For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Ìý
Caprolactam Prices inÌýNorth America
- In USA, the Caprolactam Price Index rose by 32.2469% quarter-over-quarter, driven by export demand tightening.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1406.67/MT, reflecting elevated export premiums.
- Caprolactam Spot Price firmed as limited spot parcels and distributor inventory draw tightened regional availability.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast suggests modest near-term firmness before seasonal softening can moderate upward momentum later.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend rose with benzene and cyclohexanone pressure, compressing converter margins modestly recently.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook remains steady as nylon-6 resin offtake supports procurement without triggering inventory replenishment.
- Caprolactam Price Index volatility rose from export premiums, risk surcharges and shifting freight economics upward.
- Domestic producer operated without unplanned outages, preserving steady local output while import parity remained challenged.
- Distributor inventories were lean, prompting acceptance of higher offers and consistently strengthening seller negotiation positions.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in June 2026 in North America?
- Export demand strength and risk premiums raised landed costs, tightening availability across Gulf Coast inventories.
- Feedstock benzene and cyclohexanone increases pressured production costs, enabling sellers to justify higher offer levels.
- Stable domestic output paired with lean distributor stocks and elevated export enquiries tightened supplier leverage.
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Caprolactam Prices inÌýAPAC
- In Japan, the Caprolactam Price Index rose by 22.08% quarter-over-quarter, driven by naphtha disruptions and outages.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1345.33/MT reported by regional weekly assessments and manufacturer disclosures.
- Caprolactam Spot Price strengthened amid tight benzene derivatives, supporting immediate market liquidity and transactional volumes overall.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend climbed with escalating naphtha and benzene feedstock costs, compressing producer margins regionally.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook remains firm from nylon 6 and engineering plastics sectors, sustaining purchase volumes regionally.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast indicates near-term upside if feedstock disruptions persist, while moderation follows restored supply quickly.
- Caprolactam Price Index volatility increased amid supply intermittency, prompting buyers to adjust contract terms and schedules.
- Inventory levels tightened as major producers reduced runs, while export demand remained selective given logistical constraints.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Strait of Hormuz disruptions caused feedstock shortages, reducing benzene availability, tightening supply and lifting production costs.
- Upstream ethylene output cuts at key sites constrained benzene derivative flows, limiting caprolactam feedstock flexibility regionally.
- Downstream nylon demand remained steady, buyers bought selectively, while logistics and procurement delays amplified price impulses.
South Korea
- In South Korea, the Caprolactam Price Index rose by 18.85% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock, freight.
- Caprolactam Spot Price showed volatility as intermittent Chinese offers and freight shifts tightened Busan availability.
Taiwan
- In Taiwan, the Caprolactam Price Index rose by 22.22% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock cost increases.
- Caprolactam Spot Price fluctuated as import tightness and regional oversupply prompted cautious seller allocation strategy.
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Caprolactam Prices inÌýEurope
- In Germany, the Caprolactam Price Index rose by 30.32% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting benzene-costs and tight supply.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 2405.33/MT, supported by benzene inflation.
- Caprolactam Spot Price stayed range-bound in June as balanced output and imports limited upward movement.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend reflected volatile benzene and energy inputs, squeezing margins and firming offers.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook is steady for nylon-6 and engineering plastics, supporting the Price Index resilience.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast sees modest summer correction risk as Asian export competition and seasonal weakening.
- Caprolactam Price Index strength was supported by constrained merchant availability amid periodic benzene-cost spikes recently.
- Producers defended margins with firmer offers while inventory drawdowns and export enquiries tightened short-term supply.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Elevated benzene and energy costs raised production costs, transmitting upward pressure on German Caprolactam prices.
- Lean merchant availability combined with steady downstream procurement tightened spot supply, supporting short-term Price Index.
- Geopolitical shipping risk rerouting freight elevated landed costs, reduced import competition and reinforced price resilience.
UK (United Kingdom)
- In UK (United Kingdom), the Caprolactam Price Index rose by 28.82% quarter-over-quarter, driven by imports.
- Caprolactam Spot Price strengthened as limited imports and merchant positioning reduced available UK prompt tonnage.
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Caprolactam Prices inÌýMEA
- In United Arab Emirates, the Caprolactam Price Index rose by 41.1% quarter-over-quarter, import parity surged.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1843.67/MT, reflecting freight import pressures.
- Caprolactam Spot Price volatility persisted as Asian export offers and freight tightened Jebel Ali availability.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast indicates modest firmness as seasonal nylon demand offsets supply from Asian turnarounds.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend eased with lower gas and benzene input costs, reducing production pressures.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook remains cautious as converters hold inventories and short-term procurement remains largely hand-to-mouth.
