In the North American region, the Acrylonitrile price trend remained stable during the first half of January 2025. Acrylonitrile production remained stable during December 2024 despite low demand for feedstock Ammonia from fertilizer manufacturers and reduced feedstock costs, with export rates dropping due to softened global demand. Meanwhile, demand for Acrylonitrile in the paints and coatings sector stayed low amid restructuring, while orders from the automotive sector rose with increased vehicle sales in December. However, the market is expected to see a decline in Acrylonitrile prices during early 2025, followed by a recovery in March.

The demand for Acrylonitrile in acrylic resin production within the paints and coatings sector remained moderately low due to ongoing industry restructuring, with a continued shift toward green building materials and environmental coatings. In 2024, the U.S. paints and coatings industry saw significant changes, including Kelly-Moore Paints ceasing operations after nearly 80 years, impacted by financial challenges and supply chain issues.

On the other hand, Acrylonitrile orders from NBR Industries for automotive parts for the automotive sector saw positive support from a 9.3% increase in total vehicle sales in December, driven by strong demand and year-over-year growth in vehicle production. Preliminary figures for December showed a 9.3% rise in total vehicle sales compared to the previous month, along with a 2.5% increase in sales compared to the same period last year, with major brands like GM, Stellantis, and Tesla contributing to the growth.

Meanwhile, the Acrylonitrile production rates remained stable, despite reduced cost support from feedstock Ammonia, which was impacted by sluggish demand from fertilizer manufacturers. The availability of feedstock Propylene was moderate, influenced by an upward trend in upstream Propane prices driven by increased winter heating demand. Simultaneously, U.S. manufacturing production continued its decline in December 2024, marking the fifth consecutive month of contraction and the sharpest pace in 18 months.

Anticipations are that the Acrylonitrile market in North America is expected to experience a mixed trend in H1 2025, with a decline in prices initially followed by a recovery. Prices are forecast to drop by 1.8% to 2% in January due to the seasonal slowdown and reduced operating rates, with another decline in February, impacted by winter and the Chinese New Year.

However, a recovery in the Acrylonitrile market is anticipated starting in March, with an increase in prices driven by post-winter demand and improved manufacturing activities. The market is expected to rebound by mid-Q1, with steady demand from buyers, although Acrylonitrile supply availability may remain tight due to the Chinese New Year holidays.