For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In USA, the Acetic Acid Price Index rose by 11.59% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger regional offtake.
• The average Acetic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 443.00/MT, per Gulf assessment.
• Acetic Acid Spot Price stability reflected inventories and steady runs, keeping the Price Index range-bound.
• Acetic Acid Demand Outlook muted; downstream buyers limited restocking, softening spot trends and Price Index.
• Acetic Acid Production Cost Trend improved as methanol and gas costs remained subdued, supporting margins.
• Acetic Acid Price Forecast suggests near-term downside, contingent on import volumes and year-end inventory movements.
• Acetic Acid Price Index divergence reflected stronger Gulf offtake against competitive Asian exports compressing spreads.
• Operational continuity at major US units and comfortable tank inventories limited volatility despite export adjustments.
Why did the price of Acetic Acid change in December 2025 in North America?
• Import inflows from Asia increased availability, applying downward pressure despite domestic production and balanced inventories.
• Year-end distributor destocking and cautious downstream procurement reduced spot inquiries, weakening short-term demand and leverage.
• Muted methanol and natural gas costs eased production economics, enabling sellers to offer export prices.
APAC
• In Japan, the Acetic Acid Price Index fell by 0.64% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softer import offers.
• The average Acetic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 415.67/MT per reporting period.
• Acetic Acid Spot Price movements tightened as coastal inventories remained comfortable, while exports pressured pricing.
• Acetic Acid Price Forecast indicates mild downward pressure in December, driven by competitive imports regionally.
• Acetic Acid Production Cost Trend showed slight easing as methanol feedstock softened, supporting producers' margins.
• Acetic Acid Demand Outlook remains muted amid year-end destocking, steady specialty consumption not lifting volumes.
• Acetic Acid Price Index trends showed low volatility, aided by stable domestic consumption, balanced imports.
• Export demand softened; Chinese and Korean offers competitive, prompting Japanese buyers to delay buying further.
• Major producers operated at moderate rates, with maintenance completions supporting export availability and price pressure.
Why did the price of Acetic Acid change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Import availability from China and Korea pressured domestic offers, creating supply overhang and weighing prices.
• Softer methanol feedstock reduced production costs, enabling exporters to lower offers and pressure domestic markets.
• Lower freight rates and year-end destocking encouraged buyers to delay purchases, thereby suppressing prompt demand.
Europe
• In Germany, the Acetic Acid Price Index rose by 4.6% quarter-over-quarter, driven by capacity closures.
• The average Acetic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 561.33/MT, per quarterly settlement data.
• Acetic Acid Spot Price firmed as import dependence increased, raising lead times and prompting premiums.
• Acetic Acid Production Cost Trend eased as methanol softened, while energy and carbon charges persisted.
• Acetic Acid Demand Outlook remains muted with coatings and automotive procurement cautious, capping upside potential.
• Acetic Acid Price Forecast expects limited upside as destocking and stable inventory weigh on bids.
• Port congestion and rail delays affected arrivals, but improved vessel availability stabilized the Price Index.
• Producers ran moderate rates, maintaining disciplined offers and keeping the Acetic Acid Price Index range-bound.
Why did the price of Acetic Acid change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Rheinberg closures reduced domestic supply, increasing import dependence and pushing the Acetic Acid Price Index.
• Weaker downstream demand and year-end destocking limited purchases, offsetting cost-driven upward pressure during December trading.
• Improved vessel availability and easing freight reduced arrival delays, increasing supply, capping domestic price gains.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Acetic Acid Price Index fell by 4.48% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting sustained supply overhang domestically.
• The average Acetic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 412.33/MT, reflecting balanced supply, steady costs.
• Acetic Acid Spot Price pressured by ample merchant stocks as exporters offered volumes into soft Asian markets.
• Acetic Acid Production Cost Trend stayed contained as stable methanol and advantaged domestic gas supported conversion economics.
• Acetic Acid Demand Outlook remains moderate with steady offtake from adhesives, textiles and packaging supporting baseline consumption.
• Acetic Acid Price Forecast indicates modest near-term downside risk amid year-end destocking and subdued Asian restocking activity.
• Acetic Acid Price Index signalled sequential softening due to export length and cautious buyer purchasing ahead of holidays.
