China
Saudi Arabia
United States
BelgiumIn Q1 2025, the Asia-Pacific region will experience increased volatility in Acetic Acid prices. Key factors driving these price fluctuations include differing demand trends across various countries, particularly influenced by China’s strong performance. At the end of the march the FOB prices Glacial Acetic Acid of China stood at 365 USD per Ton with a slight increase in the price as compared to previous quarter.Â
According to the PriceWatch, in Q2 2025, acetic acid prices on an FOB Shanghai basis recorded a clear decrease, driven primarily by a combination of robust supply and weakened downstream demand.
Chinese producers operated at high utilization rates throughout the quarter, ensuring ample availability in the export market.
However, demand from key consuming sectors such as vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), acetate esters, and other derivatives remained subdued, as buyers adopted a cautious procurement strategy amid economic uncertainties and soft market sentiment.
With feedstock methanol prices and freight rates remaining largely stable, the downward pressure on acetic acid prices was primarily demand-driven.
The overall market tone during the quarter was bearish, reflecting an oversupplied environment and limited buying interest, which together contributed to the sustained decline in FOB Shanghai prices.Â
According to the PriceWatch, in Q2 2025, acetic acid prices on an FOB South Africa basis exhibited a mixed trend, with the quarterly average declining despite intermittent increases during the period.
While some weeks saw modest price upticks driven by temporary tightening in local supply or minor bursts in demand from downstream users like ester and solvent manufacturers, these gains were offset by more sustained downward pressure.
Overall, the quarter closed lower due to softer export and domestic demand amid global economic uncertainties. Supply remained broadly adequate, with no significant logistical disruptions, and feedstock and freight costs stayed relatively stable suggesting that price movements were primarily demand-driven.
Consequently, the average acetic acid price for Q2 declined, but the market was characterized by alternating increases and decreases, reflecting a cautious and responsive buying environment.Â
According to the PriceWatch, in Q2 2025, acetic acid prices on an FOB Houston, USA basis decreased compared to the previous quarter.
The decline was primarily driven by weakened demand from downstream sectors such as vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), purified terephthalic acid (PTA), and other industrial solvents.
While supply remained steady from U.S. producers, buyers across both domestic and export markets were cautious in their procurement strategies due to sufficient inventories and uncertain economic conditions.
Feedstock costs and freight rates remained relatively stable, reinforcing that the price drop was largely demand-led. Overall, the market showed a bearish trend throughout the quarter, with FOB Houston prices trending lower than Q1 levels.Â
In Q1 2024 the Asian countries prices remained relatively stable. This flat trend in the market was largely due to high inventory levels and increased production cost driven by rising crude oil prices. In India, acetic acid spot prices have been fluctuating at the lower end of the spectrum. This trend has been influenced positively by the end-user industry, which is contributing to the overall pricing patterns.
In Q2 2024, the Asian acetic acid market experienced a decline in prices and this market decline was attributed to the availability of sufficient inventories, which were more than enough to meet the demands of downstream industries both domestically and internationally. In June, a maintenance shutdown took place, which also impacted acetic acid prices. Seasonal trends have also influenced the market.
As the second quarter finish Glacial Acetic Acid price of China stood at 415 USD per ton. The acetic acid market in the MEA region has encountered notable fluctuations, shaped by a range of complex factors, primarily driven by higher production costs resulting from a spike in upstream crude oil prices.
In Q3 2024, the acetic acid market will continue to experience upward price pressure due to ongoing supply limitations. The growing demand for adhesives, paints, and coatings will expect to boost the acetic acid market in the APAC region. The acetic acid market in India is on the rise, driven by factors like industrial growth and the expansion of manufacturing sectors.
The acetic acid market in the Middle East will experience growth, largely fuelled by advancements in the pharmaceutical industry and a rising demand for medicines. In Saudi Arabia, the food and beverage sector will also play a significant role, using acetic acid for preserving meat and other food products. This combination of factors will contribute to a robust demand for acetic acid in the region.
