Plastic, Silicone, Steel, and Others: Updated China Raw Materials Costs (late Apr ’26)

Sofeast’s team continues to monitor the cost evolution of key raw materials in China, helping importers and manufacturers stay informed.

This latest update from the market analysts we work with reflects changes (RMB costs and %) over the past year through Apr 27, 2026. (Click the charts to expand them)

Monthly China Raw Material Cost Changes – April 2026

Copper (电解铜) – Monthly Change: +6.33%

Spot copper prices increased moderately this month, with fluctuations narrowing.

• Drivers
  Macroeconomic factors and stable supply fundamentals supported the price increase.
• Outlook (next week)
  Prices are expected to continue rising slightly, with sensitivity to broader economic and geopolitical developments.

ABS (AG-15E1 宁波台化) – Monthly Change: -9.98%

ABS prices fell significantly this month, and market activity was slow.

• Drivers
  Weak demand from small- and medium-sized downstream enterprises weighed on prices. Inventory pressures on the seller side were mild, limiting upward support.
• Outlook (next week)
  With ample supply and risk-averse sentiment, ABS prices are likely to remain weak.

Silicone (110) – Monthly Change: +1.90%

Domestic 110 raw rubber prices stayed stable with a gentle upward trend.

• Drivers
  Earlier inventory drawdowns triggered some downstream replenishment. Pre-sale orders at monomer factories increased, while DMC raw material supply remains tight. Overall cost pressure on silicone is still noticeable.
• Outlook (next week)
  Prices are expected to hold steady with a modest upward trend.

Zinc Alloy (Zamak 5) – Monthly Change: +2.44%

Electrolytic zinc prices rose this month, pushing zinc alloy prices higher.

• Drivers
  Tightening supply supported price increases.
• Outlook (next week)
  Market participants will monitor developments in the Middle East and domestic policies. Prices may continue to trend upward.

Aluminum Alloy (ADC 12, Jiangsu) – Monthly Change: -2.99%

Aluminum prices declined slightly this month.

• Drivers
  Volatile trading patterns led to alternating upward and downward movements.
• Outlook (next week)
  Prices are expected to remain within the current fluctuation range as macro and industry factors stabilize.

Paper for Color Box (157 g, Double-Coated) – Monthly Change: -1.02%

Double copper paper prices fell slightly this month.

• Drivers
  Production lines operated at low capacity, distributors’ orders remained modest, and price reductions were used to attract business. Import pulp prices provided limited support.
• Outlook (next week)
  Supply is stable, but weak demand suggests prices may continue trending downward slightly.

Stainless Steel (304/2B 0.4 mm, Taiyuan) – Monthly Change: +4.02%

Stainless steel futures moved sideways, while spot prices increased moderately.

• Drivers
  Geopolitical fluctuations and cost pressures supported spot prices.
• Outlook (next week)
  Prices are expected to remain stable, though rising supply may limit further gains.

Battery Materials (Lithium Cobalt Oxides) – Monthly Change: -0.17%

Cathode and precursor materials showed minimal change this month, with lithium carbonate slightly up.

• Drivers
  Market volatility continues, influenced by production quotas in Indonesia, sulfur prices, and overall supply-demand trends in the battery sector.
• Outlook (next month’s orders)
  Prices are expected to remain largely stable, with slight fluctuations possible depending on raw material availability.

How to combat rising costs?

Explore cost-reducing tips in this post: Rising Raw Material Prices: What Strategy To Follow? (6 Approaches).

What to do if your Chinese supplier suddenly tells you that material costs have risen: How To Cooperate With Your Chinese Supplier, Part 16: Bad News from China, Raw Material Prices Just Increased!

If your supplier just isn’t working out, maybe sourcing a new supplier will help you find one who can offer you better prices and more. If so, there’s no need to fear switching from your current supplier to a new one if you’re prepared: How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook].

We hope this is helpful. Our mission at Sofeast is to provide importers with transparency in their supply chain and to give them greater control. And this information is crucial for gaining visibility into your manufacturer’s costing.

By the way, you can always contact us if you have any questions about whether a manufacturer’s quote is reasonable or not.