It’s time for the monthly update tracking the costs of commonly used raw materials from China for the past year to help you understand the market’s current state. If you or your supplier purchase materials from China for your products, the cost changes you see here impact your bottom line!
Here’s the up-to-date material cost data from China for you as of late February 2025 and the price evolution over the past twelve months – a fair rise in silicone costs and a decent fall in cardboard for boxes can be seen at the end of this month.
Here are the annual cost changes in CNY, including weekly changes for February 25:
Here is what the external market analysts we work with attribute these changes to during this past month and the overall monthly cost change in the last week of February:
Epoxy Resin (+2.00%)
The epoxy resin market experienced an initial decline this week before rebounding, with a slight improvement in trading activity. Driving factors: Increased production costs provided support, and some downstream buyers replenished their stock. Market outlook for next week: Domestic epoxy resin prices are expected to fluctuate slightly upward within a limited range.
ABS (-2.70%)
ABS prices saw a partial decline this week, with transaction resistance in the market. Driving factors: Falling upstream raw material prices and weak market fundamentals contributed to the price drop. Market outlook for next week: With weak cost support and only marginal improvements in supply and demand, ABS prices are expected to remain in a weak consolidation phase.
Silicone Rubber 110 (+8.46%)
The price of 110-grade raw rubber remained stable this week. Manufacturers actively supported prices, keeping offers and negotiations steady. Driving factors: Demand recovery among downstream rubber enterprises was slow, leading to low purchase interest at the beginning of the week. However, as price increase signals emerged, buyer sentiment shifted, boosting inquiries and purchasing activity.
Zinc Alloy (-0.04%)
Electrolytic zinc prices declined early in the week before rebounding, leading to a higher average price overall. Driving factors: Mixed market influences caused fluctuations, but improving demand and positive market sentiment ultimately supported zinc prices. Market outlook for next week: With demand gradually recovering, market sentiment is expected to continue supporting zinc prices.
Aluminum Alloy (No change)
After a modest rise earlier in the week, aluminum prices saw a slow decline. Driving factors: Favorable macroeconomic conditions pushed the price slightly higher. Market outlook for next week: Given the continued positive macroeconomic environment, aluminum prices may strengthen further.
PVC (No change)
The price of PVC powder initially dropped before rebounding slightly, though overall transactions remained weak. Driving factors: Market fundamentals were average, but the broader economic sentiment was supportive. Market outlook for next week: While fundamentals remain weak, ongoing macroeconomic support may help keep PVC prices stable or slightly strong.
Paper for Color Boxes (+1.69%)
The double-coated paper market saw slight price increases this week. Driving factors: Some manufacturers were keen to take orders, while dealers became less willing to sell at lower prices. In certain regions, occasional price hikes further supported local market stability.
Corrugated & Boxboard Paper (-7.36%)
Market activity weakened this week, leading to an overall decline in average prices. Driving factors: Large-scale paper mills continued to lower their quotations, increasing bearish sentiment. Market outlook for next week: Growing supply-demand imbalances could accelerate the decline in paper prices.
Stainless Steel (No Change)
Stainless steel prices remained mostly stable, with some minor fluctuations. Driving factors: Demand from end-users helped support the market. Market outlook for next week: Despite supply-side pressure, optimism around demand and cost support may help stabilize or slightly lift prices.
Lithium Batteries (No Change)
The lithium cobalt oxide market remained quiet, with electrode material prices holding steady. Driving factors: Stable cost support maintained market price stability. Market outlook for next week: The electrode material market is expected to remain stable in the short term.
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 help importers have transparency in their supply chain and to give them more control. And this information is critical to have some 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.
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