| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caprolactam | China | FOB | USD 1,698.21/MT | June 2026 |
| Caprolactam | India | CIF | USD 1,785.76/MT | June 2026 |
| Caprolactam | USA | CIF | USD 1,853.16/MT | June 2026 |
| Caprolactam | Brazil | CIF | USD 1,869.82/MT | June 2026 |
| Caprolactam | Canada | CIF | USD 1,853.16/MT | June 2026 |
| Caprolactam | China | FOB | USD 1,815.75/MT | May 2026 |
| Caprolactam | India | CIF | USD 1,883.09/MT | May 2026 |
| Caprolactam | USA | CIF | USD 1,934.94/MT | May 2026 |
| Caprolactam | Brazil | CIF | USD 1,947.75/MT | May 2026 |
| Caprolactam | Canada | CIF | USD 1,940.75/MT | May 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Caprolactam prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Copper smelters are relying on by-product sulfuric acid revenues to offset losses from negative concentrate treatment charges. Strong acid prices are supporting smelter profitability, with prices remaining elevated. The trend underscores the key role of sulfuric acid in smelter economics and suggests continued price strength.
A Strait of Hormuz blockade and export bans from Russia and Kazakhstan severely curtailed sulfur supply, pushing global sulfuric acid prices to multi-year highs. The Chinese smelter acid index gained 94% and CFR Indonesia sulfuric acid rose 185% in H1. Despite a post-ceasefire retreat, inventories remain low and supply recovery is slow, keeping prices elevated.
Asia
Caprolactam prices in China declined to ~RMB 13.03/kg and ~RMB 12.29/kg during the first two months of Q2’26, showing a ~5.7% decrease. The market weakened as lower benzene, cyclohexanone and sulfur costs reduced the production-cost base, while domestic supply remained ample. Poor nylon-chip sales and rising inventories led several downstream polymerisation units to reduce output, increasing pressure on producers. Although some production cuts tightened spot availability later in the quarter, weak nylon margins and lower feedstock costs kept prices under pressure. Imports remained competitive, limiting domestic suppliers’ pricing ability, while export demand weakened due to stronger global competition. Downstream textile demand slowed seasonally, with spinning mills purchasing only immediate requirements.
Europe
Caprolactam markets in Europe remained weak during most of Q2’26 due to soft nylon demand and high operating expenses. Higher raw material costs, including sulfur and benzene, pressured producers initially, but weak downstream demand limited price recovery. Industrial activity remained subdued, reducing demand from consumer goods, appliances and construction-related nylon applications. Automotive demand provided partial support, with higher vehicle registrations supporting PA6 consumption in connectors, cable systems and lightweight components. Meanwhile, LEUNA-Polyamid, a significant European producer, filed for insolvency in June, affecting an integrated chain covering phenol, cyclohexanone, caprolactam and PA6 production.
North America
Caprolactam prices in the United States declined to ~USD 1,995.37/MT in April and ~USD 1,934.94/MT in May, showing a ~3.0% decrease. The market remained soft to stable as lower benzene and propylene costs reduced producer pricing support. Meanwhile, a modest recovery in the nylon market but continued pressure from subdued industrial demand and higher sulfur and natural gas costs. Automotive and construction-related applications provided some support, with improved vehicle production and residential construction activity. However, higher resin production compared with customer demand increased inventory pressure and limited stronger price movement.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, caprolactam prices are expected to remain under pressure as supply remains adequate, while any recovery will depend on nylon demand and feedstock cost movements.
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Asia
In Asia, Caprolactam prices in China increased by approximately ~27.75% from January to March 2026, supported by strong feedstock inflation and tightening regional availability. The Iran war and partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted regional petrochemical supply chains, sharply increasing naphtha and benzene costs alongside freight charges. Chinese producers also benefited from improved nylon polymer demand from textile and automotive applications during the quarter. Improved downstream procurement and stable export activity supported higher operating rates among domestic manufacturers, while supply concerns across Northeast Asia further strengthened bullish market sentiment.
Europe
In Europe, the market remained comparatively firm but faced demand-side limitations from sluggish manufacturing activity and weaker polymer consumption. Elevated benzene costs, constrained feedstock imports, and expensive energy markets continued to pressure regional producers. Operational disruptions at major nylon chain facilities and reduced operating rates across the European chemical sector limited supply availability. However, subdued downstream purchasing from automotive and construction sectors capped aggressive price escalation despite ongoing logistical disruptions linked to Middle Eastern shipping routes.
North America
In North America, Caprolactam prices increased moderately during Q1’26 as domestic producers gained a feedstock advantage from relatively stable petrochemical economics compared to naphtha-dependent Asian and European competitors. Stronger export opportunities and improved order volumes supported regional pricing momentum during the quarter. However, downstream nylon demand remained mixed due to slower industrial activity and cautious consumer spending patterns, limiting sharper upward movement in the market.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Caprolactam prices are expected to remain firm globally as geopolitical uncertainty surrounding Iran war and shipping movements through the Strait of Hormuz continue to keep feedstock and freight markets volatile.
Caprolactam or Azepan-2-one can be distinguished as a milky white-coloured solution with a mild, disagreeable odour. Caprolactams are cyclic amides of caproic acid, which is a carboxylic acid that is extracted from hexane.
C6H11NO
Dyes, Fillers, Intermediates, Surface active agents
2-Azacycloheptanone, 6-Hexanelactam, Hexanolactam, 6-Caprolactam, 2-Oxohexamethylenimine, Aminocaproic lactam
Fibrant, China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec), BASF SE, Advansix Inc., Shandong Haili Chemical Industry Co.
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
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In the process using phenol, hydroxylamine converts phenol to cyclohexanone, which is subsequently hydrogenated to form cyclohexane oxime. Caprolactam is formed when this chemical undergoes Beckmann rearrangement in the presence of sulfuric acid. This process is used to make 90 percent of caprolactam.
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