Nylon innovation curve and industrial leap global supply-demand landscape and competitive pattern
——Zhao Jun, Invited Expert of CPCIF, Member of the Experts of the Oil and Gas Department of the NEA, and Member of the Editorial Board of China Petroleum & Chemical Industry Magazine
1. Global Nylon market landscape
Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 dominate the global market. Nylon 6 production is highly dispersed worldwide, with China gaining structural advantages through integration and large-scale capacity. Nylon 66, constrained by upstream technological barriers, has a higher industry concentration and shows characteristics of high-end, regionally focused development.
2. Development of China's nylon industry
China's Nylon 6 capacity is the largest in the world, though supply–demand imbalances remain prominent. For Nylon 66, rapid capacity expansion followed breakthroughs in adiponitrile technology, leading to price declines and oversupply. Industry competition is shifting from scale-oriented to technology- and high-end application–driven.
3. Technological innovation and future directions
Specialty nylons-such as high-temperature, transparent, and bio-based grades-are becoming key areas of development. Emerging sectors including new-energy vehicles and electronic communications are driving material performance upgrades. Green, high-end development is set to become the core of future competition.
