In the second half of November 2024, Acetic Anhydride prices in Belgium experienced a notable decline. This drop occurred despite increased demand of pharmaceutical related raw materials. However, the overall contraction in the manufacturing sector and weaker macroeconomic conditions, reflected in lower manufacturing orders, continued to exert downward pressure on Acetic Anhydride prices.

This development was primarily due to lower Acetic Anhydride feedstock (Acetic Acid) costs, including weakened upstream Methanol prices. Ample Acetic Anhydride stock availability in the market further reduced activity, intensifying downward pressure on prices. 

In the first nine months of 2024, Belgium experienced a notable surge in its Acetic Anhydride’s downstream pharmaceutical exports to the United States, contributing an additional €5.2 billion year-over-year, reflecting its significant role in global pharmaceutical trade. This increase ranks Belgium as one of the fastest-growing suppliers to the U.S., alongside countries like Ireland (€10.8 billion), India (€5.4 billion), and Italy (€4.5 billion). Key drivers of this growth include exports of ready-to-use medicinal products and immunological products, which align with the strong demand in the U.S. market. These trends underscore Belgium's strategic importance in meeting rising U.S. pharmaceutical demands, particularly in therapeutic and prophylactic product categories.

Amid these challenges, Belgium’s pharmaceutical sector demonstrated remarkable resilience, solidifying its role as a European leader in innovation. Daily R&D investments of €15.5 million underscore the nation’s commitment to maintaining its competitive edge. Key players like UCB and GSK continue to drive growth, with UCB raising its 2024 revenue forecast to €6 billion and GSK advancing its vaccine and treatment initiatives, bolstering Belgium’s standing as a global leader in pharmaceutical exports. 

Meanwhile, the overall Eurozone manufacturing activities dropped in November 2024 from October, reflecting a deeper contraction than anticipated. Sharp declines in new orders and workforce numbers, coupled with reduced purchasing activity and lower input and output prices, highlight ongoing struggles within the European manufacturing sector. According to Dr. Cyrus de la Rubia, Chief Economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, potential currency fluctuations and tariff changes could affect purchasing prices in the coming months. 

Despite these short-term industrial challenges, Belgium’s robust Acetic Anhydride downstream pharmaceutical investments and innovation-driven environment suggest a positive long-term outlook, even as broader European manufacturing faces persistent headwinds.

According to the ChemAnalyst Database, the price of Acetic Anhydride is anticipated to remain on the lower side due to the continued reduction in the price of its feedstock, Acetic Acid. Additionally, market stock levels of Acetic Anhydride might remain sufficient to meet demand from downstream industries. However, demand from key sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry is likely to increase, which could drive higher downstream inquiries for Acetic Anhydride.