Price trend

According to data from SunSirs, acetic acid prices trended downward in April. As of April 29, the average market price stood at 3,150 RMB/ton—a decrease of 1,380 RMB/ton compared to the price of 4,530 RMB/ton at the beginning of the month—marking a monthly decline of 30.46%.

Market analysis

In April, the acetic acid market experienced a significant downturn, with prices initially surging before retreating. In the run-up to the Qingming Festival, bolstered by strong supportive factors, acetic acid prices extended the upward trend observed in March. During the week following the holiday, downstream sectors adopted a cautious stance, limiting their market engagement to strictly essential purchases; as a result, a wait-and-see sentiment intensified across the market, and acetic acid quotations remained stable. From mid-to-late April, prices within the downstream segments of the acetic acid value chain began to decline, and the downstream sector's market outlook became increasingly clear. Consequently, demand for high-priced supplies waned, creating a sluggish trading atmosphere within the market. As inventories accumulated among acetic acid producers, the demand side emerged as the dominant force, exerting downward pressure on the market and driving acetic acid prices into a sustained decline.

The downstream acetic anhydride market was trending weakly downward. From April 1 to April 29, the average ex-factory price of acetic anhydride fell from 6,712.50 RMB/ton to 5,530 RMB/ton—a decline of 17.62%. Operating rates for acetic anhydride production have remained largely stable, ensuring ample supply from manufacturers. Downstream buyers remain resistant to high-priced inventory and show low enthusiasm for procurement; furthermore, the downward trend in the price of the raw material, acetic acid, has resulted in weak cost support. Given these bearish fundamentals, acetic anhydride prices experienced a weak decline throughout the month.

In April, the market for raw methanol exhibited a trend of strong, fluctuating performance. As of April 29, the average market price stood at 3,292 RMB/ton—a 5.51% increase compared to the price of 3,120 RMB/ton recorded at the beginning of the month. Influenced by geopolitical conflicts, the supply of imported methanol tightened; consequently, methanol prices at ports remained predominantly firm, thereby bolstering the strength of spot market prices. Concurrently, domestic methanol producers faced challenges such as the need to destock inventory and weak follow-through from downstream sectors, which exerted some downward pressure on methanol prices. As a result, the overall methanol market trend throughout the month was characterized primarily by price volatility.

Market outlook

Analysts at SunSirs observe that acetic acid producers were temporarily actively managing inventory ahead of the holiday, while downstream sectors were primarily making purchases on an as-needed basis. Although stocking-up demand had increased in certain regions, the overall trading atmosphere remained mixed; consequently, acetic acid prices were undergoing a period of consolidation prior to the holiday. With maintenance shutdowns scheduled for some acetic acid production units in May, market supply is expected to decrease. The downstream market is likely to continue its strategy of purchasing based on immediate requirements; therefore, acetic acid prices in May are projected to trend slightly upward within a narrow range. Market participants should closely monitor specific shifts in supply and demand dynamics.

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