材料汇·2025-12-27 15:46Core Viewpoint - The nylon 6 industry is facing significant challenges due to structural overcapacity, with rapid production expansion outpacing demand growth, leading to a decline in industry profit margins and increased competition. The industry must shift from scale expansion to value enhancement, focusing on high-end and differentiated products to navigate these challenges [2][3][7]. Overview - Nylon 6, also known as PA6 or polyamide 6, is a crucial synthetic fiber and engineering plastic material with diverse applications, including textiles, automotive parts, and food packaging. China has become the global center for nylon 6 production, accounting for over 50% of global capacity and consumption [2][3][6]. Industry Chain Analysis - The nylon 6 industry chain includes key components such as caprolactam, nylon 6 chips, fibers, engineering plastics, films, and composite materials. Caprolactam is a vital raw material for producing nylon 6 chips, which are further processed into various products [10][11][12][15]. Market Supply and Demand - Global nylon 6 production capacity is primarily concentrated in China, which holds 57% of the total capacity, followed by Western Europe at 11%. The demand for nylon 6 is expected to grow significantly in China over the next 5-10 years [18][20][22]. Domestic Supply and Demand Forecast - China's nylon 6 chip production and consumption have 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%. The import dependency for nylon 6 chips has decreased from 11.15% in 2018 to 4.68% in 2023 [25][28]. Production Capacity Distribution - As of the end of 2023, China's caprolactam production capacity reached 6.53 million tons, with 11 companies holding 75.19% of the total capacity. The nylon 6 chip production capacity exceeded 5.34 million tons, with 25 companies contributing to this output [36][39]. Competitive Landscape - The nylon 6 industry is characterized by increasing competition, particularly in the caprolactam and nylon 6 chip segments. Companies are encouraged to enhance their technological capabilities and explore international markets to mitigate overcapacity issues [47][48]. Technological Features - The nylon 6 production process has evolved significantly, with various polymerization techniques employed, including single-stage and two-stage polymerization. The industry is also focusing on improving spinning and twisting technologies to enhance product quality [51][53]. Industry Barriers and Challenges - The nylon 6 industry faces several barriers, including high capital requirements, technological complexities, and increasing competition. New entrants must overcome significant challenges to compete effectively in this mature industry [57][58].