For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Methacrylic Acid (MAA) prices in North America saw a downward trend, primarily driven by weakening demand and increased supply. October 2024 witnessed a price increase due to strong demand from key industries such as paints and coatings, automotive, and construction. This was compounded by restocking efforts and supply-side challenges, including technical production issues and geopolitical disruptions, which temporarily constrained availability.
However, by November, the market experienced a shift as seasonal slowdowns in construction and automotive sectors, along with a broader economic slowdown, led to reduced demand. Despite stable raw material availability, high inventory levels in downstream industries resulted in price pressure downward.
In December, the decline in MAA prices became more pronounced, driven by increased production capacity and intensified competition among producers, which led to an oversupply. Weakened demand and cautious purchasing behavior further contributed to the overall decrease in prices. As a result, the quarter ended with a notable reduction in MAA prices, reflecting an imbalance between supply and demand, with market conditions favoring the price decline trend throughout the quarter. In the USA, despite this overall trend, the market experienced the most substantial price fluctuations, showing a notable 5% increase compared to the previous quarter.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the price trend for Meth Acrylic Acid (MAA) in the APAC region, particularly in China, experienced a significant decline, influenced by a combination of weakening demand and increased supply. Early in the quarter, MAA prices were elevated due to strong demand from key downstream industries such as paints and coatings, automotive, and construction, which surged ahead of supply. However, as the quarter progressed, demand weakened, particularly in November and December, due to seasonal slowdowns and broader economic concerns, which led to reduced purchasing activity. This, coupled with an oversupply situation caused by increased domestic production capacity and stable raw material costs, put downward pressure on prices.
Unexpected plant shutdowns and logistical challenges contributed to the volatility in the market, but the primary factor behind the price decline was the reduced demand from industries reliant on MAA, such as coatings and adhesives. In response, producers increased output, resulting in an oversupply that the market could not absorb. By December, MAA prices had fallen to approximately USD 2180/MT, CFR Shanghai, marking a noticeable reversal from the price increases observed earlier in the quarter. This decline was further facilitated by lower raw material costs, including isobutylene, and intense competitive pressures within the industry. Despite this, the quarter saw a 2% overall increase in prices compared to the previous quarter.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the price of Methacrylic Acid (MAA) in the European region, particularly Germany, exhibited a downward trend, driven by weakening demand and an oversupply of the product. October saw a significant increase in prices due to rising demand from key sectors such as automotive, paints and coatings, and construction, alongside supply constraints exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and port congestion.
However, by November, prices started to decline as the seasonal slowdown in construction and automotive sectors led to reduced demand. Inventory levels in downstream industries remained high, contributing to softened consumption. The decline in December was more pronounced, as increased production capacity and a reduction in isobutylene costs allowed producers to lower prices. The oversupply in the market, combined with cautious purchasing behavior and economic uncertainty, led to a 9% drop in MAA prices from the peak in October. Despite stable production, logistical issues and broader economic slowdowns in the Eurozone kept downward pressure on the market.
Germany faced a challenging pricing environment, with prices showing a 2% increase from the previous quarter. Overall, the quarter ended with a notable decline in MAA prices, reflecting the imbalance between supply and demand.
MEA
In Q4 2024, the methacrylic acid (MAA) market in the MEA region, particularly Saudi Arabia, experienced a notable decline in prices, driven by several factors that shaped the market dynamics throughout the quarter. Initially, in October, MAA prices surged due to heightened demand from key sectors like automotive, paints and coatings, and construction. The increase in the production of MMA and PMMA, both heavily reliant on MAA, further exacerbated the demand pressure. Supply constraints, particularly rising costs of isobutylene, contributed to the price hike during this period. However, as the quarter progressed, the market faced a shift in dynamics.
In November, demand began to weaken due to seasonal slowdowns and economic concerns, leading to reduced consumption across key industries. This shift resulted in oversupply conditions, as MAA production remained stable while inventory levels increased. By December, an increase in production capacity and rising competitive pressures further intensified the supply glut, contributing to the overall price decline. Additionally, a decrease in the cost of raw materials, such as isobutylene, provided some relief, enabling producers to reduce their prices. As a result, MAA prices in Saudi Arabia experienced a significant drop by the end of the quarter. Despite this decline, the quarter recorded a 3% increase in prices compared to the previous quarter, reflecting a balance between the initial surge in demand and the subsequent oversupply that defined the latter part of Q4.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, Meth Acrylic Acid prices in North America witnessed a significant uptrend, driven by a multitude of factors. Strong demand from key industries such as paints, coatings, automotive, and construction outpaced available supply, leading to supply constraints. Unexpected production challenges and rising costs of crucial raw materials like acetone further exacerbated the supply shortage, pushing prices higher.