• High Acetic Acid export availability from full-rate plants increased spot liquidity, pressuring offers while war-risk surcharges linger.
Why did the price of Acetic Acid change in December 2025 in MEA?
• Balanced domestic production met steady downstream demand, leaving limited upward price pressure amid ample merchant inventories.
• Soft export enquiries from major Asian buyers reduced offtake, increasing spot availability and weighing on FOB pricing.
• Escalating regional security raised freight insurance and voyage costs, providing partial support against bearish supply dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Acetic Acid Price Index fell by 12.23% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand pressures.
• The average Acetic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 397.00/MT, FOB Texas assessed.
• Acetic Acid Spot Price showed stability amid balanced supply and subdued coatings and adhesives demand.
• Acetic Acid Price Forecast remains muted as feedstock methanol softness and inventories limit short-term upside.
• Acetic Acid Production Cost Trend softened with lower methanol benchmarks, easing producer margin pressure overall.
• Acetic Acid Demand Outlook is cautious due to weaker construction activity, constraining VAM, PTA procurement.
• Acetic Acid Price Index movements were influenced by tariff adjustments, plant runs, regional export interest.
• Domestic inventory builds and subdued buying appetite constrained merchant spot liquidity despite steady port operations.
Why did the price of Acetic Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
• Lower global methanol benchmarks reduced production costs, pressuring spot offers and materially limiting seller margins.
• Domestic demand weakness from construction and coatings reduced offtake, amplifying destocking and spot supply availability.
• Tariff-driven import adjustments and steady Gulf Coast operations tightened merchant availability, creating regional price signals.
APAC
• In Japan, the Acetic Acid Price Index rose by 0.48% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stable supply dynamics.
• The average Acetic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 633.33/MT, reflecting contracted spot volumes.
• Acetic Acid Spot Price remained narrow; Price Index was constrained by balanced imports and domestic flows.
• Acetic Acid Price Forecast shows limited upside as logistics friction and downstream restocking provide modest support.
• Acetic Acid Production Cost Trend showed limited pressure as methanol feedstock prices remained broadly flat across Asia.
• Acetic Acid Demand Outlook remains cautious; PTA and VAM maintain baseline offtake while industrial demand stays muted.
• Acetic Acid Price Index movements limited by ample inventories, normal freight, and neutral currency impacts on imports.
Why did the price of Acetic Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Seamless feedstock inflows and steady LNG and power costs removed cost support, pressuring domestic prices.
• Uninterrupted imports and normal vessel schedules reduced logistics risk, enabling full plant run rates and supply.
• Muted industrial demand and cautious downstream restocking limited buying, exacerbating downward pressure on Price Index.
Europe
• In Germany, the Acetic Acid Price Index rose by 1.97% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stable methanol feedstock.
• The average Acetic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 586.67/MT, reflecting steady costs.
• Acetic Acid Spot Price movements were muted with subdued market activity and limited speculative buying.
• Acetic Acid Production Cost Trend remained flat as methanol and energy inputs exerted limited pressure.
• Acetic Acid Demand Outlook appears neutral to slightly bearish given weak construction-linked offtake and steady.
• Acetic Acid Price Forecast suggests rangebound pricing near current levels absent major feedstock shifts occurring.
• Acetic Acid Price Index gains were supported by balanced inventories, resilient packaging demand, and turnarounds.
• Acetic Acid export demand from nearby EU markets remained muted while logistics constraints at Hamburg influenced pricing.
Why did the price of Acetic Acid change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Stable methanol feedstock prices maintained cost parity, limiting upward pressure on Acetic Acid Price Index.
• Balanced inventories and steady intra-EU trade reduced buying urgency, keeping Acetic Acid Spot Price subdued.
• Weak construction-linked offtake and cautious downstream demand constrained restocking, tempering Acetic Acid Price Forecast expectations.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Acetic Acid Price Index fell by 3.14% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting sufficient domestic availability and weaker export inquiries.
• The average Acetic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 431.67/MT reflecting balanced domestic demand and steady export flows.
• Acetic Acid Spot Price softened as uninterrupted production increased spot volumes, pressuring regional export offers and inventories.
• Acetic Acid Price Forecast indicates near-term range-bound action, with modest downside risk amid surplus availability.
• Acetic Acid Production Cost Trend remained stable as methanol and energy tariffs held steady, limiting upward pressure.
