During the middle of March, Acetone's market witnessed marginal price movements and prices fell in Asia. Although a stable year seemed to be anticipated at the start, a myriad of factors- such as the interaction between acetone and feedstock, and the increase in shipping costs. The ocean freight market will expand modestly in 2025, but new deliveries create overcapacity and reduce rates.

Southeast and intra-Asia trade are being pushed up by U.S. tariffs and changing supply chains, although European regulatory modifications and port clogging could over-stretch capacity. Acetone is integrally tied into phenol manufacturing because it's a by-product of phenol production.

Recently, Asian prices for acetone have made a small adjustment that was led, largely, by the continued fall of benzene prices, according to one industry source quoted on the state of blandness. This change in price dynamics is complemented by declining cost pressure in the downstream market, which urges players in the acetone business to be more strategic in purchasing.

As benzene’s prices, one of the raw materials keeps falling, industry stakeholders, especially terminal industry players, are readjusting procurement behavior. The trend is looking increasingly towards the end-moment purchase model, with most buyers wanting to replenish inventories during conducive pricing times. This strategic move, as much as it is generating a more risk-averse trading culture, also offers buyers the chance to acquire material at good prices.

Further, Acetone prices decreased in February 2025 due to seasonal slowdown, shutdowns of major plants such as Qingdao Haiwan in China, Zhejiang Petrochemical and Chemical Co Ltd., and Ineos Phenol in Singapore indicate the same. LG Chem in South Korea also had a shutdown for maintenance amid this seasonal lull.

The Acetone price readjustment had brought about more calculated market sentiments with both buyers and sellers adjusting to the new paradigm. The seller has also adjusted their pricing strategy in anticipation of this cautious buying behavior and to trigger transactions so that market activity remains constant despite the existing uncertainty.

While the market continues to be under some stress, stakeholders are hopeful that future import replenishment and shifting supply conditions may result in more stability over the next few months. While there is volatility, specialists are of the view that the domestic acetone market will see controlled price fluctuations, within a limited range over the short term.

As acetone markets stabilize, industry players must track price direction and demand indications to maximize position. While markets continue to remain in guarded adjustments, flexible pricing, and strategic procurement are essential to keep activity going. According to ChemAnalyst, the next few weeks will be critical, with players keeping a watch on supply dynamics and readjusting to the changing Acetone price balance.