For the Quarter Ending September 2025
APAC
• In APAC, the Acetaldehyde Price Index rose by 1.78% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting volatility in the prices.
• The average Acetaldehyde price for the quarter was approximately USD 1144.33/MT.
• Acetaldehyde Price Index reflected a softening trend toward the end of the quarter, driven by reduced demand from key downstream industries such as acetic acid, ethyl acetate, pyridine derivatives, pentaerythritol, peracetic acid, and pharmaceutical intermediates.
• Acetaldehyde Production Cost Trend eased slightly in September due to lower ethanol and ethylene feedstock prices and stabilized energy costs across major producing countries like China, India, and South Korea
• The Acetaldehyde Demand Outlook remained subdued in Q3, with limited growth in adhesives, paints and coatings, and agrochemical applications. Demand from pharmaceutical and food sectors remained steady but insufficient to offset broader industrial weakness.
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased due to oversupply, cautious procurement behavior, and reduced export activity amid competitive pricing pressure from regional suppliers.
• Acetaldehyde Price Forecast suggests continued softness into Q4 2025 unless demand rebounds from the pharmaceutical, coatings, and specialty chemical sectors.
• Regional producers operated at moderate capacity utilization, while import volumes from Europe and North America remained stable, contributing to a well-supplied market.
• Environmental regulations and the push for bio-based intermediates may influence long-term demand, especially in fine chemicals and pharma-grade acetaldehyde.
Why did the price of Acetaldehyde change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Feedstock costs declined, reducing production expenses.
• Oversupply and high inventory levels led to competitive pricing.
• Weak demand from coatings, adhesives, and agrochemical sectors softened the market, pushing the Price Index downward.
North America
• In North America, Acetaldehyde Price Index showed mild fluctuations during Q3 in North America reflecting a stable pricing environment.
• Acetaldehyde Production Cost Trend remained steady throughout the quarter, with ethanol and ethylene feedstock prices showing minimal volatility and energy costs stabilizing across major production hubs in the U.S. and Canada.
• The Acetaldehyde Demand Outlook was moderate, with steady consumption in pharmaceuticals, food preservatives, and coatings, while demand from agrochemicals and adhesives softened slightly in September.
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased marginally due to cautious procurement behavior, high inventory levels, and subdued activity in industrial coatings and adhesives.
• Acetaldehyde Price Forecast suggests stable-to-soft pricing into Q4 2025, contingent on feedstock trends and demand recovery from specialty chemicals and pharma-grade applications.
• North American producers operated at balanced capacity utilization, while import volumes from APAC and Europe remained consistent, contributing to a well-supplied market.
• Regulatory compliance and sustainability initiatives continue to influence long-term demand for acetaldehyde, especially in pharmaceutical and fine chemical segments.
Why did the price of Acetaldehyde change in September 2025 in North America?
• Demand from coatings and adhesives sectors softened, reducing procurement volumes.
• Feedstock prices stabilized, limiting cost-driven price increases.
• High inventory levels and cautious buying behavior led to a slight dip in the Price Index.
Europe
• In Spain, the Acetaldehyde Price Index rose by 1.9% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced imports and demand.
• The average Food Grade Acetaldehyde price for the quarter was approximately USD 1520.67/MT, on CFR Barcelona basis.
• Acetaldehyde Spot Price remained range bound as adequate inventories and smooth logistics limited short-term price volatility.
• Acetaldehyde Production Cost Trend remained steady throughout the quarter, with ethanol and ethylene feedstock prices showing minimal volatility and energy costs stabilizing across key European production hubs.
• The Acetaldehyde Demand Outlook was moderate, with consistent consumption in pharmaceuticals and food preservatives, while demand from coatings and agrochemicals softened slightly in September.
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased marginally due to cautious procurement behavior, high inventory levels, and subdued activity in the coatings and adhesives sectors.
• Acetaldehyde Price Forecast suggests stable-to-soft pricing into Q4 2025, contingent on feedstock trends and demand recovery from specialty chemicals and pharma-grade applications.
• European producers operated at balanced capacity utilization, while import volumes from APAC remained steady, contributing to a well-supplied market.
• Spanish terminal inventories remained adequate, allowing distributors to manage deliveries and limit urgent spot purchases.
Why did the price of Acetaldehyde change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Balanced imports and stable ethanol limited margin pressure, keeping Acetaldehyde Price Index steady.
• Improved port operations eased logistics, reducing delays and supporting arrivals into Barcelona terminals.
