Caprolactam Prices

Caprolactam Prices December 2023

The caprolactam prices in Germany for Q4 2023 reached 2513 USD/MT in December. The market was characterized by stable prices due to consistently low demand. The market saw a narrow pricing range as domestic orders dwindled, reflecting cautious procurement strategies among buyers. The purchasing activities in the German market declined further in October, indicating a reserved approach impacted by overall market outlook and strategic considerations among end user industries, particularly in sectors like polyamide 6.

Caprolactam Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Caprolactam Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” offers an in-depth analysis of caprolactam pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot price of caprolactam at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of caprolactam price trend across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing caprolactam price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Caprolactam Market Analysis

The global caprolactam market size reached US$ 16.8 Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 24.1 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 4.00% during 2023-2032.

• The growing employment of caprolactam in the automotive industry as a precursor in the production of nylon 6 fabric and resins is offering a favorable market outlook. As per the statistics provided by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), from April 2022 to March 2023, the automotive industry produced 2,59,31,867 vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers, and quadricycles, compared to 2,30,40,066 units in April 2021 to March 2022. Nylon 6, which is manufactured from ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam, is utilized in the manufacturing of various automobile components, such as engine covers, fuel tanks, air intake manifolds, gears, bearings, and various other components, due to its high strength, heat resistance, and lightweight nature.
• The rising emphasis of the automotive industry on fuel efficiency and lower emissions is catalyzing the demand for high-performance, lightweight materials like nylon 6. This is further supported by the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), which require these materials for battery casings and insulation purposes. Based on the data provided by the IMARC group, the number of electric vehicles sold worldwide was 25.6 million units in 2023. The market is projected to increase at a pace of 34% CAGR from 2024 to 2032.
• The rising demand for caprolactam-derived nylon 6 in food packaging to extend the shelf life of various edible items is contributing to the market growth. It offers superior barrier protection against oxygen, carbon dioxide, and oils, prolonging the shelf life of packaged products. The rising consumption of packaged food among individuals with busy lifestyles is driving the demand for caprolactam. The IMARC group states that the global packaged food market value reached US$ 2,441.3 Billion in 2023.
• Caprolactam is also becoming increasingly popular in the textile industry for producing nylon 6 fibers. In 2023, the textile and apparel market in India was valued at US$ 197.2 billion. The IMARC Group projects that the market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% from 2024 to 2032. It is used in a broad range of clothing, such as hosiery, sportswear, swimwear, and outdoor gear. These fibers are renowned for their durability, elasticity, and resistance to moisture and abrasion.
• Caprolactam-derived nylon 6 fibers are utilized in high-strength industrial textiles, such as ropes, conveyor belts, and fishing nets, offering exceptional strength and wear resistance.

Caprolactam News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global caprolactam market, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in caprolactam production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that impact the caprolactam price trend.

Latest developments in the caprolactam industry:

• In February 2021: LANXESS officially opened a nitrous oxide reduction facility in Antwerp, Belgium, showcasing their dedication to become a carbon neutral company. The business expects to break down 500 metric tons of nitrous oxide yearly with an expenditure of around EUR 10 million.
• In March 2022: DOMO Chemicals achieved a milestone by delivering its 5 millionth metric tons of caprolactam at its Leuna site. The production capacity had been progressively increased throughout this time to reach the current level of 176,000 metric tons annually.
• In October 2022: Xuyang Group's caprolactam expansion project in Cangzhou Park increased its production capacity to 750,000 tons/year. The second phase of the expansion project achieved stable operation after reaching full load in 24 days, consolidating Xuyang Group's position as a vital player in the coastal polyamide industry.

Product Description

Caprolactam is a white, crystalline solid chemical compound that dissolves in water and has a distinct smell. It is made by rearranging functional groups in cyclohexanone oxime via the Beckmann rearrangement, which is done under carefully monitored settings.

It is employed in the ring-opening polymerization process, which creates strong and adaptable polymer chains using heat and catalysts to produce Nylon 6. It has high tensile strength, flexibility, chemical resistance, and durability, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of applications. It is used in the creation of several pharmaceutical drugs, including pentylenetetrazol, meptazinol, and laurocapram. It is also utilized in the production of lysine, brush bristles, synthetic leather, paint vehicles, plasticizers, brush bristles, and polyurethane cross-linking.

In addition, caprolactam-derived nylon resins find applications in the manufacture of high-performance technical polymers, which are used in consumer goods, mechanical parts, and electronic components.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the caprolactam market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends, price forecast and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the caprolactam price trend.

Global Caprolactam Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global caprolactam pricing trends in the form of caprolactam price charts, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level. This comprehensive analysis not only highlights the current price but also provides insights into caprolactam historical price trends, enabling stakeholders to understand past fluctuations and their underlying causes.

The report also delves into caprolactam price forecast models, projecting future price movements based on a variety of indicators such as expected changes in supply chain dynamics, anticipated policy shifts, and emerging market trends. By examining these factors, the report equips industry participants with the necessary tools to make informed strategic decisions, manage risks, and capitalize on market opportunities. Furthermore, it includes a detailed caprolactam demand analysis, breaking down regional variations and identifying key drivers specific to each geographic market, thus offering a nuanced understanding of the global pricing landscape.

Europe Caprolactam Price

The European caprolactam market showed a bearish trend in the fourth quarter of 2023, characterized by ample supply and subdued demand. The prevalent supply abundance prompted a conservative buying approach from downstream industries, impacting the market negatively. Furthermore, increased cost pressures due to imported cargoes affected market dynamics. In Germany, caprolactam prices remained consistently low due to limited domestic orders, reflecting a cautious purchasing pattern. Downstream sectors, particularly polyamide 6 producers, purchased conservatively, indicating a strategic shift to more reserved market engagement under the prevailing economic conditions.

This analysis can be extended to include detailed caprolactam price information for a comprehensive list of countries.

North America Caprolactam Price

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the North American caprolactam market experienced a downturn, largely due to diminished trading activities. A significant oversupply in the market coupled with reduced purchasing led to a bearish outlook. The decline in caprolactam demand was further exacerbated by uncertainties in economic outlook that prompted customers to minimize their inventory levels. Additionally, fluctuating prices of raw materials, especially benzene, impacted caprolactam pricing negatively. Despite the year-end sales pushing some destocking, expectations of an uptick in domestic purchasing activities remained modest, keeping the market conditions predominantly bearish with a stable supply but weak demand.

Specific caprolactam historical data within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Caprolactam Price

The report explores the caprolactam pricing trends in the Middle East and Africa, considering factors like regional industrial growth, the availability of natural resources, and geopolitical tensions that uniquely influence market prices.

In addition to region-wise data, information on caprolactam prices for countries can also be provided.

Asia Pacific Caprolactam Price

During the last quarter of 2023, the caprolactam market in the Asia Pacific region was marked by an excess supply and a contraction in demand. This situation arose from multiple factors including decreased production and subdued demand from customers. A notable decrease in the price of benzene significantly impacted the cost structure, weakening the market's financial support. Additionally, the demand from end use sectors like electronics and textiles softened, further dampening the market dynamics. Despite a slight recovery in production and a slowdown in the decline of new export orders by December, the overall market remained cautious, with limited international inquiries as the year concluded.

This caprolactam price analysis can be expanded to include a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Caprolactam Price

The analysis of caprolactam prices in Latin America provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of caprolactam pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting caprolactam price trend, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The caprolactam price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.