upstream supply of PTA and MEG.

Crude Oil Impact: In early 2026, global oil prices have shown relative stability compared to previous years. This has stabilized the baseline cost for Polyester staple fibers.

Supply Chain: Massive capacity expansions in Asian petrochemical plants throughout 2025 have led to a sufficient supply of PET chips.

Forecast: We predict Polyester prices will remain stable to slightly bearish in Q1 and Q2 of 2026, making it a good time for buyers to lock in long-term contracts for high-polyester blend fabrics (e.g., 80% PET / 20% Viscose).

2. Viscose Fiber: The "Green" Premium

Unlike Polyester, Viscose is derived from wood pulp (dissolving pulp) and is prized for its biodegradability and absorbency.

Rising Demand: With the implementation of stricter plastic bans in the EU and North America (e.g., the Single-Use Plastics Directive), demand for biodegradable nonwovens has surged. This puts upward pressure on Viscose prices.

Pulp Costs: The cost of dissolving wood pulp has seen a moderate increase of 3-5% entering 2026 due to logistics challenges and environmental regulations in production regions.

Forecast: Viscose prices are expected to see a moderate upward trend throughout 2026.

3. Procurement Strategy for 2026

For Wipes Manufacturers: If your market demands 100% biodegradable wipes, expect higher material costs. Consider optimizing GSM (weight) to control costs without sacrificing quality.

For Industrial/Medical Use: Blended fabrics (e.g., 50/50 or 30/70 blends) remain the most cost-effective solution, balancing the low cost of Polyester with the performance of Viscose.

Conclusion

At Jianghua New Materials, we maintain strong relationships with upstream fiber suppliers to mitigate market volatility. We recommend our clients place orders early in Q1 2026 to secure current pricing levels before the traditional peak season.