Nylon Prices Remain Firm

Market Intelligence

Nylon Prices Remain Firm

Caprolactam (CPL)

Caprolactam offers remained firm in the second fortnight of March in Asian markets on higher demand due to traditional peak season. More bids were heard as buyers sought to replenish inventory and increase operating rates for downstream products. In China, weak benzene market drove caprolactam prices down with spot prices for liquid and flakes moderating a bit. In Europe, some players settled initial March contracts at rollovers to small decreases of Euro 5 per metric ton compared with February. Asian markets were firmer with SE and FE Asia at US$2,100-2,150 per metric ton while in China, spot prices for liquid goods moderated to US$2,635-2,680 per metric ton while flake materials were at US$2,650-2,760 per metric ton. In contracts, Sinopec issued March contract settlement at US$2,700 per metric ton while Fibrant kept its nomination at US$2,715 per metric ton for liquid good.

Nylon Filament Yarn (NFY)

Nylon filament yarn prices were almost stable in Asian markets although benzene markets were insipid and supply shortage of caprolactam supporting chip market, but less strong chip market restrained uptrend of nylon yarn market. Demand increased slightly as textile producers raised operating rates but buying sentiment was unchanged as previous stock was being digested. In China, nylon FDY70D/24F SD prices were steady at US$3.64-3.73 per kg, while DTY70D were flat at US$3.71-3.95 per kg. Cord fabric 1,260D prices rolled over at US$4.19-4.35 per kg while nylon staple fiber 1.5D prices stood unchanged at US$3.16-3.17 per kg.