Sofeast’s team continues monitoring the cost evolution of key raw materials in China to help importers and manufacturers stay informed. This latest update reflects changes over the past year up to July 27, 2025. Prices remain volatile, with some sharp rebounds and downturns depending on the material and market dynamics.
Monthly China raw material cost changes
Here’s how each material’s cost changed compared to the previous update, and what’s driving the shifts based on research from market analysts:
Epoxy Resin (E-51) +0.77% monthly change
The epoxy resin market remained stable with a slight increase this week. Mainstream factory quotations held steady, supported by rigid demand. While upstream raw materials saw mild fluctuations, most market players are holding a wait-and-see attitude.
ABS (AG-15E1) -0.10% monthly change
ABS prices fluctuated within a narrow range. Cost-side support was modest, and demand-side performance was average. Traders remained cautious and mostly followed market signals rather than initiating bold movements.
Silicone (110) +11.59% monthly change
Silicone prices remained flat this week following a strong rebound in the previous period. The market stabilized as earlier gains in 110 synthetic rubber were absorbed. Traders are now observing downstream buying trends for direction.
Zinc Alloy (Zamak5) +1.17% monthly change
Zinc prices declined slightly as electrolytic zinc fell early in the week. Although prices recovered midweek, downstream buyers were cautious, leading to weaker-than-expected transaction volumes.
Aluminum Alloy ADC 12 +0.51% monthly change
Aluminum alloy prices dipped a bit after a slight rebound last week. End-user demand was relatively light, and the overall transaction atmosphere remained quiet, resulting in softer pricing.
Paper for Color Box (157g) -0.90% monthly change
The average price of double copper paper continued to slide. Market confidence is low, and trading activity has been lackluster. End customers are limiting procurement, driving prices down slightly.
Stainless Steel (304/2B 0.4MM) +1.37% monthly change
Spot prices for stainless steel rose again this week, mainly driven by tightening supply and growing market sentiment. Buyers were slightly more active, although long-term outlooks remain uncertain.
Battery Material (Lithium cobalt oxides) -0.91% monthly change
The lithium cobalt oxide market saw steady gains. Downstream demand from digital electronics picked up, helping push prices higher. Supply remained constrained, supporting continued upward movement.
Overview: Market Remains Mixed
- Gainers: Epoxy resin, ABS, stainless steel, and battery materials showed moderate-to-strong increases.
- Decliners: Zinc, aluminum, and paper weakened due to softer demand.
- Stabilizers: Silicone flattened after a big run-up, possibly pausing before further changes.
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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