In Q4 2024, the Asia-Pacific region will experience increased volatility in acetic acid prices. At the quarter end the price of Glacial Acetic Acid stood at USD 383 per ton. Key factors driving these price fluctuations include differing demand trends across various countries, particularly influenced by China’s strong performance.
Additionally, rising crude oil prices will affect production costs, while ongoing trade tensions will disrupt regional supply chains. In the short term, the acetic acid market will experience growth primarily due to rising demand from the paints and coatings sectors. This trend is one of the key factors fuelling the market’s expansion.
The first quarter of 2025 witnessed significant fluctuations in Ex-Mumbai Acetic Acid prices. At the end of the quarter, month end of March Glacial Acetic Acid price stood at INR 39800 per ton for Ex-Mumbai, as downstream demand from sectors like Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) and Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) remained robust.Â
According to the PriceWatch, in Q2 2025, Mineral Turpentine Oil (MTO) prices on an Ex-Mumbai basis experienced a decrease, primarily driven by subdued demand from downstream sectors such as paints, coatings, and industrial solvents.
Buyers maintained cautious procurement strategies amid stable inventory levels and broader economic uncertainties, leading to reduced market activity. Domestic supply remained steady, with no significant disruptions reported from producers, and feedstock and freight costs showed minimal fluctuations.
As a result, the price decline was primarily demand-driven. The overall market sentiment during the quarter reflected a slightly bearish tone, with MTO prices trending downward in a well-supplied and stable operating environment.Â
Similarly, in Q2 2025, MTO prices on an Ex-Bharuch basis also decreased, influenced by local demand and at the end of second quarter stood at INR 36500 per ton. The decline was attributed to cautious buying behavior from local downstream industries, steady domestic supply, and stable feedstock and freight costs.
The overall market remained balanced, with a mild downward pressure on prices throughout the quarter, reflecting a demand-driven adjustment in the Ex-Bharuch MTO market.Â
The first quarter of 2024 price stood at INR 47000 per ton for Glacial Acetic Acid for Ex-Mumbai. The uptrend was supported by tightening supply conditions, including plant maintenance shutdowns in key production regions, and a marginal improvement in demand from acetate and food-grade end-users. While consumption was not robust, supply-side constraints helped maintain a bullish sentiment in the market during this period.
During the second quarter of 2024, Ex-Mumbai Glacial Acetic Acid prices experienced a slight bullish trend where price stood at INR 51500 per ton by the end of month of June. The uptrend was supported by tightening supply conditions, including plant maintenance shutdowns in key production regions, and a marginal improvement in demand from acetate and food-grade end-users. While consumption was not robust, supply-side constraints helped maintain a bullish sentiment in the market during this period.
In the third quarter of 2024, Ex-Mumbai Glacial Acetic Acid prices saw first experienced increase then decrease, maintaining a stable overall quarter change difference in price.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Ex-Mumbai Glacial Acetic Acid prices experienced volatility. Prices end at INR 45000 per ton by the end of December 2024 experiencing a decline in price as compared to previous quater. The uptrend was supported by tightening supply conditions, including plant maintenance shutdowns in key production regions, and a marginal improvement in demand from acetate and food-grade end-users. While consumption was not robust, supply-side constraints helped maintain a bullish sentiment in the market during this period.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Acetic acid is an organic compound that appears as a colorless liquid with a strong, distinctive odor. It is most commonly found in vinegar but also plays a significant role in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, textiles, and chemicals. Industrially, Acetic Acid is produced through the carbonylation of methanol and serves as a key raw material for producing various compounds. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors, both to synthesize other substances and to adjust their properties, particularly in regulating pH levels.
Packaging Type
Acetic Acid Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Appearance | Colourless clear liquid |
| Purity  | Min. 99% (Glacial Acetic Acid) |
| Freezing Point  | 16.6℃ |
| Boiling Point  | 118.1℃ |
| Solubility | 602.9 g/l |
| Density  | 1.0492 |
| pHÂ Â | 2.5Â |
| Vapour Pressure  | 1.52kPa at 20°C |
| Flaming Point (°C)  | 500 |
Acetic Acid Applications
Acetic acid is used mainly as a feedstock/intermediate to make other chemicals including Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Vinyl Acetate, Sodium Acetate.
