Asian caprolactum prices fell US$200 a ton SE and FE markers in the fourth week of March. In China, spot liquid caprolactum offers declined sharply by US$715 a ton on the week while solid goods fell similarly during the week.

Caprolactam prices tumbled sharply on the back of softening benzene and lackluster downstream demand. In China, spot offers for liquid goods declined by more than US$700 a ton in a single week while US$ based prices were down 9%. Sinopec settled its March contract down US$450 from its nomination for liquid goods.

Downstream run rates at polymerization units declined to less than 60% amid high inventory while run rates at yarn makers were down to 65%, with inventory up to 28 days’ worth.

Courtesy: Weekly PriceWatch Report