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 in RMB costs and percentages over the past year through July 27, 2026. Click the charts to expand them.
Monthly China Raw Material Cost Changes – June 2026
Copper – Monthly Change: +2.94%
Copper prices rose moderately during July, although they were almost unchanged during the latest week.
- Drivers
Domestic spot copper supplies remain tight, and premiums are still high. Maintenance work at major Chinese smelters and disruptions affecting copper ore supplies have reduced production and tightened availability. However, downstream demand is weakening as buyers become increasingly reluctant to purchase at current high prices. - Outlook (next week)
Copper prices may rise further before pulling back. An increase in recycled copper supplies and weaker demand for expensive refined copper are expected to limit further price increases.
ABS (AG-15E1) – Monthly Change: +11.32%
ABS prices rose considerably during July, although they experienced a slight correction during the latest week.
- Drivers
Higher production costs supported the increase in ABS prices. However, demand from downstream manufacturers remained relatively weak, slowing the pace of price increases and keeping market activity subdued. - Outlook (next week)
Production costs are expected to remain firm. ABS prices are therefore likely to remain relatively strong, although weak demand may prevent another sharp increase.
Silicone (110) – Monthly Change: -19.59%
Domestic silicone raw rubber prices fell sharply during July.
- Drivers
Silicone monomer manufacturers were eager to secure new orders, and increased competition pushed transaction prices lower. Demand from downstream manufacturers did not improve significantly, adding further pressure to the market. - Outlook (next week)
Some downstream companies have started restocking at the lower prices. This has helped manufacturers secure more advance orders and reduce their inventory pressure. Silicone prices are therefore expected to stabilise in the short term.
Zinc Alloy (Zamak 5) – Monthly Change: +2.14%
Zinc alloy prices increased moderately during July and continued to move slightly higher during the latest week.
- Drivers
Stronger market fundamentals provided support for electrolytic zinc prices. Inventory levels and the rate at which existing stocks are being consumed are also influencing the market. - Outlook (next week)
Zinc prices are expected to remain supported. The direction of the market will depend largely on whether zinc inventories continue to fall.
Aluminum Alloy ADC 12 – Monthly Change: +0.43%
ADC 12 aluminum alloy prices remained broadly stable during July.
- Drivers
A mixture of positive and negative economic and supply-demand factors kept aluminum prices within a relatively narrow range. There was not enough pressure in either direction to create a clear trend. - Outlook (next week)
Macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions may continue to cause some volatility, but aluminum prices are expected to remain range-bound.
Paper for Color Boxes – Monthly Change: 0.00%
The price of coated paper used for printed color boxes remained unchanged during July.
- Drivers
Supply remained stable, and no major production shutdowns were announced. Existing publishing orders helped paper mills reduce their inventories, but there was little growth in new commercial demand. Distributors continued to focus on clearing their current stocks. - Outlook (next week)
Most purchases are expected to be made only when materials are immediately required. Coated paper prices are therefore likely to remain flat in the short term.
Stainless Steel (304/2B 0.4MM) – Monthly Change: -1.75%
The price of 304 stainless steel fell slightly during July and remained unchanged during the latest week.
- Drivers
Cold-rolled stainless steel prices initially declined before recovering slightly as futures prices improved. This supported market confidence to some extent, but the recovery remained limited. - Outlook (next week)
There are currently few strong factors that would push stainless steel prices significantly higher. Prices are expected to continue fluctuating within a relatively narrow range.
Battery Materials (Lithium Cobalt Oxides) – Monthly Change: -4.09%
Battery material prices declined during July, although they increased very slightly during the latest week.
- Drivers
Prices for cathode materials and ternary precursor materials moved lower. Lithium iron phosphate prices also declined alongside falling spot lithium carbonate prices. At the same time, battery material manufacturers continue to maintain strong production schedules, and exports are expected to grow moderately. - Outlook (next month’s orders)
Some leading manufacturers have announced planned price increases for August, and companies in the industry have reportedly discussed wider price adjustments. Continued geopolitical instability may also add upward pressure, so battery material prices could begin rising again.
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.
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