Sofeast’s team continues to monitor the cost evolution of key raw materials in China, helping importers and manufacturers stay informed.
News! We have added copper to the list of materials we’re monitoring, as it’s a key material today and is undergoing cost changes.
This latest update from the market analysts we work with reflects changes (RMB costs and %) over the past year through Mar 27, 2026. (Click the charts to expand them)
Monthly China Raw Material Cost Changes – March 2026
Copper (Spot) – Monthly Change: -6.73%
This week, spot copper prices declined slightly, with overall levels trending downward.
Drivers
Market sentiment was heavily influenced by developments in the US–Iran negotiations. While the US signaled that discussions remain ongoing and productive, Iran rejected the proposed ceasefire and introduced new conditions. Although the situation remains unclear, signs of potential easing supported a partial price rebound.
Outlook (next week)
Prices are expected to rise slightly within a narrow range, with continued sensitivity to geopolitical developments.
ABS (AG-15E1) – Monthly Change: +19.25%
ABS prices rose initially this week, then stabilized within a fluctuating range.
Drivers
Cost pressures increased, alongside expectations of tighter supply. This pushed the overall price level upward, while market negotiations remained relatively smooth.
Outlook (next week)
Costs are expected to remain high and volatile. With anticipated supply reductions in April, prices are likely to stay relatively strong despite fluctuations.
Silicone (110) – Monthly Change: -1.60%
Silicone rubber prices remained stable this week, with improved transaction activity at lower price levels.
Drivers
DMC prices moved slightly downward, and as pre-sale orders were fulfilled, suppliers became more willing to accept new orders. Downstream buyers reduced inventory levels after prior stock clearance, keeping purchasing cautious.
Outlook (next week)
With DMC prices expected to rise moderately and market sentiment turning more positive, silicone prices are likely to increase moderately.
Zinc Alloy (Zamak 5) – Monthly Change: -6.41%
Zinc prices fluctuated but trended downward overall this week.
Drivers
Strong supply combined with weak demand continued to weigh on prices, pushing the average price lower.
Outlook (next week)
Market sentiment remains cautious due to variable macroeconomic signals. Prices may continue to fluctuate within a limited range.
Aluminum Alloy (ADC 12, Jiangsu) – Monthly Change: +2.86%
Domestic aluminum prices moved downward this week.
Drivers
Market focus shifted toward inflation expectations, contributing to downward pressure on aluminum prices.
Outlook (next week)
Geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, may influence sentiment. Prices are expected to remain range-bound in the short term.
Paper for Color Box (157 g double-coated) – No Change
Paper prices edged slightly lower amid weak sales.
Drivers
Supply remains abundant while demand from the printing and packaging sectors is still soft. Orders for commercial printing and packaging are limited, and dealer pressure is contributing to downward pricing in some transactions.
Outlook (next week)
With supply expected to remain stable and demand still weak, prices may continue to trend downward slightly.
Stainless Steel (304/2B 0.4 mm, Taiyuan) – No Change
Stainless steel prices showed an overall upward trend this week.
Drivers
Futures market gains, along with price support from steel mills, improved overall market sentiment and lifted spot prices.
Outlook (next week)
The market outlook remains cautiously positive, although further price increases may be limited by expected adjustments.
Battery Material (Lithium Iron Phosphate & Cathode) – Monthly Change: -1.27%
Battery material prices continued to rise, with cathode materials increasing while ternary precursor prices remained stable.
Drivers
Demand began recovering toward the end of March, led by the energy storage sector. Rising raw material and fuel costs—driven partly by geopolitical factors—are putting pressure on producer margins. Lithium iron phosphate prices are closely tracking lithium carbonate, which has also risen.
Outlook (next month’s orders)
Prices are expected to remain elevated, with continued volatility linked to lithium carbonate trends and broader geopolitical influences.
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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