In May 2020, nylon filament yarn prices were talked up amid climbing prices in the upstream CPL and nylon chip markets during the month. Nylon yarn producers had to maintain firmer offers due to cost pressure. Yarn producer’s profit margins were largely shrinking recently. The inventory levels at NFY producers were largely controllable in the month. In China, semi-dull FDY70D/24F rose US cents 10 a kg in May while FDY40D were up US cents 6 as compared to April.

Nylon/polyamide intermediates

Caprolactum prices in Asia were assessed up in May amid firmer benzene markets during the month. In China, CPL prices jumped in the month while supply in the market was increasing with moderate demand. Market sentiment is likely to remain the same in the near-term. Asian caprolactam spot average prices inched up 5.8% from previous month. Sinopec released its May contract price US$1,435 a ton while Fibrant adjusted its May contract at US$1,435 a ton for liquid goods.

Nylon or polyamide chip markets were assessed up in May in tandem with firmer CPL costs during the month. Downstream weaving mills ramped up their production while textile yarn producers generally showed better interest. The average run rate of nylon chip units in the country was at 69%. Offers for Taiwan-origin chips were down 6.8% in May. In China, bright conventional spinning nylon-6 chips offers rose 14.1% from April while semi-dull chips were assessed up 9.6% on the month.

Upstream nylon/polyamide markets

Benzene prices in the Asian markets increased in May on the back of buoyant crude oil markets while market transactions were soft as supply was building up slightly. In the US, spot benzene prices inched up amid increased market activity. In Europe, benzene prices jumped on higher energy prices while market sentiment was quiet due to regional holidays. Asian marker, FOB Korea rose 22.2% in May while US spot prices were up 2.4%. European spot was up 22.6% on the month.

Courtesy: YnFx Monthly Textile PriceWatch Report