Nylon POY Price Holds Mid-Range, Signaling Shift in Chemical Fiber Chain Dynamics

On July 6, 2026, nylon POY was priced at RMB 13,625 per ton, down just RMB 25 from the start of the month, a mere 0.18% drop. Behind this seemingly flat figure lies a year of structural change: the price band has narrowed from a wide range of RMB 11,300 to RMB 16,950 to a steady mid-range level.

Price Median: The Equilibrium of Supply-Demand

China Customs data shows the 12-month average price was RMB 12,800.41, with the current price about 6.4% above that. More importantly, the price band is shrinking—the gap between the annual high of RMB 16,950 and low of RMB 11,300 is RMB 5,650, while the current price is only RMB 500 from the median of RMB 14,125. This indicates a 'mid-range zone.'

What does this mean? Upstream caprolactam supply has stabilized, and downstream mills have shifted from panic buying to need-based replenishment. The low-volatility environment allows fabric factories to lock in processing margins more predictably, without constant price adjustments due to raw material swings.

Industrial Belt Transmission: From Keqiao to Changle

In clusters like Changle (Fujian) and Yiwu (Zhejiang), small and medium enterprises have adopted a 'low inventory, fast turnover' strategy. Industry data shows average inventory days for nylon filament in H1 2026 fell by 12 days year-on-year to about 28 days.

Price stability reduces hoarding incentives and compresses trader arbitrage margins. Intermediaries are now forced to add value through services like texturing or splitting. This reshapes profit distribution: producers gain pricing power, while traders see margins shrink.

For downstream weaving bases like Shengze and Nantong, stable nylon POY prices improve cost predictability. However, the current price remains above the annual average by RMB 825/ton, squeezing margins for conventional nylon fabrics.

Practical Advice

For Buyers - Maintain normal procurement pace; avoid chasing highs. Consider increasing stock when price falls below RMB 13,000/ton. - Monitor caprolactam prices. If they drop below RMB 11,000/ton, nylon POY could test RMB 12,000. - Negotiate quarterly price-lock agreements with suppliers to hedge against sudden spikes.

For Exporters - Base export quotes on RMB 13,625/ton, adding 5%-8% as risk buffer. Large adjustments are unlikely in this median environment. - Watch demand shifts in Southeast Asia under RCEP tariff benefits; increased exports could support domestic prices. - Include raw material price linkage clauses in contracts, triggering renegotiation when caprolactam or nylon POY fluctuates over 5%.