In a context of persistent pressure on the chemical fiber market, the price trajectory of nylon DTY serves as a key indicator of the industry cycle. On July 28, 2026, the benchmark price stood at 16,120 yuan/ton. While this represents a modest 1.77% increase from the beginning of the month, a longer-term view reveals a different story.
Price Position: Mid-Range Volatility with Clear Bottom Signals
According to publicly available industry data, nylon DTY prices have fluctuated between 13,560 yuan/ton and 18,960 yuan/ton over the past 12 months. The current price of 16,120 yuan/ton sits just below the mid-point of 16,260 yuan/ton. It is 2,840 yuan/ton below the historical peak and 2,560 yuan/ton above the trough. This 'neither peak nor valley' position indicates a market undergoing supply-demand rebalancing.
The 12-month average price is 15,124.37 yuan/ton, meaning the current price is approximately 6.6% above that average. This suggests that over the past year, the price center of gravity has moved upward only marginally, with most trading occurring at lower levels. For chemical fiber companies, this sustained low volatility implies a systemic compression of profit margins.
Chain Transmission: Upstream Pressure, Downstream Caution
The price movement of nylon DTY is not isolated. Fluctuations in upstream raw materials such as caprolactam and nylon 6 chips directly impact filament prices. The current mid-range volatility suggests that the upstream sector also faces ample supply. For nylon polymerization and spinning companies, the 16,120 yuan/ton price is approaching the cost line for some small and medium-sized enterprises, especially those without integrated production capacity.
Meanwhile, downstream weaving and garment companies remain cautiously watchful. Although the current price is relatively low, the wide price swings over the past year—from 13,560 to 18,960 yuan/ton—make buyers reluctant to build large inventories. They prefer just-in-time purchasing and small batch replenishment, which further reduces market liquidity.
Regional Industrial Zones: Divergent Reactions in Shengze and Changle
As major consumption areas for nylon filament, weaving enterprises in Shengze, Jiangsu, and Changle, Fujian, have responded differently. Shengze, which focuses on nylon fabrics, has a relatively inelastic demand for nylon DTY. At current prices, some large weaving mills have begun to tentatively increase inventory, viewing the 16,000 yuan/ton level as having a safety margin. In contrast, Changle, with its warp-knitted lace industry, has higher value-added products and is less sensitive to raw material prices, prioritizing delivery stability and quality consistency.
From the supply side, the domestic nylon industry experienced a wave of capacity expansion in 2024-2025. The release of new capacity has resulted in ample market supply, which is a core factor suppressing price increases.
Practical Recommendations
For Buyers - Take advantage of the current mid-range volatility to build strategic inventory, but limit stock to 1-2 months of consumption to avoid overstocking. - Monitor upstream caprolactam and pure benzene prices. If cost-side volatility occurs, nylon DTY prices could break out of the current range quickly. - Prioritize suppliers with upstream-downstream integrated capacity to mitigate delivery risks during price fluctuations.
For Foreign Trade Companies - Include floating price clauses in export quotations to shift some raw material cost volatility to overseas clients. - Monitor demand changes for nylon fabrics in Southeast Asian markets, especially the recovery of garment export orders in Vietnam and Bangladesh. - Use the current price advantage to proactively negotiate long-term framework agreements with overseas buyers, locking in supply prices for the next 3-6 months.
In summary, the low-volatility pattern of nylon DTY is unlikely to break in the short term. The market requires either a substantial recovery in demand or a significant change in upstream costs to drive a new price direction. For industry participants, the current phase tests risk management and supply chain resilience more than ever.