India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies initiated an anti-dumping investigation into caprolactam imports from China, Russia, Thailand, and the US following a complaint by domestic producer GSFC. The investigation could result in duties that raise landed costs of foreign supplies, tightening availability and exerting upward pressure on domestic caprolactam prices.
Sulfuric acid prices rose sharply through the first half of 2026 before retreating from their mid-year peak as supply conditions loosened. Weak downstream demand has contributed to the easing, though the commodity remains a critical revenue buffer for copper smelters facing squeezed processing margins. The price trajectory reflects the interplay between by-product supply dynamics and broader industrial demand.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caprolactam | China | FOB | USD 1,855.17/MT | August 2026 |
| Caprolactam | India | CIF | USD 1,945.96/MT | August 2026 |
| Caprolactam | USA | CIF | USD 2,010.79/MT | August 2026 |
| Caprolactam | Brazil | CIF | USD 1,997.60/MT | August 2026 |
| Caprolactam | Canada | CIF | USD 2,025.79/MT | August 2026 |
| Caprolactam | China | FOB | USD 1,739.81/MT | July 2026 |
| Caprolactam | India | CIF | USD 1,846.81/MT | July 2026 |
| Caprolactam | USA | CIF | USD 1,927.30/MT | July 2026 |
| Caprolactam | Brazil | CIF | USD 1,911.42/MT | July 2026 |
| Caprolactam | Canada | CIF | USD 1,942.30/MT | July 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Caprolactam prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In China, the average price of Caprolactam rose from ~USD 1,739.81/MT (FOB) in July to ~USD 1,855.17/MT in August, an increase of ~6.6%. India followed with a rise of about 5.4%, from ~USD 1,846.81/MT (CIF) to ~USD 1,945.96/MT. The increase gathered pace in late August, as benzene costs in East China climbed and Middle East supply restrictions and lower operating rates raised replacement costs. Domestic nylon 6 chip prices rose as producers passed on part of the higher cost. However, caprolactam rose faster than finished nylon yarn, squeezing spinning margins, so buyers purchased only as needed.
Europe
European caprolactam values moved up modestly, tracking a sharp rise in the August benzene contract, as nylon 6 contract prices edged higher. The increases stayed smaller than the jump in feedstock costs, because summer demand was weak and supply remained ample, including competitively priced imports. Feedstock costs stayed volatile due to the Middle East conflict, keeping producers cautious.
North America
In the USA, average caprolactam import prices increased from nearly USD 1,927.30/MT (CIF) in July to roughly USD 2,010.79/MT in August, up ~4.3%. Canada recorded the same gain, from ~USD 1,942.30/MT (CIF) to ~USD 2,025.79/MT. BASF announced price increases for caprolactam and polyamide in North America from September 1 and again from October 1, citing volatility across the nylon value chain. Higher benzene and propylene costs raised raw material expenses during the quarter, which translated in the upward trend.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Caprolactam prices are likely to stay firm on high feedstock costs and producer increases, though weak nylon demand may limit gains.
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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.
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)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
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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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