September 24th report:
In August 2026, China's imports and exports of acrylic acid and its salts showed a clear divergence: imports significantly contracted, while exports surged, leading to a substantial increase in net exports. The foreign trade pattern continued to shift towards an "export-oriented" trend.
I. Data Overview
| Indicator | Import | Export |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | 1,618.165 tons | 15,394.316 tons |
| Month-over-month change | -70.29% | +69.67% |
| Average price | $798.96/ton | $989.32/ton |
| Average price month-over-month change | -0.46% | -14.93% |
From the data, in August, China's export volume was about 9.5 times the import volume, with a net export volume of approximately 13,776.15 tons, indicating a clear trade surplus. The export price per ton was still higher than the import price, with a difference of about $190.36 per ton, but the month-on-month decline in the export price was significantly greater than that of the import price, suggesting more pronounced competitive pressure on the export side.
II. Imports: Volume Declines, Prices Remain Stable, and Import Substitution Strengthens
In August, China’s imports of acrylic acid and its salts totaled just 1,618.165 tons, down 70.29% month-on-month—a substantial decline. The average import price stood at USD 798.96 per tonne, edging down only 0.46% from the previous month, remaining broadly stable. The import market exhibited a “declining volume, stable prices” dynamic, indicating a marked weakening in China’s demand for imported supplies, yet without any significant downward pressure on import prices. The sharp drop in import volumes is likely attributable to factors such as relatively ample domestic supply, a shift in downstream purchasing toward Chinese‑sourced products, and growing import substitution.
III. Exports: Volumetric Growth, with Prices Declining Sharply
In August, the export volume reached 15,394.316 tons, a month-on-month increase of 69.67%, showing a strong growth momentum. However, the average export price was $989.32 per ton, a month-on-month decrease of 14.93%, with a significant decline. The export market is showing a typical "volume up, price down" trend, indicating that under the background of increased overseas demand or orders, Chinese companies are more enthusiastic about exporting, but at the same time, they also face intensified competition and the issue of trading volume for price.
Four, the main reasons for the significant increase in China's exports
1. China's supply has proactively tightened, with companies turning to exports to digest capacity. In August, there was a concentration of plant maintenance for acrylic acid in China, with multiple facilities in Nanjing, Ningbo, Taixing, Tianjin, Qinzhou, and Zhanjiang either shut down or operating at reduced capacity. The industry's average monthly operating rate dropped to around 70%, with monthly production falling slightly below 320,000 tons. Domestic terminal demand is in the traditional low season, with weaker purchases from industries such as coatings and adhesives. Companies are using exports as an important channel to digest capacity and alleviate inventory pressure.
2. Overseas supply instability has created space for Chinese sources. Since 2026, overseas acrylic acid plants have been operating inconsistently, with major players like BASF experiencing unplanned production fluctuations, and key Asian facilities such as Mitsubishi Chemical entering maintenance periods, leading to a temporary tightening of overseas supply. At the same time, the rise in basic energy prices overseas has increased the cost of local chemicals, prompting some downstream users to turn to more cost-effective Chinese sources.
3. Price strategy adjustments were evident, with a clear characteristic of trading price for volume. The export average price decreased by 14.93% month-over-month, while the export volume significantly increased, indicating that Chinese companies, in the context of relatively ample production capacity, are actively competing for overseas market share through price advantages. The export average price is still higher than the import average price, but the price difference has narrowed, compressing profit margins to some extent.
4. Structural changes in export destinations. From the perspective of export flows, Taiwan and India are the primary sources of incremental demand, together accounting for more than 56% of total exports. In April 2026, India lifted its BIS certification requirements on Chinese butyl acrylate, reopening previously restricted export channels; with average monthly demand around 25,000 tons, inflows from China have increased significantly. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s semiconductor industry continues to expand, generating structural demand for high-purity acrylic acid and electronics‑grade chemical products. At the same time, in July 2026, South Korea issued a definitive affirmative anti-dumping ruling on Chinese butyl acrylate, imposing a 19.17% duty on Pinghu Petrochemical and its affiliated companies. As a result, some shipments originally destined for South Korea have been redirected to other markets, intensifying competitive pressures in those destinations.
V. Trade Pattern: Net Exports Expand, Price Spreads Narrow
In August, the export volume was significantly higher than the import volume, leading to an expansion in the net export scale. Exports have become an important channel for absorbing China's acrylic acid and its salts supply. However, the average export price declined substantially month-over-month, while the average import price remained relatively stable, narrowing the price gap between the two. This indicates a clear "volume over price" strategy on the export side. Overall, the foreign trade pattern continues to shift towards export dominance, but the pressure from profit margins and trade barriers cannot be ignored.
6. Future Market Outlook
In the short term, if China's supply remains abundant and overseas demand stays stable, the export volume of acrylic acid and its salts is expected to remain high. However, a decline in the average export price may compress profit margins for companies, so it is necessary to monitor raw material costs, facility utilization rates, inventory changes, and overseas market competition. On the import side, if the supply from China remains stable, the import volume may continue to stay low. In the future, attention should also be paid to the progress of overseas facility restarts, the sustainability of demand from India, the impact of South Korea's anti-dumping policies, as well as changes in exchange rates, maritime transportation costs, and international trade policies.
Conclusion
In August 2026, China's trade performance in acrylic acid and its salts showed "import contraction, export expansion, and price divergence." The import volume significantly decreased, while the import average price remained stable; the export volume increased notably, but the export average price clearly declined. The overall net export scale expanded, with exports becoming an important market support, but the characteristic of "trading volume for price" is worth noting. Whether subsequent exports can continue to expand depends on the pace of overseas supply recovery, the resilience of demand in major destinations, and changes in trade policies.
