On July 6, 2026, the Nylon FDY benchmark price stood at 16,300 RMB/ton, down 18.3% from the yearly peak of 19,950 RMB/ton, placing it in a mid-low range. This price signal reflects a deep adjustment in the supply-demand dynamics of the chemical fiber industry.
Supply-Demand Logic Behind Price Fluctuation
Over the past 12 months, Nylon FDY prices traced a clear inverted V-shaped curve, hitting a low of 14,175 RMB/ton and a high of 19,950 RMB/ton, representing a 28.5% amplitude. The current price of 16,300 RMB/ton, while 4.4% above the annual average of 15,610 RMB/ton, remains well below the median of 17,062.5 RMB/ton, indicating a persistently weak market.
This trend is closely tied to upstream caprolactam prices. In the second half of 2025, concentrated capacity expansion of caprolactam weakened cost support, putting pressure on Nylon FDY prices. Entering 2026, although downstream textile and apparel demand has modestly recovered, the pace is slower than expected, especially in sectors like outdoor sportswear and down jackets that heavily use nylon, where procurement has notably slowed.
Supply Chain Transmission and Regional Impact
The mid-low Nylon FDY price level offers temporary relief for downstream weaving enterprises. In clusters like Shengze and Changle, gray fabric ex-factory prices have dropped 2%-5% in the first half of 2026, directly boosting profit margins for fabric processors. However, sustained low prices have forced some small polymerization plants to cut output or undergo maintenance, with industry operating rates hovering around 70%, down about 5 percentage points year-on-year.
On the export front, China Customs data shows that from January to May 2026, nylon filament yarn export volume grew roughly 8% year-on-year, but the average export price fell 3.2%. This suggests that domestic low-cost capacity is being digested through exports, though it also raises the risk of anti-dumping investigations abroad. For foreign trade firms, the current price window presents both a procurement opportunity and a need to hedge against currency fluctuations and trade barriers.
Future Price Expectations and Recommendations
Overall, Nylon FDY prices are unlikely to break through the 17,000 RMB/ton threshold in the near term. Key constraints include:
- New caprolactam capacity is still ramping up, offering weak cost support
- Terminal apparel brand orders are mainly for just-in-time replenishment, with lead times shortened to 15-20 days
- Nylon producer inventory days in East China have exceeded 25, indicating high destocking pressure
- However, any sharp movement in crude oil prices could transmit through the benzene-caprolactam chain to Nylon FDY
For Buyers - Current prices are in a mid-low range; consider phased procurement rather than bulk hoarding - Monitor caprolactam operating rates and pure benzene price trends; if costs stabilize, consider increasing inventory by 1-2 weeks - Compare quotes from different suppliers; small mills may offer lower prices due to cash flow pressures, but quality consistency must be verified
For Exporters - Lock in raw material costs for long-term orders using the current low price window; consider quarterly framework agreements with suppliers - Watch RMB exchange rate fluctuations; as nylon exports are mainly USD-denominated, use forward exchange settlement tools - Prioritize developing markets in Southeast Asia and South Asia, where demand for mid-to-low-end nylon fabrics is growing faster
Price is the market's most direct barometer. The consolidation of Nylon FDY at 16,300 RMB/ton reflects both the pain of overcapacity and the dawn of a new reshuffle. For all players in the supply chain, refined operations and risk management are key to navigating the cycle.