材料汇·2025-12-08 14:02Core Viewpoints - The nylon 6 industry is facing structural overcapacity, with supply growth outpacing demand, leading to price competition and shrinking profit margins [2][7][59] - The industry must shift from scale expansion to value enhancement, focusing on high-end applications and differentiated products to drive growth [7][17] - Technological and environmental barriers are becoming critical, requiring continuous innovation and compliance with green manufacturing standards [7][17] - Integrated supply chain management and international market expansion are essential strategies for companies to navigate current challenges [7][17] Overview - Nylon 6, also known as PA6 or nylon 6, is a widely used synthetic fiber and engineering plastic with excellent mechanical properties and versatility [6] - The industry has seen significant growth in China, which now accounts for over 50% of global production and consumption [2][3] Industry Chain Analysis - The nylon 6 industry chain includes key components such as caprolactam, nylon 6 chips, fibers, engineering plastics, films, and composite materials [10][11][12][15] - Caprolactam is a crucial raw material, with China holding a significant share of global production capacity [20][21] - Nylon 6 chips are primarily used for fiber production, with a smaller portion allocated to engineering plastics and films [11][12] Market Supply and Demand - China dominates global nylon 6 production, holding 57% of total capacity, while demand growth is expected to be driven mainly by the Chinese market in the next 5-10 years [18][22] - Domestic nylon 6 chip production has shown steady growth, with production increasing from 312,000 tons in 2018 to 502,500 tons in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 10% [25][28] Capacity Distribution - As of the end of 2023, China's caprolactam production capacity reached 6.53 million tons, with several major producers dominating the market [36][37] - The nylon 6 chip production capacity in China is concentrated among 25 companies, totaling 5.34 million tons [39] Future Predictions - The nylon 6 industry is projected to experience a mismatch between production capacity and demand, with overcapacity expected to persist in the short term [46][47] - By 2030, caprolactam capacity is expected to reach 10 million tons, while nylon 6 chip capacity will also increase, leading to intensified competition [47][48] Technical Features - The nylon 6 production process has evolved significantly, with various polymerization techniques being employed to enhance product quality [51][52] - The industry relies on advanced spinning and twisting technologies to produce high-quality nylon fibers [53][54] Industry Barriers and Challenges - The nylon 6 industry faces significant barriers to entry, including high capital requirements and the need for advanced production technology [57][58] - Overcapacity remains a critical issue, with the industry experiencing a saturation of the downstream market, leading to intensified competition [59]