• Weak industrial and hospitality demand offset FMCG pharmaceutical offtake, resulting in price stability.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America (USA)
• The Acetaldehyde Price Index in the U.S. Gulf Coast averaged USD 1,375/MT FOB Texas during Q2 2025, easing from Q1 levels due to ample inventories and subdued industrial consumption.
• The Acetaldehyde Spot Price softened as buyers favoured short-cycle procurement, steering clear of bulk commitments amid weak demand from coatings, agrochemicals, and solvents.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
• Prices are expected to remain steady to slightly lower as oversupply persists and downstream offtake improves only gradually post-summer.
• The Acetaldehyde Production Cost Trend was stable, supported by steady ethanol prices and easing natural gas rates, though outbound freight to Canada and Mexico kept logistics costs firm.
• The Acetaldehyde Demand Outlook is neutral heading into Q3, with mild upside potential tied to construction-led coatings demand and possible restocking by agrochemical blenders.
Europe (Spain)
• The Acetaldehyde Price Index in Spain averaged USD 1,492/MT CFR Barcelona during Q2 2025, climbing steadily on firm coatings and resin demand despite tepid macroeconomic conditions.
• The Acetaldehyde Spot Price held balanced, with stable imports from North Africa and Asia ensuring adequate supply alongside local production.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
• Prices are expected to increase slightly, underpinned by high energy tariffs and coatings demand, even as automotive and construction sectors remain sluggish.
• The Acetaldehyde Production Cost Trend remained elevated due to natural gas tariffs, ethanol tightness, and moderate shipping surcharges on imports.
• The Acetaldehyde Demand Outlook is steady-to-bullish for Q3, led by coatings and resin demand, though export-oriented intermediates face downside risks from weak global trade.
Asia (India)
• The Acetaldehyde Price Index in India averaged INR 103,743/MT Ex-Chennai for Q2 2025, rising moderately on tighter domestic supply and resilient demand from agrochemical and pharmaceutical intermediates.
• The Acetaldehyde Spot Price was steady, with contract-driven procurement helping offset feedstock ethanol and logistics volatility.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
• Prices are projected to increase moderately due to seasonal agrochemical stocking ahead of the monsoon and rising ethanol and transport costs.
• The Acetaldehyde Production Cost Trend edged higher on firm ethanol prices, steady energy inputs, and climbing freight rates in southern India.
• The Acetaldehyde Demand Outlook is bullish into Q3, anchored by agrochemical and pharma demand, though bulk chemical offtake may ease if ethanol prices correct.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the pricing pattern for Acetaldehyde experienced notable fluctuations influenced by market trends, as well as variations in demand across the construction and automotive sectors.
The quarter began with declining prices attributed to weak demand, particularly stemming from sluggish activity in the construction industry and high inventory levels. Sellers faced pressures as they struggled to move stock, reflecting a cautious outlook among market players.
A turning point occurred as major industry participants enacted price hikes in response to tightening supply conditions. Despite the ongoing challenges in the construction sector, an uptick in automotive sales led to increased demand for Acetaldehyde in coatings applications. As inventory levels decreased, prices began to rise, reversing the downward trend observed in the previous month as producers sought to realign their pricing strategies.
However, the Acetaldehyde market grew bearish again as prices declined due to oversupply issues and economic uncertainties related to new tariff regulations. Although automotive sales showed moderate growth, overall sentiment remained tempered due to concerns surrounding inventory management and the stability of demand.
Europe
The price trend for Acetaldehyde in Spain during Q1 2025 showed a consistent upward trajectory, driven by tight supply conditions and strong demand from the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. In January, prices began rising significantly due to reduced domestic availability and robust FMCG demand, which led to increased spot market activity and multiple price hikes by producers.
This upward momentum continued into February, with prices settling higher as major producers-initiated price increases, supported by constrained supply and sustained demand for acetaldehyde in food and beverage applications. Despite fluctuations in feedstock costs, the market remained resilient.
By March, prices increased further reflecting a rise attributed to ongoing supply constraints and intensified buyer activity as manufacturers struggled to meet demand. Buyers proactively stocked inventories in anticipation of seasonal demand surges.
The overall quarterly analysis indicated that prices have steadily increased due to strong FMCG demand and ongoing supply limitations. As the market transitions into Q2 2025, concerns about production capacity and demand fluctuations will continue to influence pricing strategies.
