Asia Manufacturing Stalled in Q3, 2021

All general-purpose plastic prices were up in Q3 on average by 6% except HIPS which was down 1%. Year over year, general-purpose plastic prices have risen an average of 24%, led by PVC up over 80%, followed by EVA up 66% and PS up 34%.

Engineering plastic prices were mixed in Q3 with PA up the most at over 14% and PC down almost 8%. Year over year, prices were up by average 11%, led by ABS up 36%, PC up 33%, and Nylon up 14% with only PA and Tritan down year over year 3% and 1% respectively.

Rubber prices were more mixed in Q3 with Silicon up 55%, Neoprene up 23%, and Polybutadiene up 10%, while Latex, EDPM, and Nitril were down 8%, 6%, and 5% respectively and Natural Rubber showed little change. Year over year, all rubber prices are up significantly with EPDM leading the pack up over 70%, followed by Silicon, Nitril and Neoprene up 35%, 26%, and 20% respectively with only recycled rubber down slightly by less than 5%.

For Q3, the prices of all Carbon Steel were up on average 6% versus Q2, however pig iron prices stabilized down a little over 1%. Year over year, all carbon steel including plates, rods, and wire are up significantly on average over 4o% versus one year ago with Pig Iron up 45%.

Stainless Steel grades are also up on average by 19% versus Q2. Year over year, it’s the same story as carbon steel grades up 35% to 50% on average across the board.

Aluminum prices slowed in September but still increased on average 21% versus Q2. Year over year, all aluminum prices are up significantly versus year ago prices on average up over 50% with ingots up 56%.

Other Industrial Metals also ticked upward in Q3 on average by about 4%-5%. Year over year, Copper leads the way up 48%, followed by Brass Rod up 37%, Nickle up 30%, Brass tube up 19%, and Zinc Alloy up almost 17%.

Wood prices showed small increases in Q3 versus other commodities rising on average by 3% to 5%. Year over year, all wood grades are up about 3% except MDF down on average by 6% to 10% versus one year ago.

Paper materials held steady in Q3 with cardboard and art paper up slightly and corrugated and Kraft down on average about 8%. Year over year, Paper prices are up on average about 15% although Kraft paper remains the exception down a few percent.

Textile fabric prices were mostly unchanged in the third quarter, except Raw Cotton which rose about 17% and Polyester up 11% versus Q2. Year over year, Raw Cotton is up 46%, Polyester Fabric up 20% on average versus one year ago.

Ceramic and Glass Raw Materials, most of the materials were up about 3%, however, steady Soda Ash shot up 65% and Alumina was up 49%. Year over year, Soda Ash is up over 73%, Alumina is up 59%, Quartz and Sand up almost 7%, and Kaolin and Feldspar up less at 4% and 1% respectively versus one year ago.

FUEL

Fuel prices saw continued upward pressure up on average by almost 25% in Q3 versus Q2.  Year over year, prices have almost doubled for most fuels. The cost for Industrial electricity has not been raised however it has begun to be rationed in some areas and rumors of price hikes are active with coal imports rising and domestic stockpiles going down as we head into the winter months.

OCEAN FREIGHT

The World Container Index was up 46.02% in Q3 versus Q2 and year over year containers cost 3 to 4 times what they did just one year ago. Capacity continues to be booked three to four weeks out and imported freight arrives to congested US ports and overloaded rail yards driven by replenishment orders for retailers. Industry analysts are stimating that the constraints on capacity and inflated prices will continue to be felt well into 2022 as the market deals with the continued surge of demand and backlogs.

COST OF LABOR

Most of the Asian labor rates were unchanged in Q3. Year over year, India and Indonesia were up the most at 12%, 3% respectively.

USD VS RMB – Q2

CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE

For the fourth quarter, the USD was 1.&% stronger against CNY and slightly weaker against the Vietnam Dong versus last quarter. Year over year, the USD stronger against CNY by 2.2% and stronger against the Vietnam Dong by 1.7% while weaker by 11.5% against the Thai Baht.

USD VS RMB – 1 YEAR

CHINA TRADE

China Imports were down 3.0% in Q$ versus Q3 and China Exports were down 11.7%. Year over year, China Imports increased 20.73% and Exports increased 20.78% versus one year ago.  The China Consumer Price Index (CPI) was down 0.8% and the China Producer Price Index (PPI) decreased 3% in Q4 versus Q3.  Year over year, the China CPI was up 1.3% and China PPI was up  10.7% versus one year ago.

PURCHASING MANAGERS INDEX (PMI)

The PMI China Purchasing Managers’ Index came in at 50.9, rising from November’s reading of 49.9 showing an acceleration in growth of Chinese factory activity that month and the US PMI moved down from 61.1 in November to 58.7 in December. The 50-point mark in PMI readings separates growth from contraction. PMI readings are sequential and represent month-on-month expansion or contraction.