- Caprolactam Price Index reflected easing as Chinese export clearing and freight declines softened CFR offers.
- Asian turnarounds and Middle East shipping risk tightened supply, eased with rerouting and insurance adjustments.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in June 2026 in MEA?
- In June, Asian export volumes increased spot supply, reducing landed costs and pressuring CFR assessments.
- ADNOC supply signals and easing feedstock benzene lowered regional production costs, reducing input-driven price pressure.
- Shipping route diversions and war-risk premium swings altered freight, changing landed competitiveness and negotiation leverage
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
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Caprolactam Prices inÌýNorth America
- In USA, the Caprolactam Price Index fell by 1.2% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting cost and demand rebalancing.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1063.67/MT, reflecting balanced supply conditions.
- Caprolactam Spot Price showed mid-quarter volatility yet remained supported by feedstock cost pressures across producers.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast expects upside from logistics disruptions and precautionary buying despite domestic output levels.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend increased in March as benzene and cyclohexanone feedstock costs climbed sharply.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook is mixed; automotive restocking contrasts with substitution and cautious converter purchasing behavior.
- Caprolactam Price Index movements reflected constrained spot availability, stronger export demand and elevated freight-driven costs.
- Major U.S. producers maintained disciplined operating rates, limiting spot flow and supporting near-term pricing discipline.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in March 2026 in North America?
- March increases reflected feedstock inflation from benzene and cyclohexanone, transmitting through production cost and offers.
- Logistics disruptions and higher freight rates reduced effective imports, tightening availability and supporting domestic price support.
- Downstream buying was cautious yet precautionary restocking in automotive and fibers sustained measured additional demand.
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Caprolactam Prices inÌýAPAC
- In Japan, the Caprolactam Price Index rose by 1.63% quarter-over-quarter, supported by stable domestic production.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1102.00/MT, reflecting balanced supply conditions.
- Caprolactam Spot Price movements were muted early quarter, with range-bound activity amid predictable operating rates.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend showed modest upward pressure from cyclohexanone and benzene, narrowing producer margins.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook remained cautious as automotive and textile sectors maintained just-in-time procurement strategies throughout.
- Caprolactam Price Index reflected slight firming late March, driven by feedstock inflation and precautionary buying.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast anticipates moderate upside risk term, balanced by improving import flows and inventories.
- Export demand and inventory metrics constrained spot activity, with exporters offering discounts to clear ports.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Feedstock cost inflation from benzene and cyclohexanone increased production expenses, exerting upward pricing pressure materially.
- Precautionary buying and tighter regional inventories following supply chain concerns supported firmer offers late March.
- Weak downstream demand and just-in-time procurement limited seller power, keeping broader Price Index movements restrained.
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Caprolactam Prices inÌýEurope
- In Germany, the Caprolactam Price Index rose by 4.45% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter supply and higher feedstock
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1845.67/MT, reflecting stable regional supply
- Caprolactam Spot Price tightened as emergency outages and port delays constrained spot supply in Hamburg
- Caprolactam Price Forecast points to near-term firmness as benzene and energy cost inflation pressure offers
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend moved upward with rising benzene, cyclohexanone, and soaring bunker fuel expenses
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook remains muted as converters destock, although selective automotive and export restocking supports pockets
- Caprolactam Price Index reflects inventory draws after plant outages, while distributors exercise cautious, need-based purchasing behavior
- Export pull into Turkey and North Africa absorbed volumes, offsetting weak domestic demand, supporting offers
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Middle East conflict raised crude and benzene prices, transmitting energy-driven cost pressure across European chains
- Logistics delays and longer delivery times reduced effective supply, tightening availability despite plant operating rates
- Precautionary restocking and export demand increased purchases, amplifying spot tightness during March across regional markets
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Caprolactam Prices inÌýMEA
- In United Arab Emirates, the Caprolactam Price Index rose by 2.7% quarter-over-quarter due to tightened imports.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1306.67/MT, reflecting regional landed costs.
- Caprolactam Spot Price volatility increased amid logistics disruptions, pushing the Caprolactam Price Index higher temporarily.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend rose as cyclohexanone and benzene cost pressures lifted marginal input expenses.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook stayed muted as nylon and engineering plastics buyers maintained cautious, need-based procurement.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast indicates near-term range-bound behaviour with occasional firmer offers driven by supply disruptions.
