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Caprolactam Price Trend and Forecast

⟳ Weekly Update
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Historical Data Since 2015
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Forecast for 2026
  • Commodity Pricing

caprolactam Markets Covered:

ruRussia
cnChina
inIndia
deGermany
beBelgium

Global caprolactam Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In Q1 2025, the Russian Caprolactam Flakes market extended its bearish trajectory, with prices further declining to approximately 1375 USD/MT FOB Novorossiysk, marking a 6.34% drop from the previous quarter. The market remained weighed down by sluggish demand from key downstream sectors including Textile, Automotive, and Consumer Goods, all of which continued to experience slow recovery and conservative purchasing behaviour. Elevated inventory levels carried over from the previous quarter, while production remained largely uninterrupted, adding to the persistent oversupply. Moreover, the typical seasonal lull in industrial activity during the early part of the year contributed to reduced offtake volumes, reinforcing the downward pressure on prices across the Caprolactam market. 

CaprolactamTrend Analysis: Q2 2025

In Q1 2025, the Russian Caprolactam Flakes market extended its bearish trajectory, with prices further declining to approximately 1375 USD/MT FOB Novorossiysk, marking a 6.34% drop from the previous quarter. The market remained weighed down by sluggish demand from key downstream sectors including Textile, Automotive, and Consumer Goods, all of which continued to experience slow recovery and conservative purchasing behaviour. Elevated inventory levels carried over from the previous quarter, while production remained largely uninterrupted, adding to the persistent oversupply. Moreover, the typical seasonal lull in industrial activity during the early part of the year contributed to reduced offtake volumes, reinforcing the downward pressure on prices across the Caprolactam market. 

Throughout Q1 2025, Caprolactam Flakes import prices dropped to 1502 USD/MT CIF Nhava Sheva, observed a 5.72% decline from Q4 2024. The subdued trend continued as downstream industries adopted a cautious stance, awaiting clarity on government fiscal policy and budget allocations before increasing procurement. Domestic Nylon 6 producers slowed production slightly due to reduced end-user demand and sufficient inventory levels. At the same time, improved availability from global suppliers, including Russian producers, maintained an ample supply pipeline, allowing Indian buyers to negotiate favourable pricing terms. 

Caprolactam Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, the Russian Caprolactam Flakes market sustained its bearish momentum, with prices falling to approximately 1468 USD/MT FOB Novorossiysk, reflecting a 3.10% decline from the previous quarter. Demand remained under pressure from core downstream sectors such as Textile, Automotive, and Consumer Goods, which continued to operate at reduced capacity or with cautious procurement strategies. High inventory levels persisted amid sluggish offtake, while producers maintained elevated operating rates, leading to a market. Additionally, seasonal demand from downstream industries softened further toward year-end, compounding the downward pressure on Caprolactam prices. 

In Q4 2024, Caprolactam Flakes prices dropped even more, reaching 1593 USD /MT CIF Nhava Sheva, a quarter-over-quarter decrease of 4.51%. Overall market sentiment remained bearish. The arrival of competitively priced cargoes from other exporting countries put downward pressure on imports of Russian origin, and most manufacturers had already restocked after the monsoon. The soft pricing environment was also aided by a steady global supply of Caprolactam and low freight costs. 

By Q3 2024, the Russian Caprolactam Flakes market remained in a bearish trend, with prices around 1515 USD/MT FOB Novorossiysk. Weak demand from key sectors such as Textile, Automotive and consumer goods led to reduced orders and high inventory levels, contributing to the downward trend. Additionally, an ample availability of product emerged as producers increased production, exerting further downward pressure on prices due to declining seasonal demand from the downstream industry. 

In Q3 2024, Caprolactam Flakes prices adjusted to 1668 USD/MT CIF Nhava Sheva, marking a decrease of 2.87% compared to the second quarter. This price reduction was primarily due to the seasonal slowdown caused by the monsoon in India, which impacted both production and transportation operations. Demand from major end-use industries, including automotive parts and textiles, diminished, resulting in more cautious purchasing practices. Furthermore, existing inventory levels enabled buyers to postpone new acquisitions.  

In Q2 2024, the price of Caprolactam Flakes average was 1602 USD/MT FOB Novorossiysk Increased by 4% in the Russian market, reflected a bearish trend. This downturn resulted from lower feedstock Benzene, Cyclohexane, Ammonia costs, weak demand from key sectors like Textile, Automotive and consumer goods, and ample supply. Additionally, high financing costs and reduced consumer spending further suppressed demand, particularly impacting the German construction sector, which faced significant contractions. 

By Q2 2024, Caprolactam Flakes prices rose more noticeably to 1718 USD/MT CIF Nhava Sheva, marking a 4.54% increase over Q1 2024 due to the expensive import of product from overseas such as Russia, as in Russia the price of product increased by around 4% during the same period which further reflected the trend over the Indian market. This upward movement was driven by a combination of higher raw material costs and rising procurement from domestic Nylon 6 producers. Pre-monsoon stocking activities also played a role, as buyers aimed to secure supply before potential logistical disruptions. Globally, tightening in Benzene and Cyclohexanone availability added pressure on Caprolactam prices. However, Indian buyers remained selective with bulk procurement, balancing inventory risks amid softening signals in the downstream market. 