• Acetic Acid Demand Outlook benefits from Vision 2030 infrastructure projects, sustaining domestic offtake despite weaker Asian inquiries.
• Acetic Acid Price Index recent decline reflected high operating rates, ample inventories and cautious overseas buying patterns.
Why did the price of Acetic Acid change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Full-rate production and steady methanol inflows increased spot supply, pressuring regional FOB indications lower.
• Weaker overseas procurement from India and Pakistan reduced export enquiries, softening the Price Index.
• Stable energy tariffs and logistics kept operating costs low, enabling inventories to accumulate and weigh.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Acetic Acid Price Index in the U.S. held steady near USD 465/MT FOB Texas through June 2025, as stable regional output balanced weak spot demand.
• The Acetic Acid Spot Price remained flat despite Methanex contract methanol prices dropping from USD 832/MT to USD 778/MT, as producers prioritized margin protection.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
• Prices are projected to rise moderately, driven by Gulf Coast plant maintenance tightening supply and sustained export demand for butyl acetate and acetyl intermediates.
• The Acetic Acid Production Cost Trend eased with softer methanol but stayed firm on steady natural gas tariffs and labour costs, maintaining producer profitability.
• The Acetic Acid Demand Outlook is cautiously firmer, supported by exports, food and pharma demand, and solvents, while construction and textile-related usage stays muted.
• Export volumes to Europe and Latin America remain steady, sustaining Gulf Coast utilization rates.
Europe
• The Acetic Acid Price Index in Germany averaged USD 630/MT FD Hamburg in June 2025, stable as steady Belgian imports and flat methanol costs offset soft eurozone demand.
• The Acetic Acid Spot Price showed little movement, with coatings, adhesives, and packaging buyers maintaining lean inventories amid weak construction sentiment.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
• Prices are expected to edge upward, as rising Chinese freight rates and limited Asian supply push up replacement costs for European smelters and distributors.
• The Acetic Acid Production Cost Trend stayed steady with EUR 625/MT CFR Hamburg methanol pricing, mild Rhine logistics surcharges, and manageable energy costs.
• The Acetic Acid Demand Outlook is mixed: pharmaceutical intermediates and FMCG packaging provide a stable base, while construction-linked acetates and textiles continue to drag on growth.
• Italian adhesive and sealant demand remains a vital export outlet, though restocking cycles are short.
Asia-Pacific
• The Acetic Acid Price Index in China declined to USD 353/MT FOB Qingdao by June 2025, pressured by muted overseas inquiries, especially from India and Southeast Asia, despite low inventories.
• The Acetic Acid Spot Price softened as buyers resisted CFR levels above USD 350–355/MT, even with plant outages (Celanese, Jiangsu Sopo) tightening local supply.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
• Prices are expected to rise moderately, backed by reduced operating rates, seasonal agrochemical and pharmaceutical demand, and tight inland inventories supporting stronger domestic sentiment.
• The Acetic Acid Production Cost Trend eased slightly with domestic methanol near USD 319/MT, but disciplined output and firm inland pricing protected producer margins.
• The Acetic Acid Demand Outlook is steady, with agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food packaging driving baseline demand, though coatings, textiles, and surfactants remain subdued.
• Export flows to Japan and Southeast Asia are stable, while Indian demand weakness and flat freight costs keep export sentiment cautious.
Middle East & Africa
• The Acetic Acid Price Index in Saudi Arabia held around USD 445/MT FOB Al Jubail through June 2025, supported by stable methanol feedstock costs (~USD 300/MT) and moderate Vision 2030-driven infrastructure demand.
• The Acetic Acid Spot Price stayed stable as local consumption balanced thin exports to India, where CFR discussions near USD 386/MT limited landed cost competitiveness.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
• Prices are forecast to remain broadly steady, with only minor upside potential from Vision 2030-linked adhesives and sealant demand, offset by soft Indian offtake and stable global methanol pricing.
• The Acetic Acid Production Cost Trend stayed flat, aided by integrated methanol supply, low energy tariffs, and no plant outages at Al Jubail facilities.
• The Acetic Acid Demand Outlook is muted but stable, with agrochemicals, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals offering baseline support while exports to India and Southeast Asia remain slow.
