Acetic Acid Market Prices Narrowly Consolidate

February 13th, News

According to the commodity market analysis system, as of February 13th, the average price of acetic acid in the Chinese market was 2780.00 CNY/ton, an increase of 6.67 CNY/ton compared to the price of 2773.33 CNY/ton on February 9th, with a price increase of 0.24%.

This week (2.9-2.13), the price of acetic acid in China increased slightly. On the supply side, the facility utilization rate of acetic acid decreased slightly. Before the holiday, companies had a strong intention to ship goods, and downstream stockpiling gradually slowed down. The market transactions were driven by rigid demand, with a mixed atmosphere. The quotations from acetic acid enterprises remained largely stable with minor adjustments, and some suppliers raised their transaction prices. During the week, the acetic acid market was in a state of watchful consolidation.

Recently, the price of methanol, a raw material, first increased and then decreased. As of February 13th, the average price in the Chinese market was 2,201 CNY per ton, a decrease of 0.41% compared to the price of 2,210 CNY per ton on February 9th. The inventory of methanol in port markets continued to accumulate, with pre-holiday purchasing sentiment from downstream buyers weakening, leading to a slight downward adjustment in prices. The support for the Chinese methanol market is moderate, with companies actively reducing their inventories. Demand is gradually slowing down, resulting in a narrow range of fluctuations in methanol prices, and the cost pressure on acetic acid has decreased.

The downstream acetic anhydride market has stabilized, with the average factory price from February 9 to 13 maintaining at 4,565 CNY/ton. The supply of acetic anhydride is stable, and pre-holiday inventory preparation by downstream sectors in China is moderate. Business sentiment is weak, and the price of raw material acetic acid has slightly increased, providing unchanged cost support. The acetic anhydride price remains steady and is mainly in a wait-and-see mode.

Looking ahead, acetic acid analysts believe that the utilization rate of China’s acetic acid facilities will remain largely unchanged before the holiday period. Companies are adopting a wait-and-see approach, while downstream users are gradually taking holidays and leaving the market. As a result, trading activity in the market is moderate. It is expected that acetic acid prices will remain stable and continue to hover in the short term. In the near future, attention should be paid to market supply conditions.