Ethyl Acetate: A popular solvent in paints and adhesives, valued for its low toxicity and pleasant odour.
Butyl Acetate: This solvent is commonly used in coatings and inks, known for its slower evaporation rate, making it ideal for applications requiring longer drying times.
Vinyl Acetate: Essential for manufacturing polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), which are widely used in adhesives and textiles.
Sodium Acetate: Utilized in food preservation and as a buffering agent, benefiting from the properties of acetic acid.
These events underscore the Acetic Acid market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global acetic acid price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the acetic acid market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence acetic acid prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely acetic acid market data.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Acetic acid is an organic compound that appears as a colorless liquid with a strong, distinctive odor. It is most commonly found in vinegar but also plays a significant role in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, textiles, and chemicals. Industrially, Acetic Acid is produced through the carbonylation of methanol and serves as a key raw material for producing various compounds. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors, both to synthesize other substances and to adjust their properties, particularly in regulating pH levels.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Appearance | Colourless clear liquid |
| Purity  | Min. 99% (Glacial Acetic Acid) |
| Freezing Point  | 16.6℃ |
| Boiling Point  | 118.1℃ |
| Solubility | 602.9 g/l |
| Density  | 1.0492 |
| pHÂ Â | 2.5Â |
| Vapour Pressure  | 1.52kPa at 20°C |
| Flaming Point (°C)  | 500 |
Applications
Acetic acid is used mainly as a feedstock/intermediate to make other chemicals including Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Vinyl Acetate, Sodium Acetate.
Ethyl Acetate: A popular solvent in paints and adhesives, valued for its low toxicity and pleasant odour.
Butyl Acetate: This solvent is commonly used in coatings and inks, known for its slower evaporation rate, making it ideal for applications requiring longer drying times.
Vinyl Acetate: Essential for manufacturing polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), which are widely used in adhesives and textiles.
Sodium Acetate: Utilized in food preservation and as a buffering agent, benefiting from the properties of acetic acid.
The cost of Acetic Acid may be determined by the following factors: First, the cost of the raw materials and especially the feedstocks utilised in producing HDPE for example, propylene and butylene, is a major factor. Firm cost inputs such as raw material costs can rise or drop which will affect Acetic Acid outputs. Also, other factors regard to the supply chain such as transportation cost and availability of capacities for production play a huge role. Due to this, factors such as demand from priority segments like paints and coatings, personal care and cleaning commodities, have an impact on pricing as a result of a higher demand. Finally, the fluctuations in the global economy, and shift in the regulatory policies, may again disturb the price trends of Acetic Acid.
To achieve this goal of getting the right price that is OMG, it is advisable for procurement heads to be customer oriented. Effective and close communication with several suppliers can help to create competition that will improve the pricing structure. A key to strategic pricing is to track the market on a regular basis in order to identify both the trends and the rates. Novelty is another idea; here, buyers may engage in long-term agreements to ensure optimal prices that can prevent the issue of unfavorable market forces affecting buyer institutions. Also, thinking through the options for diversification in suppliers, for example, local ones, may have cost benefits. The ability to be flexible in the strategies used in procurement will help teams respond to the market challenges more effectively.
Pricing risks associated with Acetic Acid are numerous they include; Increased production and purchasing costs reduced profitability due to variations in the prices of Acetic Acid. However, these risks can be managed by the procurement heads putting in place the following strategic activities such as engaging in hedging in order to lock the price of raw materials. It is common knowledge that sourcing from multiple suppliers is less risky than relying on a single supplier due to market fluctuations. It also acts as a shock absorber to price changes in that organisations can hold inventory while they wait for prices to drop. Moreover, market analysis and economic factors would be constantly observed so that procurement strategies could be changed promptly.