Price trend

According to SunSirs' commodity price analysis system, acetic acid prices rose overall in January. As of January 29th, the average market price was 2,830 RMB/ton, an increase of 80 RMB/ton compared to the price of 2,750 RMB/ton at the beginning of the month, representing a monthly increase of 2.91%.

Market ananlysis

In January 2026, the acetic acid market showed a trend of rising first and then falling. In the first half of the month, acetic acid prices continued the upward trend from before the New Year's Day holiday, mainly due to the slow recovery of production facilities after maintenance, resulting in tight market supply. On the demand side, the price of acetic anhydride, a downstream product, increased, providing strong fundamental support for acetic acid prices and driving them upward. In the latter half of the month, the acetic acid capacity utilization rate increased, and downstream demand was generally weak, leading to higher inventories for companies and a weakening market sentiment, causing acetic acid prices to decline.

The downstream acetic anhydride market was performing strongly. From January 1st to 29th, the average ex-factory price of acetic anhydride increased from 4,275 RMB/ton to 4,590 RMB/ton, a rise of 7.37%. On the supply side, some acetic anhydride manufacturers have shut down for maintenance, resulting in a reduced supply of goods in the market. Upstream acetic acid prices were strong, providing good cost support. Downstream acetic anhydride production remained stable, and the market fundamentals were strong, leading to a sharp increase in acetic anhydride prices during the month.

In January, the methanol raw material market experienced strong fluctuations. As of January 29th, the average market price was 2,284 RMB/ton, a 3.49% increase compared to the price of 2,207 RMB/ton at the beginning of the month. Domestic methanol supply was abundant, and downstream and midstream inventories were high, resulting in poor methanol sales and a predominantly volatile market. In the latter half of the month, market news indicated an expected decrease in methanol imports at ports, leading to an upward trend in market sentiment and a slight increase in prices. However, high methanol inventories continued to suppress prices and provided limited support for acetic acid prices.

Market outlook

According to analysts at SunSirs, acetic acid production facilities were resuming operations after maintenance, leading to increasing operating rates. Some companies were experiencing rising inventory levels, weakening supply-side support. Downstream buyers were purchasing on an as-needed basis, although some stockpiling may occur before the Chinese New Year. Market sentiment remained cautious. It is expected that acetic acid prices will initially fall and then rise next month, with the specific trend depending on downstream demand.

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