China Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade Update: Tighter Supply and Granular Demand Support Offers

China's ammonium sulphate market rebounded during August 21-27, 2026, as lower operating rates at caprolactam and coking plants slightly reduced supply while domestic purchasing and export-oriented granular demand improved. For overseas fertilizer importers and distributors, the firmer market makes specification, product form and shipment timing important parts of a current RFQ.

Key Takeaways for Buyers

Shandong caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate was reported around RMB 1,030-1,070/mt on August 27, approximately USD 151-157/mt using the fixed working exchange rate of USD 1 = RMB 6.8. The upper end increased by RMB 20/mt from August 20, while the lower end was unchanged. These domestic references are not direct export quotations and must be reconfirmed for current business.

China FOB bulk caprolactam-grade indications were reported at approximately USD 175-194/mt, with the upper end increasing by USD 4/mt week on week. Extruded granular indications were around USD 190-200/mt, up about USD 10/mt. Actual offers depend on specification, particle form, packing, loading method, destination port and shipment window.

Why the Market Rebounded

Caprolactam operating rates averaged 67.86%, down 1.07 percentage points from the previous week. Coking-sector operating rates were around 69.57%. Reduced output at some by-product producers tightened spot availability, and further caprolactam maintenance plans may continue to limit supply.

Demand also improved. Domestic agricultural and industrial users maintained necessary purchases, while compound fertilizer operating rates rose to 34.11%, up 3.30 percentage points. Export-oriented granular demand was more active, and buyers with existing orders increased procurement and customs preparation ahead of September.

Coking-grade ammonium sulphate increased more sharply in some domestic auctions, but buyers should not use coking-grade auction values as a substitute for caprolactam-grade quotations. The two grades can differ in appearance, impurity profile, processing route and suitability for the buyer's fertilizer or industrial application.

Port Inventory and Shipment Planning

Sampled Chinese port inventory was approximately 670,000 mt as of August 27, broadly unchanged week on week. Inventory declined slightly at Rizhao and Nanjing, remained relatively stable at Tianjin and Huanghua, and increased slightly at ports in Fujian. Active customs declarations and scheduled cargo movements may affect short-term loading availability.

Overseas buyers should confirm whether the order will move by container shipment or bulk vessel shipment. Containers may suit smaller or distributed orders and specific bagging requirements, while bulk vessel business requires coordinated cargo accumulation, port handling, laycan and discharge planning. The suitable method depends on volume, destination facilities and commercial terms.

Specification and Grade Selection

Buyers reviewing Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade should confirm nitrogen content, sulphur content, free acidity, moisture, particle size, color and appearance. If compacted or extruded granular material is required, the RFQ should clearly state the desired granule size and strength rather than relying only on the general product name.

When comparing a supplier China, manufacturer, distributor or exporter, buyers should request the relevant specification, COA and MSDS and check whether the proposed material matches local fertilizer registration, blending and labeling requirements. No market price should replace a product-specific technical review.

Short-Term Outlook

The market may remain firm if caprolactam and coking operations stay reduced while granular purchasing continues. A Shandong caprolactam-grade reference near RMB 1,060/mt, approximately USD 156/mt at the fixed working rate, was indicated for the coming period. This is an outlook reference only; current domestic and export quotations must be reconfirmed.

Key variables include the timing of caprolactam maintenance, international urea trends, compound fertilizer production, export customs activity and purchasing sentiment. Buyers with a defined September shipment window should confirm specifications and logistics early, while avoiding assumptions about fixed availability or freight.

RFQ Checklist

A complete RFQ should include caprolactam grade, crystal or granular form, target specification, particle-size requirement, packing, total quantity, destination port, container or bulk vessel preference, shipment window, COA/MSDS requirements and any destination-country labeling or inspection rules.

Short FAQ

Why did China ammonium sulphate prices strengthen this week?

Supply declined slightly as some caprolactam and coking operations reduced output, while domestic procurement and export-oriented granular demand improved.

Is caprolactam grade the same as coking grade?

No. Both products contain ammonium sulphate, but their production route, appearance and impurity profile can differ. Buyers should review the COA and application requirements before selection.

Can ammonium sulphate be shipped in containers and bulk vessels?

Yes. Both methods can be appropriate, depending on order volume, packing, destination-port facilities and shipping arrangements.

What information is needed for a current quotation?

Provide the grade, physical form, specification, packing, quantity, destination port, shipment window and required documents.

Procurement Note

Jinan ZZ International Trade Co., Ltd. supports overseas buyers reviewing ammonium sulphate caprolactam grade specification, packing, COA/MSDS, container shipment and bulk vessel shipment arrangements from China. Buyers can visit the linked product page and send a detailed RFQ for a current quotation.