Asian caprolactam prices were assessed higher in the weekended May 23, as market participants broadly reported tightsupplies in the region.The majority of caprolactam production uses a cyclohexanebasedprocess in Asia, which has seen margins under continualpressure due to a relatively thin benzene-caprolactam spread.Much of cyclohexane spot prices were discussed at a premiumto benzene prices, according to market sources. The currentbenzene-caprolactam spread stood at $633/mt, calculated asthe difference between the caprolactam CFR Northeast Asiaprice minus the benzene FOB Korea price.Meanwhile, offers in the Southeast Asia market continued tobe scarce.Elsewhere in Northeast Asia, caprolactam prices continuedto receive support from a relatively strong Chinese domesticmarket, as participants looked to China for pricing cues. Supplies A The
Asian Caprolactam Weekly Rationale
Asian caprolactam up $15/mt on the week for CFR Far East Asia at $1,685/mt...