The Asia Pacific region emerged as the largest market for acetic acid. This region dominated the global acetic acid owing to the advancement of growing countries like China and India, which are among the essential customers of acetic acid.
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 costs, 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 South Korea, acetic acid prices experienced a significant decline during the first quarter. As in the first quarter of China, prices declined from quarterly average of 461 USD/MT to 373 USD/MT.
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 in the second quarter of China prices declined from quarterly average of 373 USD/MT to 371 USD/MT. 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. As of July 2024, acetic acid prices were fluctuating and reflecting around 1.3% decrease from the previous month. 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. 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.