International demand, particularly from regions like Mexico and Latin America, also contributed to the price surge due to robust buying sentiment. Disruptions such as plant shutdowns. Tropical Storm Francine added to the supply constraints, intensifying the price increase. Major U.S. ports faced significant delays, with wait times reaching due to a strike, impacting logistics and increasing freight rates. Meanwhile, crude oil price fluctuations added further uncertainty, influencing production costs and market dynamics.
In the USA, the market saw the most substantial price changes, with a notable 8% increase from the previous quarter. The correlation between overall trends, seasonality, and price changes remained evident throughout the quarter. The quarter ended with Meth Acrylic Acid priced at USD 2640/MT FOB USGC in the USA, reflecting a consistently positive pricing environment characterized by rising market sentiments.
APAC
The third quarter of 2024 for Meth Acrylic Acid in the APAC region has been characterized by a significant increase in prices, driven by a combination of factors. The market saw a surge in demand for MAA, particularly in downstream industries such as paints, coatings, and adhesives. This heightened demand was further exacerbated by supply constraints arising from unexpected technical issues and maintenance shutdowns at production facilities. Additionally, challenges in feedstock supply and stability but increased costs of key raw materials like acetone, cyanohydrin and sulfuric acid added to production expenses, pushing prices upwards. In Japan, the market experienced the most significant price changes, reflecting the overall trend in the region. Seasonal factors, coupled with the disruptions in supply chains, contributed to the price volatility. The quarter recorded a notable 10% increase from the previous quarter. The quarter-ending price in Japan stood at USD 2270/MT, signaling a positive pricing environment characterized by rising trends and market fluctuations. Notable disruptions during the quarter included force majeure at Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical Co., Ltd. and a maintenance shutdown at Chongqing Yixiang Chemical Co., Ltd.
Europe
In Q3 2024, Meth Acrylic Acid prices in the Europe region experienced a significant increase, with Germany being the focal point of maximum price changes. The market witnessed a notable uptrend primarily due to strong demand from various industries such as paints, coatings, automotive, and construction. Supply constraints played a crucial role in driving prices higher, as unexpected plant shutdowns and technical difficulties hindered production and limited availability. Rising costs of key raw materials like acetone further escalated production expenses, contributing to the overall price surge. The quarter also saw disruptions caused by plant shutdowns, impacting supply chains and exacerbating the supply-demand dynamics. Port congestion at major hubs, particularly in Hamburg and Felixstowe, led to delays and a backlog of vessels, complicating logistics and tightening supply chains. Despite signs of easing congestion later in the quarter, these disruptions maintained upward pressure on prices, reflecting the overall bullish market sentiment amid robust downstream demand. Germany faced a challenging pricing environment, with prices showing an 8% increase from the previous quarter. The correlation between increasing demand, supply constraints, and rising production costs resulted in bullish market sentiment. The quarter-ending price of Meth Acrylic Acid in Germany stood at USD 2430/MT FOB Hamburg, reflecting the overall positive pricing trend observed throughout the quarter.
MEA
In Q3 2024, the Meth Acrylic Acid (MAA) market in the MEA region experienced a notable uptrend in prices, driven by a combination of factors. Heightened demand from key downstream industries such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and acrylic fibers significantly influenced market dynamics. Supply constraints due to production challenges, plant shutdowns, and technical difficulties further exacerbated the price increase. Rising acetone costs, a crucial raw material for MAA production, added to production expenses, contributing to the overall price surge. Seasonal factors, including increased construction activity and inventory replenishment following prior destocking, played a role in boosting demand and putting upward pressure on prices. Saudi Arabia witnessed the most significant price changes in the region, reflecting the overall positive pricing environment. The quarter recorded an 8% increase from the previous quarter, with the latest quarter-ending price standing at USD 2330/MT of Meth Acrylic Acid FOB Jizan in Saudi Arabia. Despite some disruptions and plant shutdowns during the quarter, the market trend remained bullish, indicating a favorable pricing landscape.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, Meth Acrylic Acid (MAA) pricing in North America saw a significant uptick, driven by a confluence of factors that positively impacted market sentiment. The quarter was characterized by robust demand from various downstream industries, particularly paints, coatings, and automotive sectors, which experienced seasonal peaks and heightened production activities. This increased demand strained the already tight supply chain, exacerbated by limited availability of finished goods and rising raw material costs, which saw price hikes due to elevated crude oil prices and supply chain disruptions.
