Caprolactam prices in the US Southeast remained steady last week, assessed at 86.00–87.00 cents/lb DDP, even as feedstock benzene values strengthened. Market participants described balanced but subdued fundamentals, with limited activity and no spot deals reported so far this month. Stability was supported by relatively calm feedstock markets such as cyclohexane and phenol, which showed minimal volatility despite some expectations of reduced-level trading.
Demand from the downstream nylon 6 sector stayed weak, preventing any significant price movement. Trading continued to focus on existing contracts, underscoring a lack of urgent buying interest across the market.
In feedstock developments, phenol FOB US Gulf prices held at USD 1,020–1,030/mt, unchanged from the prior week, while benzene FOB US Gulf climbed to 261.00–261.10 cents/gallon, marking an increase of 8 cents/gallon week on week.
