A single strand of nylon FDY has traced a first-rise-then-fall trajectory over the past year, yet recently it seems to have hit a pause button. According to data from Shengyi Society, the benchmark price of nylon FDY stood at 16,500 CNY/ton as of August 5, unchanged from the start of the month, with an annual fluctuation range of about 40%. This price sits near the midpoint of the year's range—neither near the low of 14,175 nor the high of 19,950. The sideways movement reflects a temporary balance among feedstock costs, capacity cycles, and downstream orders.
Market Context
Stretching the timeline, the annual trajectory of nylon FDY is clear: starting from 14,175 CNY/ton in August 2025, prices climbed to a peak of 19,950 CNY/ton at some point in 2026, then retreated. The current price of 16,500 CNY/ton is 2,325 CNY above the year's low and 3,450 CNY below the peak. Notably, the daily change has been zero for consecutive days—such 'zero volatility' is uncommon in chemical fiber products and often signals that the market is awaiting a new directional cue.
From a supply chain perspective, the direct upstream of nylon FDY is caprolactam, whose price has remained stable since the second quarter, providing support to nylon prices. Meanwhile, downstream weaving mills maintain an operating rate of around 70%, purchasing raw materials on a need-only basis without building inventory. With no highlights on either supply or demand, prices naturally fall into a stalemate.
Industry Impact
What does the price plateau mean for each link in the chain? For nylon factories, the 16,500 CNY/ton selling price still covers costs, but profit margins have been squeezed. If raw material prices fluctuate—for example, caprolactam rises due to maintenance or crude oil gains—factories face the risk of cost inversion. Consequently, many companies manage risk through long-term contracts or hedging rather than betting on one-way price movements.
For downstream buyers, the current price is at the annual midpoint—neither cheap nor expensive. Historically, the autumn textile peak season (September-October) may drive demand recovery, creating upside potential. However, this year's export orders are affected by geopolitical tensions and exchange rate fluctuations, casting doubt on the strength of recovery. Therefore, procurement strategies need to be flexible: neither hoarding large quantities due to the plateau nor panic-buying.
Notably, the annual average price of nylon FDY is 15,714 CNY/ton, about 5% lower than the current price. This indicates a downward shift in the overall price center this year, with industry profitability significantly contracted compared to last year. On the capacity front, new domestic nylon capacity is gradually coming on stream, and supply pressure is unlikely to ease in the medium to long term, becoming a core factor suppressing price rebounds.