Menu
Menu
Taiwan
China
Korea
Australia
New Zealand
Japan
Indonesia
IndiaBy March 2025, global Nylon-6 prices continued a downward trajectory. Notably, one of the major exporting countries, China, reported prices at around USD 1600/MT (FOB Shanghai), reflecting persistent weak demand across several end-use sectors and the ongoing impact of cost-sensitive production strategies.
In Q4 2024, the global market faced additional pressures. Seasonal demand weakness, particularly in the construction sector, along with only a modest boost in the automotive sector during festive periods, contributed to a downward shift in prices. Rising energy costs and volatility in key raw material prices further complicated the market dynamics and influenced supply chain strategies.
In Q3 2024, the market witnessed a mixed trend. In China, prices experienced a slight decline driven by weak demand from downstream industries such as textiles and automotive, along with production adjustments and fluctuations in Caprolactam costs. In contrast, Taiwan recorded a modest price increase, reflecting different regional market dynamics and demand conditions.
In the second quarter of 2024, Nylon-6 prices experienced a decline due to several key factors. Weak demand from downstream industries, particularly textiles and automotive, led manufacturers to lower prices to stimulate sales. Additionally, improved supply conditions following production resumption from major producers contributed to increased availability. Fluctuating feedstock prices for Caprolactam, along with the influx of cheaper imports, further pressured local prices downward. Broader economic conditions, including inflation and cautious consumer spending, also played a role in dampening demand across sectors reliant on Nylon-6 products.
In the first quarter of 2024, the global Nylon-6 market exhibited a bullish trend, with prices increasing by 6% compared to Q4 2023. This rise was driven by escalating prices of feedstock Caprolactam, along with higher freight rates and improved global capacity utilization. A 7.4% uptick in container port volumes and a 10.4% growth in container ship supply further contributed to rising freight costs. Additionally, steady demand from downstream industries, especially automotive and textiles, enabled manufacturers to pass on these increased expenses. Seasonal factors, such as the Lunar New Year, also played a role in this bullish trend, as many factories in Asia were either shut down or operated at reduced capacity, which resulted in product shortages in the global market.
In Q1 2025, Indian Nylon 6 Ex–prices are reported at around INR 158,500/ton. The market continues its downward trajectory due to persistent weak demand across several end-use sectors such as textiles and automotive. Cost-sensitive production strategies and stable supply conditions contribute to the price decline. However, ongoing government initiatives promoting manufacturing and infrastructure development provide some support to the market outlook amid fluctuating raw material costs and energy price volatility.
In Q4 2024, prices declined significantly by 5.70% due to seasonal demand weakness, particularly in the construction sector. The modest recovery in the automotive sector during festive periods was insufficient to offset broader market pressures. Falling raw material costs, especially pure benzene derivatives, reduced cost support for Nylon 6 production, leading to downward pressure on prices. Manufacturers adopted cautious inventory management amid uncertain market sentiment.
Q3 2024 presented a mixed trend for the Indian Nylon 6 market, with prices increasing by 0.12%. While weak demand from textiles and automotive sectors caused some price softness, other segments like engineering plastics and packaging experienced steady growth, supporting localized price stability. Production adjustments and fluctuations in Caprolactam costs influenced pricing dynamics, with manufacturers cautiously balancing supply-demand conditions.
In Q2 2024, the market experienced a slight decrease of 0.17% in prices due to weakened demand from key sectors like textiles and automotive. Improved supply conditions following production resumption by major manufacturers contributed to increased availability. Additionally, fluctuating feedstock costs and the influx of cheaper imports placed downward pressure on local prices. Broader economic factors, such as inflation and cautious consumer spending, further dampened demand across sectors reliant on Nylon 6 products.
The Indian Nylon 6 domestic market in Q1 2024 exhibited a bullish trend, with prices increasing by approximately 9.48% compared to Q4 2023. This rise was driven by escalating feedstock costs, particularly Caprolactam, along with higher freight rates and improved domestic capacity utilization. Strong demand from downstream sectors such as automotive and textiles enabled manufacturers to pass on increased costs. Seasonal factors, including reduced operational capacity during festive periods, further contributed to product shortages and upward pressure on prices.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global nylon-6 price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the nylon-6 market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence nylon-6 prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely nylon-6 market data.
Track PriceWatch's nylon-6 price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Nylon 6 pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Nylon-6 is a versatile synthetic polymer widely used across various industries due to its unique combination of properties. It is produced through the ring-opening polymerization of Caprolactam, a six-carbon compound, resulting in a semi-crystalline structure that offers both strength and flexibility. Nylon-6 is characterized by its high tensile strength, excellent abrasion resistance, and good thermal stability, making it suitable for demanding applications.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
Technical specification for Nylon-6 (Textile grade)
| Property | Specification (Textile grade) |
| Relative viscosity | 2.45-2.75 |
| Moisture content | <0.06% |
| Extractable material | <0.6% |
| Amine end group | 45-55 mmol/kg |
Applications
Nylon-6 is a versatile synthetic polymer widely used across various industries due to its unique combination of properties. In the textile and apparel sector, it is employed to produce fabrics for clothing, sportswear, and carpets, thanks to its strength and durability. The automotive industry utilizes Nylon-6 for components such as engine covers, fuel tanks, and connectors, benefiting from its heat and chemical resistance. Additionally, its excellent electrical insulation properties make it suitable for electrical connectors and circuit breakers. Nylon-6 is also used in industrial applications for manufacturing gears, bearings, and conveyor belts, as well as in packaging for films and containers due to its durability. Furthermore, it finds applications in products like tire cords, seat belts, fishing nets, and ropes. Overall, the diverse applications of Nylon-6 highlight its importance as a material in both consumer products and industrial uses.
The price of Caprolactam, the main precursor for Nylon 6, largely influences its cost. Additionally, energy expenses, manufacturing efficiencies, and logistical costs contribute to overall pricing.
Increases in Caprolactam prices often lead to higher production costs, prompting manufacturers to raise their prices. On the flip side, a drop in Caprolactam costs can allow for price reductions, benefiting buyers.
Procurement teams should keep an eye on industrial demand—especially from automotive and textile sectors—as well as technological advancements in polymer processing and global trade conditions that could affect raw material availability.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Nidhyana Price Watch Data Analytics Private Limited