CPL prices inch up while nylon-6 prices hold firm in Asia

The SE and FE Asian caprolactum markers on the lower end rose US$10 a ton in the week ended 3 August 2018. In China, spot liquid good offers was up US$2 a ton as compared to last week while solid goods were stable during the week.

Caprolactum prices in Asia were firmed up during the week amid strong feedstock benzene market. In China, CPL offers were mostly up in the week buoyed by high cost and low inventory as one plant shut its unit last week. Average domestic run rates declined to 78.6% that week which indicates that supply was tightening a bit.

Overall, CPL prices are expected to be stable-to-up amid reduced inventory in coming weeks.

Bright conventional spinning nylon-6 prices in China rolled over in the week ended 3 August 2018 while semi-dull high-speed spinning chip was also flat during the week. Offers for nylon chip were steady as trading sentiment was lukewarm during the week.

The overall operating rates of nylon-6 polymerization plants were up at 80%. Producers ran at high rates due to some profits and new capacities. However, buying appetite was modest as downstream sector was sluggish and some products were under sales pressure.

Overall, nylon chip prices are likely to remain range-bound in coming weeks given normal supply and rigid demand, but buyers may remain in cautious mood amid seasonal lull.

Courtesy: Weekly PriceWatch Report