Udeesha Tomar
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
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Caprolactam Price Trend Analysis 2026: Supply Demand Analysis, Historical Prices, Price Drivers, Latest News & Market Insights
Written ByUdeesha Tomar
Caprolactam Price Trend Q1 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Time Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caprolactam | China | FOB | USD 1,908.37/MT | April 2026 |
| Caprolactam | India | CIF | USD 1,958.25/MT | April 2026 |
| Caprolactam | USA | CIF | USD 1,995.37/MT | April 2026 |
| Caprolactam | Brazil | CIF | USD 2,029.47/MT | April 2026 |
| Caprolactam | Canada | CIF | USD 1,995.37/MT | April 2026 |
| Caprolactam | China | FOB | USD 1,739.88/MT | March 2026 |
| Caprolactam | China | FOB | USD 1,413.00/MT | February 2026 |
| Caprolactam | India | CIF | USD 1,523.00/MT | February 2026 |
| Caprolactam | USA | CIF | USD 1,498.00/MT | February 2026 |
| Caprolactam | Brazil | CIF | USD 1,476.00/MT | February 2026 |
| Caprolactam | Canada | CIF | USD 1,498.00/MT | February 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Caprolactam prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
- Global Caprolactam markets moved upward during Q1’26 as feedstock benzene and naphtha costs surged sharply following the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions, while regional supply tightness and elevated freight rates further amplified bullish sentiment.
- Feedstock volatility remained the key market driver as crude-linked benzene and cyclohexanone values escalated across Asia and Europe. Shipping bottlenecks through the Middle East sharply increased logistics premiums and operating costs for nylon chain producers.
- Downstream nylon-6 and engineering plastics demand improved moderately from automotive and textile sectors in Asia, while Europe and North America witnessed comparatively restrained consumption amid weak industrial manufacturing activity.
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.
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Asia
The Asian market for Caprolactam experienced significant volatility throughout the year, closely tracking movements in feedstock toluene prices and downstream demand dynamics. The opening period witnessed initial stability followed by notable strengthening as raw material costs surged, creating upward pressure on production economics. However, this proved temporary as feedstock values entered declining trajectory through spring, prompting corresponding softness in Caprolactam pricing. Downstream demand from nylon 6 production and textile fibre manufacturing remained mixed, with buyers adopting cautious procurement strategies amid uncertain pricing trends. A brief mid-year recovery emerged as upstream costs rebounded and textile sector activity improved temporarily, supporting price appreciation. However, this momentum dissipated quickly as feedstock costs resumed their downward path through the latter half. Demand from engineering plastics and automotive component applications remained subdued throughout most of the period, reflecting broader industrial activity challenges. Carpet fibre and industrial yarn manufacturers maintained need-based purchasing patterns, limiting any upward momentum. Year-end conditions reflected the overall impact of weakened feedstock costs and cautious downstream consumption.
Europe
European Caprolactam markets displayed similar volatility patterns, influenced by feedstock availability and industrial demand conditions. The year opened with moderate pricing as toluene costs remained relatively elevated, supporting production economics. However, spring brought sharp corrections as upstream material prices declined significantly, weighing on Caprolactam values. Demand from nylon 6 processing and textile applications remained subdued amid weak European industrial activity and cautious buyer sentiment. Mid-year witnessed oscillating conditions as feedstock costs fluctuated, creating periodic recovery attempts followed by renewed weakness. Automotive plastics and engineering applications showed limited consumption growth, constraining market support. The autumn period introduced notable volatility with brief strengthening as upstream costs spiked temporarily, though this reversed quickly. Film and coating applications maintained steady but unspectacular consumption patterns throughout the period. Year-end conditions reflected overall weakness despite periodic fluctuations.
North America
North American Caprolactam markets mirrored Asian trends for most of the year, experiencing comparable volatility in response to feedstock dynamics. Early-year stability transitioned into strengthening before entering decline through spring as upstream costs weakened. Downstream demand from nylon 6 production remained moderate, with textile and carpet fiber sectors showing cautious purchasing behaviour. A brief mid-year recovery emerged before resuming downward trajectory through the latter months. Engineering plastics and industrial applications maintained baseline consumption without significant growth momentum.
