Nylon Filament Market Shows Structural Divergence: Cost Pressure vs. Downstream Demand
During the week of June 29 to July 5, the nylon filament markets in Shengze and Jiaxing presented a complex price landscape. Upstream, caprolactam prices edged up to 10,950-11,000 yuan/ton, and nylon 6 chips followed suit to 11,400-11,500 yuan/ton, clearly signaling cost pressure. However, this price increase did not transmit uniformly across all products; different nylon filament specifications are experiencing vastly different market fortunes.
Upstream Cost Shift and Inventory Cycle Resonance
From the upstream perspective, the rise in caprolactam and nylon 6 chips was not an isolated event. Late June saw downstream fabric mills actively restocking, directly boosting demand for nylon filaments, especially for certain specifications where sales volumes rebounded month-on-month. Under the dual effects of cost push and restocking demand, nylon-6 FDY prices remained broadly stable but with a slight upward bias in transaction focus. Notably, this restocking wave was concentrated on standard specifications rather than a broad-based rally, indicating downstream mills are still prioritizing essential procurement over speculative hoarding.
Downstream Fabric Demand Divergence: Which Varieties Are Strengthening?
A closer look at product performance reveals a clear divergence. 15D/34F nylon DTY continued to sell well, linked to sustained demand for micro-denier fabrics in outdoor sports and lightweight down jackets. Another bright spot was 40D/24F full-dull FDY, which saw a cyclical increase in demand, driven directly by orders for matte high-density nylon spunbond fabric produced on water-jet looms. This fabric is commonly used in mid-to-high-end windbreakers and jackets, and the accelerated ordering pace from downstream brands has spurred periodic procurement of this specification.
Meanwhile, procurement of 20D/1F and 30D/1F semi-dull nylon monofilament also rebounded. Although prices remained largely unchanged, the volume recovery suggests downstream mills have nearly exhausted their inventory of these basic specifications and are beginning to replenish.
Which Varieties Are Under Pressure? Polyester Substitution and Demand Weakness
Not all nylon filaments benefited from this wave. The 70D/24F nylon-6 FDY (both regular and full-dull variants) performed notably weaker. The regular specification is currently priced around 13,800 yuan/ton, but demand is mediocre. The full-dull variant, priced at 15,300-15,500 yuan/ton, faces strong competition from polyester FDY full-dull, which is used primarily in full-dull polyester taffeta. In some low-end fabric segments, polyester has already begun substituting for nylon.
Additionally, 30D/1F bright nylon trilobal profiled filament saw low transaction volumes, indicating that orders for profiled cross-section filaments in decorative or specialty fabrics have not yet ramped up. Nylon-66 DTY, due to its narrow application scope, is effectively in a market with prices but no buyers. This serves as a reminder that nylon 66 penetration in conventional apparel fabrics remains limited.
Supply Chain Transmission Logic: From Orders to Inventory Rhythm
Looking at overall demand, total demand for nylon-blended fabrics this year has expanded compared to the same period last year. However, the order placement rhythm shows a 'pulse-like' pattern. Currently, downstream fabric mills are still digesting earlier stockpiles, meaning raw material inventory has not yet fully converted into final output. The upward oscillation of upstream raw material prices is squeezing the profit margins of the weaving segment.
Moderate price adjustments are expected in the nylon filament market next week. On one hand, cost support remains firm—caprolactam and chip prices are unlikely to fall sharply in the short term. On the other hand, downstream restocking demand may slow down in early July, and the tug-of-war between supply and demand will drive minor price fluctuations for certain specifications.