Nylon DTY prices breached the 16,000 RMB per ton mark in mid-June. According to industry data, the benchmark price settled at 15,980 RMB/ton on June 12, 2026, down 3.97% from the beginning of the month and 0.37% from the previous trading day. This level is nearly 3,000 RMB below the yearly high of 18,960 RMB, representing a decline of over 15%.
Price Center Shifts Downward
Within the annual range of 13,560 to 18,960 RMB/ton, the current price sits slightly below the median of 16,500 RMB. The breach of this midline signals a shift in market sentiment from early-year optimism to caution. Compared to the average price of 14,970 RMB in the same period last year, the current level is still about 6.7% higher, but the downward momentum shows no signs of abating.
The price volatility of over 5,000 RMB within a year reflects significant supply-demand elasticity in the chemical fiber market. With a bottom gap of 2,420 RMB and a top gap of -2,980 RMB, the current price is closer to the lower end but still about 2,400 RMB above the historical low.
Dual Pressure from Costs and Demand
The price weakness is primarily driven by upstream factors. Caprolactam and PA6 chip prices have been declining steadily since the second quarter, weakening cost support for nylon filament. Meanwhile, downstream weaving has entered its traditional off-season. Water-jet loom operating rates in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region have dropped from 75% in April to around 65%, with mills purchasing raw materials only for immediate needs and showing little stockpiling interest.
On the export front, orders from European and American apparel markets have yet to show significant recovery. Competition from Southeast Asian textile capacity has intensified pressure on domestic nylon products, forcing some traders to cut export quotes by 5%-8% to maintain market share.
Inventory Transfer Becomes Critical
Current inventory levels at nylon DTY producers stand at 20-25 days, up about five days from the first quarter. If downstream demand fails to improve by July, the chain may enter an active destocking phase, potentially pushing prices toward the 14,500-15,000 RMB range.
For weaving mills, lower raw material costs offer short-term relief, but without a corresponding increase in final orders, the accumulation of finished goods inventory will offset any margin gains. The chemical fiber sector's recovery ultimately hinges on a genuine rebound in consumer demand.
Practical Recommendations
For Buyers
- At current levels near the lower median, consider building a 2-3 week safety stock in batches to avoid chasing prices on a potential rebound.
- Monitor operating rates of caprolactam and PA6 chip producers; if upstream cuts materialize, nylon DTY prices may find a floor.
- Negotiate monthly floating-price contracts with suppliers to lock in favorable basis during the current weak market.
For Exporters
- Offer flexible, small-lot, multi-shipment pricing strategies to Southeast Asian and South Asian clients, using volume to maintain customer loyalty.
- Hedge against RMB exchange rate fluctuations using forward contracts to protect export margins.
- Explore differentiated products such as functional or recycled nylon to avoid head-to-head competition on generic grades.