Cotton Linter Prices Rise Above 4,000 RMB/Ton, Increasing Cost Pressure on HPMC Raw Materials

Cotton Linter Market Shows Upward Trend

Recently, the price of cotton linter, an important upstream raw material for refined cotton production, has shown a noticeable upward trend. As the primary raw material source for refined cotton, cotton linter price fluctuations have attracted attention from the cellulose ether industry.

According to market monitoring data, cotton linter prices increased steadily from June to August 2026:

· In early June 2026, the price was approximately RMB 3,850/ton;

· On August 5, 2026, the price reached around RMB 3,975/ton;

· The market price subsequently exceeded the RMB 4,000/ton level.

(Attached: Cotton Linter Price Trend Chart)

The continued increase in cotton linter prices has directly influenced upstream refined cotton production costs and created additional cost pressure across the cellulose ether supply chain.

Relationship Between Cotton Linter, Refined Cotton, and HPMC

HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose) is a widely used cellulose ether product manufactured through chemical modification of refined cotton.

The basic industrial chain is:

Cotton Linter → Refined Cotton → Cellulose Ether (HPMC) → Construction, Pharmaceutical, Food, and Industrial Applications

Cotton linter is processed into refined cotton through purification and treatment processes. As an essential raw material for HPMC production, refined cotton quality and supply stability play an important role in maintaining consistent HPMC manufacturing.

Therefore, fluctuations in cotton linter prices may gradually affect refined cotton costs and influence the overall raw material cost structure of HPMC production.

Impact of Rising Cotton Linter Prices on the Cellulose Ether Industry

Increased Upstream Raw Material Costs

With cotton linter prices moving upward, refined cotton manufacturers may face higher raw material procurement costs. Since refined cotton represents an important input for cellulose ether production, cost changes at the upstream stage may gradually transfer along the industrial chain.

For HPMC manufacturers, effective supply chain management and stable raw material sourcing remain important factors in maintaining consistent production.

Importance of Raw Material Quality and Stability

HPMC production requires refined cotton with stable quality characteristics, including:

● High purity
● Consistent cellulose content
● Stable processing performance
● Reliable batch consistency

Changes in upstream raw material markets highlight the importance of maintaining stable raw material standards throughout cellulose ether production.

Factors Influencing Future Market Trends

The future trend of cotton linter and HPMC raw material costs will depend on multiple market factors, including:

● Cotton linter supply and market availability
● Refined cotton production conditions
● Changes in cellulose ether demand
● Overall raw material market fluctuations

The development of the cotton linter market will continue to influence cost conditions across the refined cotton and cellulose ether industries.

Conclusion

The recent increase in cotton linter prices above RMB 4,000/ton reflects changing conditions in the upstream raw material market. As a key raw material source for refined cotton production, cotton linter price movements may have a continued impact on the cost structure of HPMC and other cellulose ether products.

Monitoring upstream raw material trends will remain important for understanding future developments in the cellulose ether industry.