HS Code:
6-Hexanelactam, commonly known as ε-Caprolactam (HS Code: 2933.71), is a key organic compound used primarily as a precursor in the production of Nylon 6, a widely used synthetic polymer in textiles, automotive components, and industrial applications. It is a cyclic amide of caproic acid and plays a critical role in the global chemical and polymer industry. The trade of ε-Caprolactam is influenced by the demand for synthetic fibers and plastics, as well as regional production capacities and raw material availability.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $2.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$800 million USD
32% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$450 million USD
18% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$350 million USD
14% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$300 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$200 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Growing demand for Nylon 6 in automotive lightweighting
Increased trade volume as manufacturers seek ε-Caprolactam for producing durable, lightweight components to improve fuel efficiency
2021-2023
Shift towards bio-based Caprolactam production
Emerging technologies for sustainable production are gaining traction, potentially reducing dependency on petrochemical-based supply chains
2022-2023
Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions
Trade routes and pricing have been affected by sanctions and export controls, particularly impacting European imports
2022
The European Union introduced provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 8% to 12% on ε-Caprolactam imports from China to protect domestic producers.
March 2023
Likely to increase costs for European Nylon 6 manufacturers reliant on Chinese imports, potentially shifting sourcing to other regions like South Korea.
A leading Chinese chemical company announced a new ε-Caprolactam production facility with an annual capacity of 300,000 tons, further solidifying China's dominance in the market.
June 2023
Expected to increase global supply, potentially driving down prices but intensifying competition for other exporters.
A European consortium launched a pilot project for bio-based ε-Caprolactam production using renewable feedstocks, aiming for commercial scalability by 2025.
September 2023
Could reshape trade patterns by introducing sustainable alternatives, appealing to environmentally conscious markets in Europe and North America.