U.S.: Lactam Market 2025

Lactam Market Size in the U.S.

The U.S. lactam market rose significantly to $X in 2021, with an increase of 5.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -2.9% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Lactam Production in the U.S.

In value terms, lactam production reached $X in 2021. Over the period under review, production recorded a pronounced descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Lactam Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2021, overseas shipments of lactams from heterocyclic compounds decreased by -28.2% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. In general, exports faced a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 41%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lactam exports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, exports faced a drastic downturn. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Canada (X tons), Belgium (X tons) and Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) were the main destinations of lactam exports from the United States, together comprising 61% of total exports. China, South Korea, Colombia, Japan, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico and Vietnam lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 32%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Colombia (with a CAGR of +25.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest markets for lactam exported from the United States were Canada ($X), Belgium ($X) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), together accounting for 53% of total exports. China, South Korea, Japan, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia and Vietnam lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 32%.

Colombia, with a CAGR of +18.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lactam export price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 74% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated a mild expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mexico ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Vietnam ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Brazil (+5.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lactam Imports

Imports into the U.S.

In 2021, purchases abroad of lactams from heterocyclic compounds decreased by -23.3% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after three years of growth. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed a resilient increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 142%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lactam imports fell to $X in 2021. In general, total imports indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -13.7% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 107% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Mexico (X tons), Ireland (X tons) and Belgium (X tons) were the main suppliers of lactam imports to the United States, with a combined 75% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Ireland (with a CAGR of +49.2%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Switzerland ($X), Ireland ($X) and Belgium ($X) constituted the largest lactam suppliers to the United States, together accounting for 92% of total imports.

Switzerland, with a CAGR of +53.1%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lactam import price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 14% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a noticeable curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average import price increased by 76%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Switzerland ($X per ton), while the price for Mexico ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Switzerland (+61.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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