The nylon filament market is experiencing a structural divergence. In the past week (June 29-July 5), nylon filament quotations from the two major textile distribution hubs of Shengze and Jiaxing showed that while upstream raw material costs edged higher, downstream purchasing intentions did not follow uniformly, with demand varying significantly across different specifications.
Upstream Cost Support vs. Downstream Order Pricing
Public market data shows caprolactam prices have risen to the 10,950-11,000 RMB/ton range, with nylon 6 chip prices moving up in tandem to 11,400-11,500 RMB/ton, both posting slight increases from the previous week. This cost support from upstream is strengthening, yet downstream weaving mills' responses are highly selective—not all nylon filament varieties can successfully pass on cost increases.
In terms of transaction structure, 15D/34F nylon DTY continues to sell well, emerging as one of the few 'hard currencies' in this market cycle. Meanwhile, demand for 40D/24F full-dull FDY has shown a cyclical increase, with incremental volume primarily driven by orders for dull high-density nylon spun from water-jet looms. In contrast, demand for the standard 70D/24F nylon-6 FDY specification remains mediocre, with market quotes stabilizing around 13,800 RMB/ton and no significant volume expansion.
Substitute Product Pressure and Widening Variety Divergence
A noteworthy industrial signal is the substitution pressure that polyester FDY full-dull products are exerting on comparable nylon offerings. Data indicates that the 70D/24F nylon 6-FDY full-dull variety is priced at 15,300-15,500 RMB/ton, but downstream purchasing enthusiasm is low. Industry analysis suggests this is primarily because polyester FDY full-dull products offer a more compelling cost-performance ratio in the full-dull polyester taffeta segment, with some orders being diverted to polyester alternatives.
Additionally, nylon-66 DTY, due to its narrow application range, has entered a state of 'quoted but not traded.' The transaction volume for 30D/1F bright nylon trilobal profiled yarn is also limited, indicating that demand for specialized specifications has yet to reach scale.
On a positive note, procurement volumes for 20D/1F and 30D/1F semi-dull nylon monofilament have recently rebounded, with prices remaining largely stable, suggesting that standard fine-denier monofilament categories still enjoy steady demand support.
Inventory Cycle and Price Expectations
From the end-demand perspective, total shipments of nylon blended fabrics this year have expanded compared to the same period last year. The inventory replenishment surge seen in the last week of June was primarily driven by downstream mills' periodic stockpiling. Currently, these mills are digesting their earlier inventories, and the pace of new order placements has slowed.
Given that upstream raw material prices are still oscillating upward, while downstream tolerance for cost increases is limited, the industry generally expects nylon filament prices to enter a phase of moderate adjustment next week. The extent of adjustment will likely vary by product: popular varieties like 15D/34F nylon DTY and 40D/24F full-dull FDY have less room for price negotiation, whereas standard varieties and those at higher risk of substitution face greater pricing pressure.