Texas(USA): This week, Polyvinyl Alcohol prices in the US market have increased, primarily influenced by a rise in cost support from the Vinyl Acetate Monomer feedstock. The growth of the Polyvinyl Alcohol market has been further propelled by increased market activity, while demand from downstream industries, particularly the textile sector, remains robust. Fortunately, the supply chain has experienced no significant disruptions, ensuring ample inventory levels. As a result, purchasing sentiment was strong in the first week of 2024, marked by heightened market trading compared to the previous week.

Manufacturers encountered active shipments, leading to a noticeable uptick in the price of Vinyl Acetate Monomer compared to December 2023 prices. Looking ahead to January 2024, there is an anticipation that Polyvinyl Alcohol prices will rise. This is attributed to increased market transactions, an upward trend in Acetic Acid feedstock prices, and the expected rise in Natural Gas prices, contributing to higher production costs. Additionally, restocking market activity is likely to push Polyvinyl Alcohol prices upward, and there is an expected increase in demand from the international market, fostering optimistic market sentiments and overall growth. Moreover, in February, the price of Polyvinyl Alcohol is projected to further increase due to a surge in demand from the downstream industry. Additionally, the price of Natural Gas is expected to remain high, leading to higher production costs and further contributing to the increase in the price of Polyvinyl Alcohol.

This week, Polyvinyl Alcohol prices in the German market have remained steady, owing to a lack of robust cost support from the Vinyl Acetate feedstock and elevated inventory levels. These factors have contributed to the subdued expansion of the Polyvinyl Alcohol market. Additionally, stability in import prices from the Chinese market has further hindered the market's upward trajectory. Procurement of new orders has been demand-driven, influenced by a high-interest rate of 4.5%, leading to a decrease in the purchasing power of downstream consumers in the Textile industry. Moreover, the PMI value, which increased from 44.20 in November to 44.40 in December, indicates an expansion in the manufacturing sector.

Looking forward, there is an expectation that Polyvinyl Alcohol prices in the German market might decline in January 2024 due to reduced demand from downstream Textile industries, as high-interest rates continue to impact the Polyvinyl Alcohol downstream Textile sector. Despite potential increases in import prices, especially from the Chinese market, the combination of decreased downstream demand and high inventory levels is anticipated to suppress the overall growth of the Polyvinyl Alcohol market.