Since November, the domestic acrylic acid market has been operating in a "stable but slightly weak" manner, driven primarily by "end-user demand-driven purchases." Lacking strong upward or downward momentum, the market has seen prices fluctuate narrowly amidst a mix of bullish and bearish factors, with transactions mainly consisting of small, immediate-needs orders.

Overall market performance: "Stability" was the main theme

In terms of price: As of November 4, the benchmark price of acrylic acid from SunSirs was 6,500.00 RMB/ton, unchanged from the beginning of the month. 

In terms of transactions: "Essential demand" was a clear characteristic. Downstream factories and traders generally adopted a cautious attitude, mainly purchasing to meet short-term production needs, with large orders and stockpiling being rare. The market transaction atmosphere was lukewarm, and "one-off negotiations" were common.

1. Demand side:

Downstream sectors performed poorly:

Acrylic esters (butyl acrylate, etc.): Downstream industries such as adhesive tapes and coatings were in their traditional off-season, with limited order growth and stable consumption of raw materials, making it difficult to form a concentrated purchasing surge.

SAP (Superabsorbent Polymer): Primarily used in hygiene products, demand was relatively stable, but lacked unexpected growth drivers.

Polymer Emulsions: Demand was moderate in the construction and textile sectors.

The "buy high, sell low" mentality: Due to a cautious outlook on the market, end users generally did not have a strong desire to stock up. When prices remain stable or even slightly ease, they tend to "buy as needed," waiting for lower prices or clearer market signals.

2. Supply side:

Operating rates remained at a medium-to-high level: Since November, the overall operating rate of the acrylic acid industry has remained at around 65%-70%. Although some plants have undergone routine maintenance, this has not had a significant impact on market supply, and the supply of goods is sufficient.

Inventory pressure was manageable: Overall, inventory levels at production plants were at a moderate level, with no serious inventory backlog. This gave factories some leverage in price negotiations, making them unwilling to drastically reduce prices, thus providing a floor for prices.

3. Cost side:

Raw material propylene prices weakened: After November, the price of propylene, the main raw material, declined to some extent. As of November 4th, the benchmark price of propylene from SunSirs was 6,018.25 RMB/ton, a decrease of 0.66% compared to the beginning of the month (6,058.25 RMB/ton). This weakened the cost support for acrylic acid and provided room for a gradual decline in acrylic acid prices. The easing of costs alleviated the profit pressure on acrylic acid plants, but also reduced the market's acceptance of high-priced acrylic acid.

Future Outlook:

Short term (until the end of November): The market is likely to continue its pattern of "stable to weak, driven by essential demand." In the absence of significant positive or negative news, prices will fluctuate within a narrow range. If raw material propylene continues to weaken, the price of acrylic acid may shift slightly downwards.

Summarize:

For end-users with essential purchasing needs, the acrylic acid market since November has been a typical buyer's market. Buyers have significant bargaining power and flexibility, allowing them to purchase according to their own production schedules without worrying about supply shortages or price spikes. In short, the stable market reflects the logic of essential purchasing under a weak supply-demand balance. The market is awaiting new drivers to disrupt this equilibrium.

If you have any inquiries or purchasing needs, please feel free to contact SunSirs with support@sunsirs.com.