In Q1 2024, the global Caprolactam Flakes market experienced a bullish trend, driven by rising feedstock Benzene, Cyclohexane, Ammonia prices and robust demand from key sectors such as textiles, automotive, and consumer goods. The Lunar New Year festivities further enhanced demand for consumer products, resulting in increased production and higher benzene usage. Additionally, supply chain disruptions due to factory closures and rising freight rates, coupled with increased global capacity utilization, added pressure to the market, propelling Caprolactam prices during this period. 

Q1 2024, The market began 2024 on a mildly optimistic note, with prices inching up to 1643 USD/MT, a 0.72% quarter-on-quarter increase. This modest gain was underpinned by a gradual recovery in downstream demand and relatively stable upstream costs. Indian buyers showed increased interest in forward bookings, anticipating potential cost push from crude-linked derivatives.

caprolactam Parameters Covered: 

  • Cyclohexanone
  • Benzene
  • Ammonia
  • Russia
  • Belgium
  • Germany
  • Nylon 6 Production
  • India 

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Caprolactam prices

  • Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present): The conflict disrupted energy supplies, especially natural gas and oil, which are crucial for the petrochemical industry. Europe, a major consumer of Russian energy, faced significant supply issues. The conflict impacted the availability and cost of energy and raw materials like Benzene, Cyclohexane, Ammonia which is derived from petrochemical processes. This led to increased production costs and supply disruptions in European Caprolactam   markets. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022): The pandemic led to significant disruptions in global supply chains, causing widespread manufacturing shutdowns and labour shortages. Transportation logistics were severely affected, which resulted in production halts in the Caprolactam   industry. This disruption, combined with reduced demand from key sectors like Textile, Automotive and consumer goods, contributed to fluctuations in Caprolactam   prices during this period. 
  • U.S.-China Trade War (2018-2019): Tariffs on chemicals and textiles, including Caprolactam   disrupted global trade flows, leading to price volatility due to supply chain uncertainties, especially between the U.S. and China.

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Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Caprolactam prices

  • Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present): The conflict disrupted energy supplies, especially natural gas and oil, which are crucial for the petrochemical industry. Europe, a major consumer of Russian energy, faced significant supply issues. The conflict impacted the availability and cost of energy and raw materials like Benzene, Cyclohexane, Ammonia which is derived from petrochemical processes. This led to increased production costs and supply disruptions in European Caprolactam   markets. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022): The pandemic led to significant disruptions in global supply chains, causing widespread manufacturing shutdowns and labour shortages. Transportation logistics were severely affected, which resulted in production halts in the Caprolactam   industry. This disruption, combined with reduced demand from key sectors like Textile, Automotive and consumer goods, contributed to fluctuations in Caprolactam   prices during this period. 
  • U.S.-China Trade War (2018-2019): Tariffs on chemicals and textiles, including Caprolactam   disrupted global trade flows, leading to price volatility due to supply chain uncertainties, especially between the U.S. and China.

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global caprolactam price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the caprolactam market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence caprolactam prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely caprolactam market data.

Track PriceWatch's caprolactam price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major Caprolactam   production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Caprolactam   supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., Benzene, Cyclohexane, Ammonia) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics. 

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact Caprolactam   prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on Caprolactam   production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g. Benzene, Cyclohexane, Ammonia), to predict shifts in Caprolactam   demand and corresponding price movements. 

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global Caprolactam   production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Caprolactam   production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization. 

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including like Textile, Automotive and consumer goods. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global Caprolactam   pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast Caprolactam   prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes.

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice. 

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Caprolactam   pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Caprolactam price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for caprolactam. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

Caprolactam prices are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including:

Caprolactam prices are influenced by a variety of factors, with feedstock prices being one of the most significant. Feedstocks such as cyclohexane, benzene, and crude oil play a crucial role in the production of Caprolactam. These raw materials are derived from petrochemical sources, so fluctuations in their prices have a direct impact on Caprolactam production costs. For example, if the price of crude oil rises, it typically leads to higher costs for the petrochemical intermediates like benzene and cyclohexane. Consequently, these price hikes are passed on to Caprolactam producers, who may increase their prices to maintain profitability. Other factors, such as supply chain disruptions or geopolitical tensions, can also affect feedstock availability, which further influences Caprolactam pricing.

The relationship between Caprolactam prices and feedstock prices is a complex and interconnected one. Feedstocks are the foundation of Caprolactam production, and when the prices of these essential raw materials rise, production costs inevitably increase. This relationship can be seen in times of rising crude oil prices, where the increased costs of cyclohexane and benzene trickle down the supply chain. Additionally, other factors such as the global demand for petrochemicals and energy, as well as fluctuations in currency exchange rates, play a role in determining feedstock prices, and in turn, Caprolactam prices. Thus, any volatility in the cost of crude oil or its derivatives can directly affect the final price of Caprolactam in the market.

Inflation is another critical factor that influences Caprolactam prices. When inflation rises, the overall cost of goods and services increases across the economy, which impacts the production costs for Caprolactam manufacturers. Higher energy prices, labor costs, and raw material expenses are typical outcomes of inflation, which then leads to an increase in the cost of producing Caprolactam. As a result, producers often raise the price of Caprolactam to maintain their margins. However, inflation can also reduce consumer spending and industrial demand for products made from Caprolactam, such as nylon. In such cases, weaker demand may put downward pressure on Caprolactam prices, but the cost-push effects of inflation are often powerful enough to maintain or increase prices even in a softer demand environment. Thus, the relationship between Caprolactam prices and inflation is shaped by both cost pressures and demand-side factors, creating a dynamic market environment.

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