Focusing on the USA, which witnessed the most pronounced price changes, there was a sustained positive trend throughout the quarter. The correlation between rising demand and constrained supply was particularly evident, as manufacturers struggled to keep up with the increasing inquiries and production requirements. Seasonality played a crucial role, with favorable weather conditions boosting construction and painting activities. Compared to the previous quarter, the present quarter showed a 5% increase in prices, reflecting the ongoing supply-demand imbalance.
The quarter concluded with MAA prices reaching USD 2320/MT DEL Louisiana. Overall, the pricing environment for MAA in North America during Q2 2024 was decidedly positive, driven by strong demand, supply constraints, and rising production costs, all contributing to bullish market sentiment.
Europe
In Q2 2024, Meth Acrylic Acid (MAA) pricing in the Europe region has shown a consistent upward trend, driven by several significant factors. Increased demand, particularly from the construction and automotive sectors, has been a primary driver of the price hikes. The spring season typically sees a spike in construction and renovation activities, necessitating greater consumption of MAA for paints, coatings, and adhesives. Additionally, export demand has intensified, putting further pressure on local supplies. Supply constraints have exacerbated the situation. Disruptions at major production facilities due to maintenance activities, such as BASF SE's Ludwigshafen plant shutdown from May 2 to May 11, have contributed to tighter supply conditions. Lower-than-usual inventories among producers at the beginning of the quarter and a slight reduction in domestic production levels have also restricted availability, pushing up prices. The cost of acetone, a key raw material, rose by 1.2% during the quarter, adding to the production costs and consequently leading to higher MAA prices. Focusing on Germany, the country has experienced the most pronounced price changes in Europe, driven by strong demand and limited supply. The German market's performance this quarter reflects an overall bullish sentiment, underpinned by seasonal demand fluctuations and international market pressures. Compared to the previous quarter, the present quarter showed a 9% increase in prices, reflecting the ongoing supply-demand imbalance. The quarter ended with MAA prices at USD 2210/MT FOB Hamburg, indicating a robust and positive pricing environment for MAA in Germany.
APAC
During Q2 2024, the pricing environment for Methacrylic Acid (MAA) in the APAC region was characterized by a consistent upward trend. This increase was primarily driven by supply constraints and heightened demand from downstream industries such as paints and coatings, automotive, and construction. Key contributing factors included planned and unplanned plant shutdowns, most notably the force majeure at Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical Co., Ltd in China due to a heavy rainstorm, which caused significant disruptions and tightened supply. Additionally, rising feedstock costs, especially for acetone, further inflated production expenses, compelling manufacturers to adjust their pricing upwards. Focusing on Japan, the country witnessed the most significant price changes in the APAC region. The quarter saw a robust price surge driven by seasonal demand peaks and increased production activities within the automotive sector. Japanese manufacturers faced high input costs, which, combined with logistical challenges and a weakened yen by 6% approximately, resulted in elevated MAA prices. The overall trend indicated a positive pricing environment, supported by strong market fundamentals and a notable 8% increase from the previous quarter. The quarter concluded with MAA prices reaching USD 2010/MT FOB Tokyo, reflecting a solid and steady rise. This pricing behavior underscores the positive sentiment in the market, driven by a combination of supply disruptions and consistent demand growth.
MEA
In Q2 2024, the Meth Acrylic Acid (MAA) market in the MEA region experienced a pronounced increase in prices, driven primarily by heightened demand from key downstream industries such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. This robust demand was further amplified by supply constraints due to limited international arrivals and logistical disruptions. Additionally, the rising costs of upstream raw materials, particularly Acetone, and crude oil, significantly impacted MAA production costs, leading to upward price adjustments. The international market, especially China, exhibited increased purchasing activities, further straining the supply and driving prices higher in the MEA region. Focusing on Saudi Arabia, which witnessed the most substantial price movements, the overall trend was decidedly bullish. Seasonal factors, including the end of the summer slump, and increased energy material demand contributed to the upward pressure on prices. The market dynamics were influenced by steady domestic demand and strategic price adjustments by local manufacturers in response to international market conditions. This quarter saw a 7% increase from the previous quarter in 2024, reflecting a strong upward momentum. The latest quarter-ending price for MAA in Saudi Arabia stood at USD 2110/MT FOB Jizan, emphasizing a positive pricing environment marked by robust demand and constrained supply.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In Q1 2024, the pricing environment for Meth Acrylic Acid in North America was negative, with prices experiencing a decline. Several factors influenced market prices during this quarter. Firstly, there was sluggish demand from downstream industries, particularly in the paints and coatings sector, which led to a decrease in prices. The off-season lull and broader economic slowdown in regional markets also contributed to the weak demand. Additionally, demand from China remained subdued due to maintenance closures during the Spring Festival Holidays and a sluggish construction sector.
