Price trend

According to the SunSirs Commodity Market Analysis System, as of April 22, the average market price for acetic acid stood at 3,966.67 RMB/ton. Compared to the price of 4,750.00 RMB/ton recorded on April 11, this represents a decrease of 783.33 RMB/ton, or a decline of 16.49%.

Market analysis

In the recent period (April 11–22), domestic acetic acid prices experienced a significant decline. Methanol—the primary feedstock—traded within a volatile range, offering only moderate cost support. On the supply side, as acetic acid prices climbed to elevated levels, downstream consumers gradually developed resistance to high-priced supplies; consequently, market trading sentiment weakened, leading to an accumulation of inventory among holders. Furthermore, demand in the end-user market remained sluggish, and prices throughout the downstream industrial chain continued to trend downward, thereby exerting downward pressure on acetic acid market dynamics. The balance of market power subsequently shifted back toward the demand side; driven by these bearish factors, the overall price level of acetic acid continued its downward trajectory.

Recently, the market for methanol—a key feedstock—has experienced volatile fluctuations. As of April 22, the average price in the domestic market stood at 3,256 RMB/ton, representing a decline of 1.33% compared to the price of 3,300 RMB/ton recorded on April 11. Influenced by geopolitical conflicts, import supplies of methanol have tightened, and futures prices remain elevated, thereby bolstering the spot market; however, downstream sectors are exhibiting growing resistance to these high prices. Furthermore, demand for pre-holiday inventory stocking has been weak; consequently, some holders have lowered their asking prices to facilitate sales, resulting in a downward adjustment in methanol prices and a weakening of cost-side support for acetic acid.

The downstream acetic anhydride market has experienced a weak downward trend; from April 11 to April 22, the average ex-factory price of acetic anhydride fell from 7,225 RMB/ton to 6,100 RMB/ton—a decline of 15.57%. On the supply side, operating rates for acetic anhydride production remained largely stable, with manufacturers primarily adjusting their pricing in line with prevailing market conditions. Downstream buyers showed only moderate enthusiasm for purchasing at higher price levels. Meanwhile, falling prices for the raw material—acetic acid—weakened cost-side support; coupled with bearish market sentiment, acetic anhydride prices continued their downward trajectory.

Market outlook

According to an acetic acid analyst at SunSirs, current inventory levels among acetic acid producers are ample, and there is a clear intention to clear stock ahead of the upcoming holiday. Meanwhile, the downstream market remains weak, resulting in low purchasing enthusiasm and insufficient support for acetic acid prices. Given these weak market fundamentals, acetic acid prices are expected to undergo a period of weak consolidation in the short term; future market trends will depend on developments in supply conditions.

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