Caprolactam Price Index

Caprolactam Price Trend, Index and Forecast

Track real-time and historical caprolactam prices across global regions. Updated monthly with market insights, drivers, and forecasts.

Caprolactam Prices October 2025

Caprolactam Price Index (USD/KG): 

The chart below highlights monthly caprolactam prices across different regions.

Get Access to Monthly/Quaterly/Yearly Prices, Request Sample

Market Overview Q3 Ending September 2025

Northeast Asia: The rise was primarily driven by strong downstream demand from the polyamide and nylon sectors in China, Japan, and South Korea. Supply-side factors, including limited domestic production capacity and higher raw material costs, contributed to the price increase. International shipping rates and port handling charges also added to cost pressures, particularly for imported cyclohexanone and adipic acid, key feedstocks. Currency fluctuations, especially the relative strength of the Japanese yen against the US dollar, further influenced import costs. Domestic logistics, including inland transportation and storage for industrial-grade Caprolactam, experienced marginal cost increases due to higher energy and labor expenses. Additionally, compliance costs for environmental regulations and safety standards in production facilities modestly affected overall pricing dynamics in the region. The combination of constrained supply, elevated raw material costs, and consistent industrial demand sustained the observed upward movement in caprolactam prices across Northeast Asia.

Europe: The downward movement was largely due to softer demand from automotive and textile manufacturing sectors across Germany, France, and Italy, reflecting slower economic activity in key downstream industries. On the supply side, European producers maintained stable output levels, and some import volumes of raw materials increased, which eased pressure on local inventories. Additional factors impacting pricing included reductions in international freight costs and moderate fluctuations in port handling fees. Currency movements, particularly the euro against the US dollar, also played a role in moderating costs for imported feedstocks. Domestic logistics and transportation within Europe remained relatively stable, and compliance costs for environmental and safety standards did not exhibit major changes in this quarter.

North America: Reduced demand from nylon and polymer industries in the United States and Canada contributed to softer pricing trends. Supply-side factors, including consistent production volumes from domestic manufacturers, prevented further upward price pressures. Raw material costs, including cyclohexanone and ammonia, remained relatively stable, while international shipping costs experienced slight moderation, influencing overall pricing. Port handling charges and domestic logistics, including warehousing and inland transportation, were stable in this quarter. Currency fluctuations between the US dollar and other major currencies had minimal impact on domestic production costs. Compliance expenses related to environmental and safety regulations maintained a steady baseline and did not significantly affect pricing. Collectively, these factors led to a moderate decline in North American prices during the third quarter.

Caprolactam Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC's latest publication, “Caprolactam Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition,” presents a detailed examination of the caprolactam market, providing insights into both global and regional trends that are shaping prices. This report delves into the spot price of caprolactam at major ports and analyzes the composition of prices, including FOB and CIF terms. It also presents detailed caprolactam prices trend analysis by region, covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. The factors affecting caprolactam pricing, such as the dynamics of supply and demand, geopolitical influences, and sector-specific developments, are thoroughly explored. This comprehensive report helps stakeholders stay informed with the latest market news, regulatory updates, and technological progress, facilitating informed strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Caprolactam Industry Analysis

The global caprolactam industry size reached USD 17.47 Billion in 2024. By 2033, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 24.87 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 3.80% during 2025-2033. The market is driven by the increasing demand for nylon in automotive and textile industries, expansion of polyamide manufacturing, rising consumption in engineering plastics, investment in sustainable production processes, and continued industrial demand from consumer goods and packaging sectors.

Latest developments in the Caprolactam Industry:

• August 2025: Hengyi Petrochemical confirmed the underway commencement of its new caprolactam plant in Qinzhou, Guangxi, China. This facility is part of a comprehensive caprolactam-polyamide integrated industrial project with an annual capacity of 1.2 million tons.
   
• November 2024: HighChem Co., Ltd. acquired Sumitomo Chemical's vapor-phase Beckmann rearrangement process for caprolactam production, a method that produces high-quality caprolactam without generating ammonium sulfate as a byproduct. This acquisition positions HighChem to globally license this technology and supply catalysts from its own facilities, potentially influencing the caprolactam market by offering a more sustainable and efficient production method.
   
• October 2024: BASF introduced Ultramid® LowPCF and Ultramid® ZeroPCF, offering caprolactam with reduced and net-zero CO₂ footprints, aiming to offer more sustainable options for caprolactam users.
   
• 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.
   
• 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 colorless crystalline organic compound and a key chemical intermediate used primarily in the production of nylon-6 fibers and resins. Recognized for its high purity and reactivity, caprolactam occupies a central position in global polymer and textile manufacturing. Its unique property of polymerizing into high-strength nylon makes it indispensable in producing industrial fibers, automotive components, engineering plastics, and packaging materials. Caprolactam enhances product durability, heat resistance, and mechanical performance, making it critical for industries such as automotive, textiles, electronics, and consumer goods. Its widespread industrial application and pivotal role in nylon production position it as a core chemical in global manufacturing supply chains.

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 FOB and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting caprolactam price trend, including input costs, supply-demand shifts, and geopolitical impacts, 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.