About Caprolactam
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.
Caprolactam Product Detail
Chemical Formula
C6H11NO
Molecular Weight
113.16 g/mol
Industrial Uses
Dyes, Fillers, Intermediates, Surface active agents
Synonyms
2-Azacycloheptanone, 6-Hexanelactam, Hexanolactam, 6-Caprolactam, 2-Oxohexamethylenimine, Aminocaproic lactam
Supplier Database
Fibrant, China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec), BASF SE, Advansix Inc., Shandong Haili Chemical Industry Co.
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Caprolactam Production Processes
- Production of Caprolactam from Phenol; from Benzene; from Cyclohexane
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
During Q1 2026, caprolactam prices increased sharply across major markets, supported by rising benzene and cyclohexanone costs, supply tightness, and improved demand from the nylon 6 value chain. In key markets the prices showed approximately ~20% increase. Restocking activity by fiber and engineering plastics producers, combined with higher freight and logistics costs, contributed to stronger pricing momentum across Asia, North America, and Latin America.
The caprolactam outlook for 2026 remains firm but uneven, with prices closely linked to benzene, cyclohexanone, crude oil, and naphtha movements. Demand from nylon 6 fibers, engineering plastics, packaging, textiles, tire cord, and automotive applications is expected to support consumption. However, oversupply in Asia and weaker European competitiveness may keep regional price recovery uneven.
The main factors affecting caprolactam prices in Q1 2026 were feedstock inflation and tighter regional supply. Higher benzene, naphtha, and crude linked costs increased production expenses. At the same time, freight disruption, port delays, and plant-related supply constraints reduced spot availability, while nylon 6 demand supported stronger procurement.
Major caprolactam markets include China, India, the United States, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, and Canada. China remains the largest production and consumption center due to its nylon 6 chain. Key companies include BASF, UBE Corporation, Fibrant, AdvanSix, Grupa Azoty, DOMO Chemicals, Sinopec, Hengshen Group, Highsun Group, and GSFC.
A major recent development was Fibrant’s March 2026 shutdown of its caprolactam plant in Geleen, the Netherlands. The closure removed around 135,000 tonnes per year of European caprolactam capacity. The plant used the phenol route and also produced ammonium sulfate as a byproduct. The shutdown reflected weak demand, high energy and ammonia costs, and poor competitiveness for European caprolactam producers.
Caprolactam is mainly produced from cyclohexanone, which is derived from cyclohexane, benzene, or phenol-based routes. The value chain includes benzene or cyclohexane supply, cyclohexanone production, cyclohexanone oxime formation, Beckmann rearrangement, caprolactam purification, polymerization into nylon 6, and downstream conversion into fibers, films, engineering plastics, tire cords, textiles, packaging materials, and molded components.
Caprolactam is mainly sold in liquid and solid forms, with grades differentiated by purity, water content, color, crystallization behavior, and polymerization performance. Polymer-grade caprolactam is used for nylon 6 chips, fibers, films, and engineering plastics. High-purity grades are preferred for applications requiring stable polymerization, low impurity content, good color, and consistent downstream processing.
Caprolactam demand is mainly driven by nylon 6 fibers, engineering plastics, textiles, carpets, tire cords, packaging films, automotive components, electrical parts, industrial yarns, fishing nets, consumer goods, and molded products. Nylon 6 remains the dominant outlet because caprolactam polymerizes into strong, abrasion-resistant, lightweight materials used in apparel, industrial textiles, automotive parts, and packaging.
Procurement Resource employs a structured methodology combining primary research, secondary market data, analytical models, and validation processes to assess caprolactam prices and trends. Price evaluations incorporate supply-demand dynamics, feedstock movements, trade flows, and value chain analysis, supported by continuous market monitoring to ensure accurate and reliable insights.
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