Price Volatility in European Polyamide 6 Market Linked to Raw Material Shortages and Automotive Sector Growth

The price of Polyamide 6 in the European market witnessed an initial rise during the first half of March, followed by stabilization in the latter half of the month. This price movement was primarily driven by a combination of factors, including a shortage of feedstock Caprolactam, which is a key raw material for Polyamide 6 production. Additionally, there were increases in raw material prices across the industry, further influencing the cost of Polyamide 6. Another contributing factor was the improvement observed in the downstream automotive market, which led to an uptick in demand for Polyamide 6. As a ripple effect, the price of Polyamide GF 6 settled at USD 3928/MT on a DDP Hamburg basis at the end of the first quarter.

In Germany, the market for Benzene has experienced a notable upswing in prices, primarily attributed to heightened demand from industries reliant on styrene, phenol, and other solvent applications. Concurrently, rising domestic production costs have further contributed to the price surge. The effects of these developments have reverberated across the European market, notably influencing the Polyamide 6 sector.

Responding to these market conditions, Polyamide 6 manufacturers in the European market adjusted their quotation values to align with the changing demand dynamics and  other economic factors. This adjustment reflects the manufacturers' efforts to maintain profitability and competitiveness in the market while meeting the evolving needs of their customers.

In March, eurozone manufacturers experienced a further easing of challenges related to receiving purchased items from vendors, indicating a reduction in supply chain disruptions. This improvement was particularly evident in the shortening of suppliers' delivery times, which reached their greatest improvement. However, despite these positive developments, there were ongoing issues related to ships in the Red Sea, which continued to pose challenges to supply chains.

Investors currently hold a neutral stance on the German Automobile Manufacturers industry, suggesting that they expect long-term growth rates to remain stable. This outlook may reflect a cautious approach, indicating that while there may not be immediate concerns, there is a degree of uncertainty regarding future growth prospects in the industry.

The price of Polyamide 6 is expected to continue its upward trend in the coming weeks. This projection is influenced by several factors, including the improved economic indicators in the automotive sector in Germany in March compared to the previous month. Furthermore, the manufacturer of Polyamide 66 has increased its quotation prices in Europe. This decision is likely a response to the expensive raw material prices, which have been putting pressure on production costs.