- Inventories tightened as rerouted vessels and insurance premiums reduced prompt export availability and importer coverage.
- Major regional producers maintained disciplined rates, limiting acute supply shocks and supporting orderly market responses.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in March 2026 in MEA?
- Tightened imports and rerouted shipping elevated landed costs, constraining physical availability and reducing prompt supply.
- Feedstock and insurance increases pushed production and logistics expenses higher, transmitting upstream inflation into offers.
- Buyer caution amid geopolitical risk froze transactions during March, while precautionary restocking modestly supported demand.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In USA, the Caprolactam Price Index fell by 27.87% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and weak demand.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1076.67/MT, DEL Houston basis, volumes.
- Caprolactam Spot Price softened through Q4 as abundant imports and stable feedstock pressured merchant quotations.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast indicates modest further softening early Q1, before potential normalization with seasonal restocking.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend remained subdued asÌýbenzeneÌýdeclines offset cyclohexanone rises, supporting producer margins.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook is weak asÌýautomotiveÌýand textile offtake stays muted, constraining order momentum.
- Caprolactam Price Index volatility eased late December as infventories stabilized and freight headwinds impacted costs.
- Domestic plants ran steadily; import inflows and distributor destocking maintained oversupply, sustaining bearish sentiment December.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in December 2025 in North America?
- Ample domestic output and steady Asian and European imports increased availability, overwhelming subdued end-user demand.
- Feedstock mix eased as benzene weakened, offsetting cyclohexanone rises and limiting upward producer pass-through pressure.
- Lower container freight and tariff truce facilitated imports, while weak automotive procurement reduced spot buying.
APAC
- In Japan, the Caprolactam Price Index rose by 1.466% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting mild supply tightening now.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1084.33/MT and moderated by inventories.
- Caprolactam Spot Price remained supported by regional curtailments and higher freight, sustaining seller bids recently.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from rising cyclohexanone values and increased freight levels.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook is mixed;ÌýtextilesÌýrestocking lifts volumes while automotive remains cautious into December.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast signals modest volatility around Lunar New Year restart and seasonal procurement shifts.
- Caprolactam Price Index gains reflected constrained imports, steady domestic output, and selective distributor destocking behaviour.
- Inventory levels and export demand tempered rallies, with producers balancing offer discipline and coverage strategies.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Import disruptions and Chinese curtailments tightened regional supply, raising near-prompt landed costs and buyer urgency.
- Rising cyclohexanone values and higher freight increased production costs, prompting sellers to protect margins again.
- Downstream demand remained uneven; textile restocking supported volumes while automotive caution limited broader consumption levels.
Europe
- In Germany, the Caprolactam Price Index fell by 4.45% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand and supply.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1767.00/MT across FD Hamburg channels.
- Caprolactam Spot Price softened amid elevated inventories and converter buying, pressuring sellers to reduce offers.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast indicates modest downside risk near term, with stabilization as winter demand normalizes.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend remained benign as feedstock benzene and cyclohexanone costs showed marginal increases.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook stays subdued due to cautious automotive and textile procurement, preventing consumption recovery.
- Caprolactam Price Index movements were influenced by steady domestic runs and discounted Asian import inflows.
- Inventories and muted export demand kept spot liquidity ample, while producers operated at normal rates.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Sustained imports from Asia increased available volumes, offsetting local disruptions and weighing on domestic price levels.
- Downstream converters maintained hand-to-mouth purchasing, reducing spot demand despite temporary feedstock-driven cost pressures and uncertainty.
- Logistics delays and higher lead times constrained procurement planning, encouraging sellers to offer discounts to clear stocks.
MEA
- In the United Arab Emirates, the Caprolactam Price Index fell by 17.8% quarter-over-quarter, driven by oversupply.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1272.33/MT on CFR Jebel Ali basis.
- Regional inventories remained elevated, keeping the Caprolactam Spot Price depressed despite ongoing downstream procurement continuity.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook muted with converters preferring buying, limiting upward pressure on the Price Index.
- Freight fluctuations altered landed economics, influencing the Caprolactam Production Cost Trend and seller pricing dynamics.
- Export redirections from North America increased supply; Caprolactam Price Index reflected sustained softness into December.
- Short-term Caprolactam Price Forecast indicates modest weakness before seasonal restocking, tempered by Asian holiday-related tightness.
- Major feedstock availability remained ample, capping upside while producers' operating costs may influence offers soon.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in December 2025 in MEA?
- Elevated imports and redirected North American cargoes increased supply, exerting downward pressure on Caprolactam availability.
