The global Polyamide market displayed overall stability in the first half of January 2025, driven by balanced supply-demand dynamics and steady feedstock costs. However, market sentiment remained cautious as regional disruptions, inflation concerns, and subdued downstream activity influenced trading behaviour.

In Europe, the Polyamide market began January on a stable note, showing marginal improvement as the month progressed. Balanced supply and steady feedstock prices helped maintain stability, though firming crude oil values exerted mild upward pressure on prices across the nylon value chain. The weakening euro against the U.S. dollar made imports more expensive for European buyers, compounding procurement challenges. Demand from the automotive sector remained subdued, with buyers exhibiting conservative purchasing behaviour amid a weak economic outlook and ongoing political uncertainties. Despite these challenges, supply-demand dynamics in Europe were well-aligned, keeping Polyamide prices from experiencing significant volatility.

In China, Polyamide prices held steady as pre-Lunar New Year stockpiling in December ensured balanced inventory levels entering the new year. Manufacturers kept production rates low to avoid oversupply, aligning output with the tepid demand from key downstream industries. Feedstock prices, including Adipic Acid, remained flat, helping maintain a stable cost structure for Polyamide producers. However, logistical bottlenecks persisted, with severe port congestion at major terminals like Shanghai and Ningbo due to pre-holiday cargo surges and adverse weather conditions. This added strain to an already cautious market, where traders preferred limited transactions and awaited clearer signals of demand recovery post-holiday to guide their procurement strategies.

In the United States, Polyamide prices remained stable despite lingering inflationary concerns and uncertainty surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s anticipated trade policies. Market participants braced for the potential impact of higher import tariffs, which could increase costs for downstream industries, particularly automotive. Meanwhile, stable feedstock prices ensured Polyamide production costs remained under control. Supply-side stability was further reinforced as a potential port strike threat was averted following a six-year labour agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance. This resolution eased fears of supply chain disruptions, with freight costs expected to decline in the coming weeks. While overall sentiment was cautious, the U.S. Polyamide market showed resilience, supported by steady supply conditions and manageable production costs.

Looking ahead, the global Polyamide market is expected to maintain its stable trajectory, with potential price movements influenced by regional developments. In China, downstream demand recovery post-Lunar New Year may provide an impetus for price adjustments. Meanwhile, the U.S. market will closely monitor policy shifts and inflationary trends, while Europe remains susceptible to economic and geopolitical pressures. Feedstock price trends and inventory management strategies will play pivotal roles in shaping market dynamics for Polyamide in the coming months.