China Caprolactam Grade Ammonium Sulfate Market Update: Prices Fall on Weak Demand
May 20, 2026 at 5:00:00 PM
China's caprolactam grade ammonium sulfate market moved lower during the week of May 15-21, 2026. Reduced caprolactam operating rates limited part of the supply, but weaker domestic purchasing, subdued international inquiries and rising inventory pressure weighed more heavily on prices.
Market Overview
In Shandong, caprolactam grade ammonium sulfate was assessed at RMB 1,670-1,750/mt on May 21, down from RMB 1,810-1,920/mt on May 14. The decline reflected soft buying interest from both domestic and export markets.
Internationally, FOB China caprolactam grade ammonium sulfate prices fell to USD 262-270/mt, compared with USD 285-295/mt one week earlier. Overseas buyers remained cautious, with limited new inquiries and Brazilian granular demand yet to strengthen materially.
Key Market Drivers
Supply from caprolactam producers declined as plant operating rates fell to 69.41%, compared with 73.17% in the previous period. Coke-oven based supply remained comparatively stable, with operating rates holding at 76.06%.
Demand conditions were weaker. Compound fertilizer operating rates decreased to 30.46%, while purchasing from granular producers and export channels remained limited. Port inventory increased to approximately 900,000 mt, adding pressure on sellers seeking to move cargo.
What This Means for Buyers
For buyers of Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade, the recent correction may provide improved sourcing opportunities compared with earlier May levels. However, purchasing decisions should still consider product specification, packing, loading schedule and destination-market requirements.
Current market indications should be reconfirmed before concluding contracts, as FOB offers and domestic factory quotations may change with export demand, port inventory and nitrogen fertilizer price movements.
Market Outlook
The near-term market is expected to remain soft to slightly lower unless international demand improves or downstream fertilizer procurement recovers. Buyers should watch new export inquiries, Brazilian granular demand, domestic inventory movements and operating-rate changes at caprolactam plants.
Buyer FAQ
Why did caprolactam grade ammonium sulfate prices decline?
Demand weakened faster than supply contracted, while inventory and shipment pressure increased.
Are export offers also lower?
Yes. FOB China caprolactam grade material declined to USD 262-270/mt during the reported week.
Should buyers wait for further price decreases?
Market sentiment remains soft, but procurement timing should be based on required delivery schedules and reconfirmed supplier offers.
Related Products and RFQ
For buyers planning container shipments from China, see our Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade, Granular Ammonium Sulphate, Ammonium Sulphate Coking Grade, Urea Granular and Contact / Send RFQ pages.