- Cautious converter procurement and ample inventories limited buying, weakening the Caprolactam Price Index in December.
- Higher freight indices raised landed costs, but logistics and comfortable stocks prevented aggressive seller price rises.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Caprolactam Price Index fell by 21.4% quarter-over-quarter, due to domestic market oversupply.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1492.67/MT, reflecting Houston and Gulf Coast spot levels.
- Caprolactam Spot Price weakened as domestic plants ran near capacity while imports continued to arrive.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast anticipates limited near-term upside as inventories persist and downstream buying remains cautious.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend stayed subdued with lower benzene and steady cyclohexanone easing producers' costs.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook remained weak as automotive and textile sectors delayed purchases, drawing down inventories.
- Caprolactam Price Index signalled bearish momentum with twelve-week averages declining as sales stayed muted regionally.
- Logistics and freight declines lowered landed import costs, sustaining availability and pressuring domestic spot pricing.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in September 2025 in North America?
- Excess domestic production and steady imports increased inventories, outpacing subdued downstream demand during August-September period.
- Lower benzene and stable cyclohexanone reduced production costs, removing cost-side support for higher prices locally.
- Reduced freight costs and strong US dollar made imports cheaper, amplifying supply pressure on markets.
APAC
- In Japan, the Caprolactam Price Index fell by 20.13% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and downstream demand.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1068.67/MT, reflecting trading, ample inventories.
- Caprolactam Spot Price remained pressured as imports and high domestic output maintained elevated inventory levels.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend saw limited support as cyclohexanone stayed flat while benzene firmed slightly.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook stays muted with automotive and engineering plastics subdued despite textile buying spikes.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast points to modest autumn recovery driven by restocking and logistics affecting availability.
- Caprolactam Price Index volatility eased late quarter as rangebound trading reflected balanced supply and demand.
- Major producers ran near full rates, keeping supply ample and constraining upward price momentum domestically.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Ample domestic imports increased inventories, eroding negotiating power and driving significantly downward price pressure.
- Flat cyclohexanone and mixed benzene trends provided limited cost support, narrowing producers' margins modestly.
- Downstream buyers delayed purchases amid tariff uncertainty and orderbooks, suppressing spot and forward volumes.
Europe
- In Germany, the Caprolactam Price Index fell by 8.69% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak demand and ample regional supply.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1849.33/MT, measured on a weighted FD Hamburg basis.
- Caprolactam Spot Price movements reflected tighter late-September logistics and lower benzene availability, tightening merchant availability marginally.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend remained mostly flat as benzene eased earlier, while gas prices provided modest energy relief.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook shows seasonal restocking in September supporting incremental offtake, but overall consumption remains subdued.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast for Q4 suggests modest gains supported by restocking and constrained import timing, then potential correction.
- Caprolactam Price Index volatility was limited by steady domestic production and high inventory, restraining sharp upward moves.
- Major producers operated reliably, with few outages reported, keeping supply flows stable and limiting spot market premiums.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Resumption of downstream operations trimmed inventories, prompting precautionary procurement ahead of Q4 production cycles regionally.
- Benzene supply constraints and refinery idling pushed feedstock costs higher, supporting marginal caprolactam price increases.
- Persistent logistical congestion at Hamburg port delayed imports, shortening effective supply windows and prompting inventory rebuilding.
MEA
- In United Arab Emirates, the Caprolactam Price Index rose by 4.71% quarter-over-quarter, on cost push.
- The average Caprolactam price for the quarter was approximately USD 1548.33/MT, reflecting regional port averages.
- Caprolactam Spot Price softened as ample imports and lower freight enabled more competitive seller offers.
- Caprolactam Price Forecast suggests modest gains into Q4 as restocking and shipping congestion reduce supply.
- Caprolactam Production Cost Trend was mixed as weaker benzene offset by cyclohexanone and freight inflation.
- Caprolactam Demand Outlook remains muted, with converters delaying orders, pressuring the Caprolactam Price Index downward.
- High port inventories and sustained exports from the US encouraged aggressive offers, eroding supplier margins.
- Regional producer runs remained steady; currency moves and downstream run-rates influenced arbitrage and trading flows.
Why did the price of Caprolactam change in September 2025 in MEA?
- Steady imports from the US lifted available volumes, outpacing weak downstream consumption and pressuring prices.
- Falling freight lowered landed costs, enabling competitive offers and reducing seller incentives to defend prices.
- Weak automotive, textile procurement and exporters clearing stock created bearish sentiment, widening arbitrage into UAE.