Caprolactam

Caprolactam Recent Commodity Market Dynamics Intelligence Analysis

I. Market Price Dynamics
- Latest Quotations: As of July 6, 2026, caprolactam market prices exhibit regional variations. In the Shandong region, quotations range from RMB 9,100 to RMB 11,800 per metric ton. Specifically, Henan Shenma’s brand is quoted at a low of RMB 9,300/ton in Shandong, while Liaocheng Yuanze Chemical Co., Ltd.’s Juhua Group brand is priced at RMB 11,800/ton in Puyang, Henan. Prices in Jiangsu Province are generally higher: Suzhou Senfeida Chemical Co., Ltd. quotes domestic supply at RMB 13,600/ton, and Nantong Zhonghe Chemical New Materials Co., Ltd. offers Lushi Chemical’s brand at RMB 11,500/ton.
- Price Trend: Caprolactam prices have recently shown a volatile downward trend. According to the Business Network benchmark price, the benchmark stood at RMB 11,340.00/ton on July 1, edged up slightly to RMB 11,352.50/ton on July 3, but declined to RMB 11,215.00/ton on July 6—representing a 1.1% decrease from the beginning of the month.

II. Supply-Demand Analysis
- Supply Situation:
- Domestic caprolactam capacity continues to expand; however, recent restarts of certain production units have gradually restored supply volumes. For example, units operated by Dongming Xuyang, Hunan Petrochemical, and Fujian Yongrong have progressively resumed operations, increasing overall supply.
- Nevertheless, some integrated enterprises have reduced polymerization loads, resulting in increased availability of caprolactam for sale; yet the overall supply landscape remains subject to the timing and progress of plant maintenance shutdowns and restarts.
- Demand Situation:
- Downstream PA6 chip prices continue trending lower, narrowing—or even reversing—the price spread versus caprolactam; consequently, polymer producers are increasingly resistant to high raw material costs, leading to reduced caprolactam demand.
- Traditional end-use sectors—including textile & apparel and packaging films—show sluggish growth, whereas emerging applications such as automotive lightweighting and electronics/electrical components are driving steadily rising demand for high-quality, differentiated Nylon 6. However, this nascent demand has yet to provide sufficient market support.

III. Key Market Influencing Factors
- Cost Factors: Prices of key feedstocks such as benzene remain firm, providing cost support for caprolactam. However, with increasing supply and weakening demand, this cost-support effect is gradually diminishing.
- Policy Factors: Stringent national regulations governing the production, storage, and transportation of hazardous chemicals—as well as policies promoting industrial scaling, intensification, and green development—are exerting profound impacts on the caprolactam industry. Ongoing tightening of environmental regulations will drive the entire sector toward comprehensive green transformation.
- International Market: Adjustments in global industrial chain configurations and shifts in international trade policies are also influencing the caprolactam industry. Domestic enterprises must closely monitor international market developments and strengthen international cooperation and exchanges to cope with intensified global competition and technological challenges.

IV. Analysis, Outlook & Forecast
- Short-Term Outlook: In the near term, the caprolactam market is expected to remain in a state of supply-demand balancing. While relatively firm benzene prices continue to underpin production costs, restarted facilities and newly commissioned capacities will further increase supply. On the demand side, persistently falling PA6 chip prices sustain pressure on downstream purchasing. Consequently, caprolactam prices are projected to oscillate within a range of RMB 11,000–11,500/ton in the immediate future.
- Long-Term Forecast: With continued expansion of domestic caprolactam capacity and gradual recovery of downstream demand, the supply-demand balance is expected to improve incrementally. Nonetheless, overcapacity remains an industry-wide concern requiring close attention; competition is poised to intensify further. Enterprises possessing integrated value-chain advantages, green manufacturing capabilities, and expertise in developing high-end, specialized products are likely to assume leadership positions in the market. Overall, caprolactam prices are forecast to follow a 'decline-first, then rebound' trajectory across 2026, with a gradual upward correction anticipated in the second half of the year, driven by demand recovery and supply-side adjustments.