The USA saw significant price changes for Meth Acrylic Acid. Prices declined in February due to low season demand and reduced production at manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania and Virginia. The market sentiment was bearish, with moderate to high supply and low to moderate demand. The construction industry, a major consumer of Meth Acrylic Acid, experienced an off-season lull, further dampening demand. Despite the initial decline in prices, there was an incline towards the end of the quarter, driven by expectations of improved market activities and increased demand.
Looking at the price trends, there was a notable decline in prices from the previous quarter. The first half of Q1 2024 saw limited market activities and low consumption rates. However, there is some optimism for the second half of the quarter, with expectations of improved market activities and increased demand.
Overall, the pricing environment for Meth Acrylic Acid in North America during Q1 2024 was negative, driven by weak demand, surplus inventories, and low feedstock costs. The market conditions were bearish, with moderate to high supply and low to moderate demand. The latest quarter-ending price for Meth Acrylic Acid in the USA was USD 2197/MT DEL Louisiana.
Europe
In Q1 2024, the Meth Acrylic Acid market in Europe experienced a bearish pricing environment. Prices for Meth Acrylic Acid decreased in the German domestic market after a period of stability, with a weekly change of USD -26/MT (-1.3%). This decline can be attributed to steady production activities and a stable flow of imports, which have resulted in a moderate supply of Meth Acrylic Acid. Additionally, the persistently low demand from the downstream construction sector has led manufacturers to maintain lower prices to stimulate transactions.
The availability of Meth Acrylic Acid was reported to be relatively steady to meet the demand from the downstream paints and coatings industries. However, the overall demand for Meth Acrylic Acid remains low to moderate, with most market transactions being based on a need-on-demand basis. The market players are cautious about a major turnaround in demand from the construction sector, as buying sentiment remains bearish.
However, Meth Acrylic Acid market in Germany saw slight improvement in market transactions in late Q1, as procurement ahead of peak Q2 and Q3 is likely to increase demand and subsequently impact prices. The market is also expected to benefit from an improvement in demand sentiment from the international market, as well as increased demand from regional markets.
Overall, the pricing environment for Meth Acrylic Acid in Europe, and specifically in Germany, has been negative in Q1 2024, with prices decreasing on a weekly basis. The market is characterized by moderate supply and low to moderate demand, with manufacturers keeping prices lower to stimulate transactions. The latest quarter-ending price for Meth Acrylic Acid in Germany was USD 2049/MT FOB Hamburg.
APAC
Meth Acrylic Acid prices in the APAC region for Q1 2024 have experienced a mixed trend. Overall, market sentiment has been stable, with moderate to low demand from downstream industries. The supply of Meth Acrylic Acid has been moderate, with manufacturing firms operating at reduced rates. However, there have been some supply-side pressures due to shipping disruptions in the Red Sea and restricted traffic in the Panama Canal.
In Japan, Meth Acrylic Acid prices have seen a slight decline during Q1 2024. The demand from the downstream industries has remained moderate, with limited market transactions. The construction industry has shown signs of weakness, leading to lower consumption rates. The availability of Meth Acrylic Acid in the domestic market has been steady, resulting in stable inventories.
In terms of price changes, there has been a decrease in Meth Acrylic Acid prices compared to the same quarter last year. The prices have also declined compared to the previous quarter in 2024. However, there was a slight increase in prices towards the end of the quarter as
An uptick in demand, particularly in China, where manufacturing activities surged, was observed, but rising Acetone and crude oil prices increased manufacturing costs, positively impacting Meth Acrylic Acid prices.
The latest quarter-ending price for Meth Acrylic Acid in Japan is USD 1887/MT FOB Tokyo. Overall, the pricing environment for Meth Acrylic Acid in Japan has been bearish, with weak demand and ample supply. The market is expected to remain stable in the coming months, with limited improvements in demand from the downstream industries.
