According to SunSirs monitoring, the PA6 spot market showed a trend of initial stability followed by a rise this week (July 1–7). From July 1 to July 6, the market benchmark price remained stable at 11,633.33 RMB/ton, with the market consolidating sideways; on July 7, the price surged 1.72% to 11,833.33 RMB/ton, resulting in a slight upward shift in the weekly price level. Regarding moving average signals, a "golden cross" appeared on July 7 as the 10-day moving average crossed above the 20-day moving average, indicating a shift from a weak to a strong short-term trend. The annual price level sits in the median range, showing signs of bottom support and marking a pause in the downward trend that had persisted for nearly three months.
Cost Side: Upstream caprolactam had previously been trading at low levels; however, with processing losses prompting some facilities to reduce operating rates or undergo maintenance, tightened raw material supplies caused caprolactam prices to stabilize. This provided bottom support for PA6 production costs, effectively eliminating the possibility of a significant decline. International crude oil prices fluctuated within a narrow range, and the energy sector exerted no significant bearish pressure on the raw material benzene, meaning costs no longer dragged down chip prices. Furthermore, following a deep correction in raw material prices earlier, losses for chip manufacturers have narrowed; the cost side now provides moderate upward support, laying the foundation for this week's slight rebound.
Supply and Demand Side: On the supply side, concentrated maintenance of caprolactam facilities led to a contraction in raw material supplies, while polymerization plant operating rates remained low. The volume of circulating market stock was limited, the pace of inventory destocking by manufacturers accelerated slightly, and the willingness of inventory holders to sell at low prices diminished. On the demand side, downstream modified plastic and fiber-spinning enterprises had previously maintained low raw material inventories; following the stabilization of prices, there was a concentrated release of essential restocking demand. While end-user purchasing volumes saw a slight month-on-month increase and market trading activity improved compared to the beginning of the month, the industry's traditional off-season has not yet fully concluded. Consequently, downstream willingness to stockpile in bulk remains limited; the demand recovery is merely periodic and unlikely to drive a sustained, strong upward trend.
In the short term, PA6 prices are expected to fluctuate with a firm tone at low levels, retaining moderate upward momentum but lacking the potential for a sharp, continuous rally; the projected trading range is 11,700–12,100 RMB/tonne. A sustained strengthening of the market depends on two key conditions: continued price increases for caprolactam and concentrated bulk restocking by downstream end-users. Should the raw material market weaken again, prices would likely revert to a pattern of narrow-range consolidation.
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