Sulfuric acid prices rose sharply through the first half of 2026 before retreating from their mid-year peak as supply conditions loosened. Weak downstream demand has contributed to the easing, though the commodity remains a critical revenue buffer for copper smelters facing squeezed processing margins. The price trajectory reflects the interplay between by-product supply dynamics and broader industrial demand.
China's 98% smelting sulfuric acid price eased over the week as spot trading weakened and recovering supply added pressure. Elevated sulfur and metal ore costs provided partial support, but the market faces further downside as lower-priced regional supplies increase competitive pressure.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscose Staple Fibre | China | FOB | USD 2,113.41/MT | August 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | India | CIF | USD 2,204.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | USA | CIF | USD 2,269.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | Brazil | CIF | USD 2,255.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | Canada | CIF | USD 2,313.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | China | FOB | USD 2,091.38/MT | July 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | India | CIF | USD 2,198.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | USA | CIF | USD 2,278.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | Brazil | CIF | USD 2,263.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | Canada | CIF | USD 2,291.00/MT | July 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Viscose Staple Fibre prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In China, the average price of Viscose Staple Fibre rose from ~USD 2,091.38/MT (FOB) in July to ~USD 2,113.41/MT in August, an increase of ~1.1%. India edged up about 0.3%, from ~USD 2,198.00/MT (CIF) to ~USD 2,204.00/MT. Overall, the Asian market followed a firm to rising trend. Chinese supply stayed tight, as the industry has added no new capacity in three years while rapid growth in vortex-spinning machines kept demand ahead of supply, even at high operating rates. China’s viscose imports rose 12.70% in January to August, reflecting this tightness. In India, Grasim passed sharply higher input costs, including sulphur, on to buyers, though its fibre sales volumes fell 4% due to planned maintenance and weak downstream demand, keeping Indian gains modest.
Europe
The European viscose market followed a firm pricing trend, driven mainly by cost pass-through. Lenzing, the region’s main producer, reported improved second-quarter revenue on consistent pricing measures, while citing volatile energy and raw material costs, subdued consumer demand and stronger Asian competition. The company is also reducing its exposure to commodity textile viscose, including a planned sale of its Indonesian plant, which is expected to tighten standard-grade availability over time.
North America
In the USA, the average price of viscose staple fibre eased slightly from nearly USD 2,278.00/MT (CIF) in July to roughly USD 2,269.00/MT in August, down ~0.4%. Canada rose about 1.0%, from ~USD 2,291.00/MT (CIF) to ~USD 2,313.00/MT. Overall, North American prices remained broadly stable. The region relies almost entirely on imports, and new US duties of 10% to 12.5% on most imports from 60 economies, effective 24 July, kept landed costs elevated. Softer cotton and polyester values and cautious textile demand limited further increases.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, viscose staple fibre prices are expected to stay firm as tight supply and steady spinning demand continue, though softer competing fibres and weak consumer demand may slow further gains.
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Asia
Viscose Staple Fibre prices in China increased to ~USD 1,948.31/MT in April and ~USD 2,084.00/MT in June, showing a ~7.0% increase. Meanwhile, in India, prices increased to ~USD 1,998.30/MT in April and ~USD 2,172.00/MT in June, showing a ~8.7% increase. Asian markets strengthened during April and May as low VSF inventories, firm fibre prices and producer discipline supported higher offers. Dissolving pulp conditions remained relatively stable, shifting the main price support toward supply management rather than raw-material inflation. China’s pulp imports reached 3.218 million tonnes in April, indicating comfortable broader cellulose availability. Textile buyers remained cautious, with spinning and weaving mills mainly purchasing for immediate production requirements, limiting further price gains by June.
Europe
European VSF conditions remained mixed as higher logistics and production costs supported pricing, while weak textile demand restricted stronger increases. Fibre producers faced elevated energy and operating expenses, but downstream purchasing remained cautious. European retail activity weakened, with non-food retail declining, affecting apparel-related demand. Broader pulp availability remained comfortable, reducing the likelihood of severe feedstock shortages. The market therefore remained supported by cost factors but limited by slower textile-chain recovery.
North America
North American VSF prices increased to ~USD 2,035.30/MT in April and ~USD 2,239.00/MT in June, showing a ~10% increase. Imported fibre costs received support from higher freight rates and supply-chain expenses, while manufacturing activity provided some demand support. However, pulp availability remained mixed, with adequate softwood supply limiting raw-material pressure. Inventory building in manufacturing supported procurement activity, but final textile demand remained uneven.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, in the near-term, VSF prices are expected to remain stable to firm as producers maintain supply discipline, while demand recovery across textile markets will determine further movement.
Viscose Staple Fiber (VSF) is a cotton-like fibre which is natural and biodegradable. It is widely used in the production of various clothing materials, home textiles, knitted wear and non-woven applications. It is industrially produced as a sustainable alternative to cotton from cellulose-dissolving pulp like cotton, wood, bamboo and others.
(C6H10O5)n
Silk treatment and staple fabrics, knitted goods, technical goods like nonwoven products, tyre cords, and medical-surgical products, in other products like feminine hygiene, baby wipes, and kitchen wipes.
LENZING AG, Birla Cellulose, Sateri Holding Ltd.Kelheim Fibres GmbH., Tangshan Sanyou Group Xingda Chemical Fibre Co. Ltd., Aditya Birla Chemicals, Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical Co. Ltd
Rayon staple fiber, Viscose Rayon, Cellulose Rayon
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
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Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Cellulose is dissolved in caustic soda, pressed, and crumbled to create white crumbs. It is aged, then mixed with carbon disulfide in xanthation process forming yellow crumb. The "yellow crumb" is dissolved in caustic solution to form viscose, which is ripened, filtered, and degassed. The viscose is extruded through a spinneret and lands in a sulfuric acid bath to form rayon filaments. The filaments are stretched, washed, and cut to produce staple fibers.
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