Copper smelters are relying on by-product sulfuric acid revenues to offset losses from negative concentrate treatment charges. Strong acid prices are supporting smelter profitability, with prices remaining elevated. The trend underscores the key role of sulfuric acid in smelter economics and suggests continued price strength.
A Strait of Hormuz blockade and export bans from Russia and Kazakhstan severely curtailed sulfur supply, pushing global sulfuric acid prices to multi-year highs. The Chinese smelter acid index gained 94% and CFR Indonesia sulfuric acid rose 185% in H1. Despite a post-ceasefire retreat, inventories remain low and supply recovery is slow, keeping prices elevated.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscose Staple Fibre | China | FOB | USD 2,047.41/MT | May 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | India | CIF | USD 2,114.34/MT | May 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | USA | CIF | USD 2,166.19/MT | May 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | Brazil | CIF | USD 2,179.00/MT | May 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | Canada | CIF | USD 2,166.19/MT | May 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | China | FOB | USD 1,948.30/MT | April 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | India | CIF | USD 1,998.30/MT | April 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | USA | CIF | USD 2,035.30/MT | April 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | Brazil | CIF | USD 2,014.30/MT | April 2026 |
| Viscose Staple Fibre | Canada | CIF | USD 2,035.30/MT | April 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest viscose staple fibre prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
The Viscose Staple Fibre market in Asia showed a weak-to-stable trend in Q1’26, followed by slight strengthening toward the end of the quarter. High operating rates and slow downstream offtake in January kept the market subdued, as textile mills focused on inventory management during the seasonal slowdown. By February, production remained steady, but inventories started easing as operating discipline improved. In March, the market turned firmer due to restocking from the downstream yarn and textile segments and controlled supply levels. Trade flows remained stable, with China continuing to dominate exports of viscose-based fibres, while logistical disruptions linked to Middle East tensions increased freight costs and delayed shipments, tightening short-term availability without creating raw material shortages.
Europe
The Viscose Staple Fibre market in Europe remained range-bound with slight firmness in Q1’26, largely tracking Asian supply dynamics. The region depended on imports for fibre requirements, and trade data indicate continued reliance on external supply chains for textile inputs. Weak downstream demand from the apparel and home textile sectors limited a strong recovery, while stable feedstock conditions prevented supply-side pressure. Rising freight and insurance costs linked to Gulf disruptions increased landed costs, supporting marginal upward movement toward the end of the quarter.
North America
The Viscose Staple Fibre market in North America remained stable to slightly soft in Q1’26, reflecting cautious downstream demand and reliance on imports. Textile and apparel demand stayed moderate, with steady but not expanding consumption patterns reflected in import activity. Supply availability remained adequate due to stable global flows, preventing shortages. However, higher logistics and energy costs linked to geopolitical tensions increased procurement costs. The market largely mirrored global conditions, with no significant regional supply disruptions but gradual cost-driven firmness emerging late in the quarter.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, the Viscose Staple Fibre market is expected to remain steady with mild upward support from logistics and cost pressures, while demand recovery remains gradual and limits stronger gains.
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Asia
In H2 2025, the Asia-Pacific VSF market remained largely range-bound with mild fluctuations, reflecting a balanced yet subdued demand environment. Q3 saw slight downward pressure due to inventory accumulation, easing feedstock costs, and weak textile orders amid macroeconomic uncertainty. By Q4, prices edged up marginally, supported by intermittent port congestion, regional mill maintenance, and freight pressures that tightened near-term supply. However, ample Chinese export availability and stable production costs, with flat dissolving pulp and chemical inputs, continued to cap any strong upside. Downstream demand from apparel remained cautious, with mills limiting purchases and maintaining lean inventories. Overall, the market exhibited resilience but lacked strong bullish momentum, as supply adequacy and conservative procurement strategies dominated pricing dynamics.
Europe
European VSF prices displayed mixed movement in H2 2025, with moderate gains in Q3 followed by a sharper correction in Q4. Q3 strength was supported by balanced supply-demand conditions, logistical disruptions at key ports such as Antwerp and Hamburg, and pre-winter restocking by textile and hygiene sectors. However, this momentum reversed in Q4 as weak retail offtake, subdued manufacturing activity, and declining export competitiveness weighed heavily on demand. Ample inventories, steady operating rates, and subdued feedstock and energy costs removed cost-push support, making demand the primary price driver. Despite minor logistical inefficiencies, cautious procurement and reduced converter activity led to a sustained softening trend toward year-end.
North America
In North America, VSF prices remained under mild downward pressure throughout H2 2025, reflecting steady but uninspiring market fundamentals. Q3 saw slight declines driven by import competition, tariff-related uncertainties, and subdued domestic demand, despite some supply tightness. In Q4, the market stabilized within a narrow range as steady import flows and adequate inventories balanced supply-demand dynamics. Production costs remained neutral due to easing caustic soda prices and slightly firm pulp costs, limiting cost-driven price movements. Downstream demand from apparel and nonwovens stayed weak, with cautious restocking and conservative retail sentiment suppressing buying activity.
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
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
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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