Caprolactam Global Market Report 2026

Caprolactam, a slightly odorous organic compound, appears as a clear to milky white substance. With a melting point of 70°C, it possesses qualities such as tensile strength, elasticity, chemical resistance, and low moisture absorbency, making it crucial in nylon 6 production.

Caprolactam, a key material, utilizes raw ingredients such as phenol, cyclohexane, hydroxylamine sulfate, among others. Phenol serves as a precursor to BPA, extensively employed in container coatings, adhesives, electronic insulators, polycarbonates for optical and automotive applications. Phenol's sensory attributes can be detectable at concentrations below harmful levels. Caprolactam finds diverse applications including nylon 6 filaments, textile yarn, nylon 6 fibers, engineering plastics, printer inks, among others. Industries such as textiles, automobiles, electrical and electronics incorporate caprolactam-derived products in their manufacturing processes.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are affecting the caprolactam market by increasing costs of imported raw materials such as phenol, cyclohexane, and hydroxylamine derivatives, along with specialized processing equipment. Nylon producers in Asia-Pacific and Europe are most impacted due to globalized feedstock supply chains, while North America faces higher production costs. These tariffs are pressuring profit margins and increasing nylon pricing volatility. At the same time, they are encouraging backward integration, regional feedstock sourcing, and investments in local caprolactam production capacity.

The caprolactam market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides caprolactam market statistics, including caprolactam industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a caprolactam market share, detailed caprolactam market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the caprolactam industry. This caprolactam market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The caprolactam market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $17.19 billion in 2025 to $18.49 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of nylon 6 fiber production, growth of textile manufacturing industries, rising automotive component demand, availability of phenol and cyclohexane feedstocks, development of large-scale polymerization plants.

The caprolactam market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $24.38 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for lightweight and durable materials, rising adoption of nylon in electric vehicle components, expansion of circular polymer initiatives, growing demand from electronics applications, increasing investments in sustainable nylon production. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for nylon 6 engineering plastics, rising use in lightweight automotive components, growing adoption in high-performance textile fibers, expansion of caprolactam recycling initiatives, enhanced process efficiency in nylon production.

The growth of the automotive industry is expected to drive the expansion of the caprolactam market going forward. The automotive industry includes companies engaged in the design, manufacturing, and sale of motor vehicles and related components. The shift toward fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly automobiles has increased the adoption of nylon 6 in vehicles to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. For instance, in January 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a UK-based trade association, total vehicle production in the UK (cars + commercial vehicles) reached about 1,025,474 units in 2023, reflecting a 17% increase from the previous year. Therefore, the growth of the automotive industry is supporting the caprolactam market.

Major companies operating in the caprolactam market are forming partnerships to develop new products and strengthen their positions in the market. Collaborations and partnerships in the caprolactam market facilitate the sharing of expertise, resources, and technology, fostering innovation, improving production efficiency, and expanding market reach. For instance, in September 2023, Toray Industries Inc., a Japan-based textile company, partnered with Honda Motor Co. Ltd., a Japan-based automobile company, to jointly develop chemical recycling technology for glass-fiber reinforced nylon 6 parts obtained from end-of-life vehicles. The collaboration focuses on depolymerizing the nylon 6 parts using subcritical water, which has high permeability and dissolving power, ultimately regenerating the materials as caprolactam, a crucial raw monomer. The technology has been adopted by the Ministry of the Environment for a fiscal 2023 project aimed at establishing a decarbonized circular economy system, and the companies plan to set up a pilot facility to process 500 metric tons annually of raw resin for validation testing. The initial phase of the collaboration involves recycling used automotive plastic parts, with a goal to apply the technology to automotive resin parts recycling by around 2027.

In September 2023, Toray Industries, a Japan-based materials manufacturer, entered into a partnership with Honda Motor Co., Ltd. to jointly validate chemical recycling technology for nylon 6 in automotive applications. The collaboration aims to create a fully circular recycling system by converting end-of-life automotive components made from nylon 6 back into raw material for new vehicle parts, contributing to reduced CO2 emissions, improved resource efficiency, and more sustainable manufacturing across the mobility sector. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japan-based automotive manufacturer committed to enhancing eco-friendly technologies and promoting decarbonization throughout its global supply chain.

Major companies operating in the caprolactam market are China Petrochemical Corporation, BASF SE, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Hengyi Industries Co. Ltd., Toray Industries Inc., LANXESS Corporation, Alpek S.A.B. de C.V., Grupa Azoty S.A., Luxi Chemical Group, Petroquimica Unigel S.A. de C.V., Highsun Holding Group, UBE Industries Ltd., Shenma Group Co. Ltd., AdvanSix Inc., Shandong Xinlong Group Co. Ltd., Nanning Chemical Industry Group Co. Ltd., Shandong Linyi Jinyu Chemical Co. Ltd., Capro Corp., Spolana s.r.o., DOMO Caproleuna, Jiangsu Yisheng Chemical Co. Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the caprolactam market in 2025. North America was the second-largest region in the caprolactam market share. The regions covered in the caprolactam market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa

The countries covered in the caprolactam market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain

The caprolactam market consists of sales of caprolactam synthesized from raw materials such as benzene and ammonia. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Caprolactam Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses caprolactam market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for caprolactam ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The caprolactam market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Raw Material: Phenol; Cyclohexane; Hydroxylamine Sulfate
• 2) By Application: Nylon 6 Filaments; Textile Yarn; Nylon 6 Fibers; Engineering Plastics; Other Applications
• 3) By End-User: Textile Industry; Automobile Industry; Electrical And Electronics Industry; Other End-Users
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Phenol: Phenol Derivatives; Phenol-Based Intermediates
• 2) By Cyclohexane: Purified Cyclohexane; Cyclohexane Mixtures
• 3) By Hydroxylamine Sulfate: Hydroxylamine Hydrochloride; Hydroxylamine Sulfonic Acid
• Companies Mentioned: China Petrochemical Corporation; BASF SE; Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; Asahi Kasei Corporation; Hengyi Industries Co. Ltd.; Toray Industries Inc.; LANXESS Corporation; Alpek S.A.B. de C.V.; Grupa Azoty S.A.; Luxi Chemical Group; Petroquimica Unigel S.A. de C.V.; Highsun Holding Group; UBE Industries Ltd.; Shenma Group Co. Ltd.; AdvanSix Inc.; Shandong Xinlong Group Co. Ltd.; Nanning Chemical Industry Group Co. Ltd.; Shandong Linyi Jinyu Chemical Co. Ltd.; Capro Corp.; Spolana s.r.o.; DOMO Caproleuna; Jiangsu Yisheng Chemical Co. Ltd.
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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