Plastic, Silicone, Steel, and Others: Updated China Raw Materials Costs (late Jan ’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 Jan 26, 2026. (Click the charts to expand them)

Monthly China Raw Material Cost Changes – January 2026

Epoxy Resin (E-51) +3.48% monthly change

This week, the epoxy resin market showed a clear upward trend, with prices strengthening gradually.

• Drivers
  Cost support increased across the chain, while downstream buyers stepped in for replenishment. This combination lifted market confidence and pushed transaction prices higher.
• Outlook (next week)
  Domestic epoxy resin prices are expected to edge up slightly, supported by costs and restocking demand, though gains are likely to remain moderate.

ABS (AG-15E1) +6.45% monthly change

This week, ABS prices showed noticeable differentiation across the market. Early trading was weak, but transaction activity improved toward the end of the period.

• Drivers
  Upstream costs fluctuated but trended higher overall. At the same time, differences in available spot resources led to mild price dispersion across regions and suppliers.
• Outlook (next week)
  With cost support remaining elevated, ABS prices are expected to stay firm, although price differences between suppliers may persist.

Silicone (110) +3.47% monthly change

This week, domestic 110 silicone rubber prices remained broadly stable.

• Drivers
  Both buyers and sellers focused on fulfilling existing orders and managing inventories. Producers mainly delivered pre-sold volumes, keeping overall inventory levels under control. Cost support from upstream raw materials remains strong.
• Outlook (next week)
  DMC prices are expected to stay stable and gradually strengthen, providing solid cost support. Silicone rubber prices are likely to remain firm with limited volatility.

Zinc Alloy (Zamak 5) +5.63% monthly change

This week, electrolytic zinc prices fell from earlier highs before rebounding, resulting in a higher average level overall.

• Drivers
  Tariff developments in Europe and the United States increased macro uncertainty and triggered risk-averse sentiment, limiting aggressive buying despite supply-side support.
• Outlook (next week)
  With macro conditions still evolving, market sentiment remains cautious. Zinc alloy prices are likely to fluctuate within a narrow range.

Aluminum Alloy (ADC 12, Jiangsu) +6.66% monthly change

This week, aluminum prices declined first, and then recovered slightly within a narrow band.

• Drivers
  Market sentiment became more volatile as bulls and bears competed. After prices pulled back, limited buying support led to a modest rebound.
• Outlook (next week)
  Both upward and downward forces remain present. Aluminum prices are expected to stay range-bound with ongoing short-term fluctuations.

Paper for Color Box (157g double-coated) -1.01% monthly change

This week, the coated paper market continued its downward trend.

• Drivers
  Some production lines were shut temporarily, and cost expectations turned bearish. As publishing orders near completion and supply increases with resumed production, inventory pressure has grown. Distributors are also showing a stronger willingness to sell at lower prices to recover cash.
• Outlook (next week)
  With ample supply and no clear demand recovery, the market center may continue to shift downward in the near term.

Stainless Steel (304/2B 0.4 mm, Taiyuan) +8.62% monthly change

This week, stainless steel prices rose sharply, driven primarily by futures market momentum.

• Drivers
  A strong futures market created a bullish atmosphere, lifting spot prices and improving sentiment among traders and mills.
• Outlook (next week)
  After reaching elevated levels, caution is expected to increase. Prices may consolidate at higher levels, with relatively strong but more measured trading.

Battery Material (Lithium Cobalt Oxides) +4.98% monthly change

This week, precursor prices increased, lithium salts moved higher, and ternary material prices largely followed the upward trend.

• Drivers
  Downstream demand in January has not fully recovered, and some automotive manufacturers are entering holiday periods in February. Cobalt salt exports from Congo remain limited, while domestic cobalt recovery continues to improve.
• Outlook (next month’s orders)
  Attention will shift toward export volumes and post-holiday demand recovery. The processing environment remains stable, suggesting a firm but selective pricing outlook for battery materials.

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.