• Export traction lags Chinese-origin cargoes, which remain cheaper and more attractive to South Asian buyers.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During Q1 2025, acetic acid prices in the USA declined consistently from January to March, averaging USD 625/MT FOB Texas. This marked a 13.3% quarterly drop and a 4.9% year-on-year decline, driven by persistent supply-demand imbalances and muted downstream activity.
Stable methanol prices and subdued natural gas costs capped production costs, yet demand weakness from vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), purified terephthalic acid (PTA), and acetate sectors—especially in February—kept buyer sentiment bearish. Construction-related coatings demand improved slightly in January, but rising labor and building costs in February triggered procurement slowdowns.
Operationally, plants ran at slightly reduced rates to balance ample inventories, while international trade disruptions and freight delays further complicated stock movement. Despite brief restocking interest in March, quarterly market momentum stayed lackluster. In conclusion, Q1 2025 reflected cost-driven market stability overshadowed by sluggish demand, signaling cautious optimism for recovery if construction and coatings segments rebound alongside policy clarity in Q2.
APAC
In Q1 2025, acetic acid prices in China averaged USD 385/MT FOB Qingdao, slightly higher than Q4 2024, but lower than Q1 2024, reflecting a 1% quarter-on-quarter increase and a 5.6% year-on-year decline. The marginal rise from the previous quarter was driven by temporary supply tightness due to multiple plant shutdowns in January. However, weak downstream demand from PTA, acetate esters, and acetic anhydride sectors capped price gains. Despite a stable methanol feedstock market and consistent logistics, market sentiment remained cautious amid high inventory levels and minimal procurement activity. Planned capacity expansions and muted downstream utilization kept the supply-demand balance tilted toward oversupply, pressuring price resilience. March witnessed steady shipments due to postponed maintenance and firm production output, while buyers continued to favor hand-to-mouth procurement. Export volumes grew amid reduced imports, underscoring China’s reliance on external markets to absorb surplus material. In conclusion, Q1 2025 acetic acid prices in China remained rangebound, reflecting steady supply and subdued demand. Without a significant revival in downstream activity, market stabilization is expected to persist in Q2.
Europe
Acetic acid prices in Germany witnessed a steady decline through Q1 2025, averaging EUR 700/MT FD Hamburg, significantly lower than Q4 2024 and Q1 2024—a 15.2% quarterly drop and 9.3% year-on-year fall. The price erosion stemmed from persistent demand weakness, subdued construction activity, and ample supply from American imports. Despite stable methanol and carbon monoxide feedstock costs, producers operated at regular capacities with little pricing power. Imports remained uninterrupted, and declining transatlantic freight rates enhanced competitiveness, yet downstream industries such as PTA, VAM, and acetate esters offered minimal procurement support. The paints and coatings segment showed some activity recovery in early Q1, but Germany's construction sector continued to contract, suppressing raw material demand. Structural challenges—high inflation, elevated interest rates, labor shortages, and shrinking permits—kept the outlook bearish. Additionally, trade tensions and tariff impositions with the U.S. further disrupted sentiment and investment confidence. Overall, Q1 2025 reflected a supply-heavy, demand-light market, with prices under pressure due to limited downstream revival and macroeconomic constraints across industrial segments.
MEA
Acetic acid prices in Saudi Arabia averaged USD 392/MT FOB Al Jubail during Q1 2025, reflecting a 2.1% increase from Q4 2024’s average, but remaining flat year-on-year when compared to Q1 2024. This marginal quarterly uptick was supported by stable feedstock methanol costs and steady domestic production, while demand from construction and automotive sectors offered moderate support. Despite planned global capacity additions in APAC creating broader market oversupply, Saudi producers maintained balanced output. Domestic logistics functioned smoothly, with regular export flows and no significant supply disruptions. In January and February, strong infrastructure momentum under Vision 2030, along with EV-linked automotive investments, sustained solvent and coating-related acetic acid consumption. However, price growth was capped by weak international demand and minimal downstream inquiries, especially from acetate esters and anhydride applications. Imports remained limited due to holiday disruptions and tight availability in Asia. In summary, Q1 2025 was marked by localized demand support and stable pricing. Absent major feedstock or export shifts, prices are likely to remain steady, with future dynamics hinging on global supply rebalancing and industrial recovery.
