China Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade Market Update: Export Policy Uncertainty Splits the Market

China's ammonium sulphate market showed a clear split in the week of July 17-23, 2026. Supply from caprolactam and coke enterprises was broadly stable, but export policy uncertainty disrupted domestic circulation and created sharply different price movements between grades.

In Shandong, caprolactam-grade material moved to around RMB 1,070-1,120/mt, up RMB 20-30/mt from the previous week and equal to approximately USD 157-165/mt based on a working exchange rate of USD 1 = RMB 6.8. By contrast, lower-priced by-product material from coke producers dropped sharply as domestic buyers became cautious after export inspection requirements affected customs clearance flow.

Key Takeaways for Overseas Buyers

The main point for import buyers is not only the headline price movement, but grade selection and shipment execution. Caprolactam-grade supply stayed relatively firm because some factories had better export allocation and stronger willingness to hold prices, while lower-grade material faced heavier pressure from weak bidding and blocked trade flows.

Buyers can review CHCA Chem's Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade product page for typical specification, nitrogen content, packing, COA and RFQ information. This article intentionally focuses on caprolactam-grade supply because it is the grade most relevant for stable export fertilizer procurement.

Domestic Market Split

Domestic purchasing sentiment weakened after export inspection policy implementation created uncertainty around customs procedures. Some raw-material producers had difficulty selling through auctions, and failed bidding became more common in lower-grade markets.

Caprolactam-grade material performed differently. Northern factory offers were relatively stable around RMB 1,070-1,120/mt, and the transaction atmosphere was steadier because buyers still had rigid demand and some suppliers had stronger export order support.

Supply and Demand

Caprolactam operating rates were mostly range-bound, with the weekly utilization rate around 67.23%, slightly lower than the previous period. Coke enterprise operating rates were broadly stable at 74.58%. Overall supply capacity therefore did not change materially.

Demand was the weaker side. Domestic compound fertilizer operating rates fell to around 31.30%, down 2.11 percentage points. Brazil granular fertilizer demand still existed, but China's export procedure uncertainty slowed the conversion of overseas demand into smooth domestic shipments.

International Market Signals

International caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate prices strengthened. FOB China caprolactam-grade references moved to around USD 190-200/mt, up about USD 15/mt from the previous week. Extruded granular offers were more stable around USD 185-195/mt, but many exporters were cautious with new offers while waiting for clearer inspection and customs procedures.

For importers, this means the cheapest domestic number may not represent executable export supply. A workable offer should be checked against product grade, export document readiness, vessel or container availability, inspection requirements and customs clearance timing.

Market Outlook

The next-period market is expected to remain weak and policy-sensitive. Supply is likely to stay broadly stable, while domestic demand remains limited and export execution depends on whether inspection and customs procedures become smoother.

Caprolactam-grade prices may adjust at a low level but should remain more resilient than weaker domestic auction-driven markets if export channels and buyer demand remain active. The key variables are export policy details, Brazil demand, urea price movement and port clearance speed.

Buyer Considerations

For a supplier China RFQ, overseas buyers should specify grade, nitrogen content, moisture requirement, packing, quantity, destination port, shipment window, COA and any inspection or customs documentation requirements. Buyers should also confirm whether the exporter can handle current inspection procedures before finalizing the order.

For bulk vessel or container shipment, serious buyers should request a clear quotation validity period, loading port, estimated shipment schedule and document list. This is especially important while policy details are still being implemented.

FAQ

Why did China's ammonium sulphate market split this week?

The market split because export inspection policy uncertainty pressured domestic circulation, while caprolactam-grade material retained stronger support from export allocation and steadier buyer demand.

What was the Shandong caprolactam-grade price range?

Shandong caprolactam-grade material was around RMB 1,070-1,120/mt, approximately USD 157-165/mt using USD 1 = RMB 6.8.

Why were exporters cautious with new offers?

Many exporters were waiting for clearer inspection and customs procedures, because unclear export steps can affect shipment timing and execution risk.

Is Brazil demand still supporting the market?

Brazil granular fertilizer demand still exists, but China's export procedure uncertainty has slowed the conversion of that demand into smooth domestic transactions.

What should buyers include in an ammonium sulphate RFQ?

Buyers should include grade, nitrogen content, moisture, packing, quantity, destination port, shipment window, COA request and any inspection or customs document requirements.