APAC
The Acetaldehyde market in India for Q1 2025 experienced a bearish price trend influenced by fluctuating demand across key industries and varying feedstock prices. In January, prices remained stable due to weak demand, although the construction sector saw stable support from government initiatives. The automotive sector showed resilience with a significant increase in vehicle sales, helping to support prices despite overall market caution.
February marked a slight price increase, driven by tight inventories and restocking sentiments within downstream sectors, albeit impacted by rising feedstock costs. This semblance of recovery was short-lived as March saw a significant decline in prices, fueled by oversupply and sluggish demand, particularly in paints and coatings tied to the struggling construction industry.
Economic pressures, especially rising construction costs and affordability challenges, further constrained purchasing behavior among consumers. Overall, Q1 2025 showcased price fluctuations reflective of broader market dynamics, highlighting the need for sellers to adapt strategies in a challenging landscape as they move into the next quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American acetaldehyde market experienced a price decline throughout Q4 2024. Acetaldehyde finds its usage in the paints and coatings sector, which showed sluggish growth in 2024, remaining below pre-pandemic levels.
October saw acetaldehyde prices fall due to oversupply and high inventories. Weak demand from the paints and coatings sector, further exacerbated the price decline. This trend continued into November, as post-festive demand remained weak, and manufacturers engaged in destocking activities, offering discounts to clear excess inventory and reducing production rates. The modest growth in key downstream sectors such as automotive and construction, while positive, was insufficient to offset the supply glut.December saw prices continue their downward trajectory, reflecting the typical seasonal slowdown. Oversupply persisted, with manufacturers reducing production to match sluggish demand. The year-end destocking activity intensified the price pressure. Inflationary pressures,further constrained demand, particularly in the housing sector, a key consumer of paints and coatings.
Overall, Q4 2024 presented a challenging environment for acetaldehyde market participants. The persistent oversupply, coupled with sluggish demand from the paints and coatings sector and inflationary pressures, led to significant price erosion throughout the quarter.
APAC
The APAC acetaldehyde market in Q4 2024 experienced a downturn characterized by declining prices and weak demand, particularly in the crucial Indian market. The overall market sentiment was bearish throughout the quarter.
Acetaldehyde prices in India trended downwards throughout Q4. October saw a price decrease due to stable ethylene costs (a key raw material) and lower crude oil prices, reducing production costs. November and December continued this downward trend, driven by weak post-festive demand, seasonal slowdowns, and destocking efforts by manufacturers.
Several factors contributed to the market weakness. Reduced demand from the paints and coatings sector was a major driver, mirroring a slowdown in the construction industry. Seasonal factors, particularly the winter slowdown in construction activity, also contributed to lower demand. Over-supply of Acetaldehyde in the market intensified the downward price pressure, as manufacturers offered discounts to reduce inventories. The cautious approach of Asian buyers, delaying purchases due to ample supply and expected price decreases further weakened the market.
Market participants faced numerous challenges in Q4 2024. Declining prices compressed profit margins, forcing manufacturers to cut production and offer discounts to clear excess inventory. Weak demand from key downstream sectors created a significant oversupply, leading to intense price competition. The overall economic climate, including concerns about construction market performance, negatively affected market sentiment
Europe
In Q4 2024, the acetaldehyde market in the European region, particularly Spain, displayed a mixed performance, characterized by periods of stability and decline, ultimately concluding with a relatively low price point. The market was heavily influenced by upstream ethylene dynamics and downstream demand fluctuations.
October began with stable acetaldehyde prices despite bearish ethylene trends in Europe, a resilience attributed to balanced Spanish supply and demand. However, late October saw a price decline due to reduced procurement from the food and beverage sector, coupled with weak demand across other downstream sectors and excess inventory. November prices initially remained unchanged but saw a late-month uptick (0.7%) driven by a modest rebound in Eurozone economic activity and increased demand from the food and beverage sector. December showed another decline initially, reflecting the typical winter slowdown, before settling at relatively stable, though low, levels.
Spanish acetaldehyde producers faced considerable challenges in Q4 2024. Weak demand resulted in oversupply and price competition. Managing inventory levels became crucial as producers adjusted output to meet fluctuating demand. The volatile ethylene market, and its interconnectedness to Acetaldehyde pricing, introduced significant uncertainty. The overall economic uncertainty within the Eurozone and its effect on consumer spending further added to market volatility. The quarter ended with Acetaldehyde CFR Barcelona priced at USD 1350/MT.
