United States
Mexico
Canada
Peru
Turkey
Netherlands
Saudi Arabia
India
Australia
China
Thailand
South KoreaIn Q1 2025, Acrylonitrile prices in the U.S. averaged $1350/MT, reflecting a 2.34% decline from Q4 2024. The decrease was primarily due to continued weakness in industrial demand, with the automotive and construction sectors facing slower recovery amid persistent economic uncertainties. Additionally, propylene feedstock prices softened, reducing production costs and easing price pressures.
Downstream demand from textiles and plastics remained sluggish, as buyers adopted a cautious approach amid market volatility. While some seasonal restocking occurred, it was not enough to offset the overall decline, keeping prices on a downward trajectory.
According to PriceWatch, In the second quarter of 2025, prices for Acrylonitrile (Purity ≥99%) on an FOB Houston basis averaged $1235 per metric ton, reflecting a sharp quarter-on-quarter decline of 6.6% compared to Q1. The downturn was primarily driven by a substantial reduction in upstream propylene costs, which came under strong pressure from falling global crude oil benchmarks.
Crude oil prices dropped during the quarter as geopolitical tensions eased, and persistent oversupply concerns resurfaced, undermining refinery-derived feedstocks like propylene. Despite the cost-side weakness, acrylonitrile supply fundamentals remained stable, with no significant disruptions reported in U.S. production or export logistics.
However, subdued spot buying interest and elevated inventory positions across key downstream segments, including ABS and acrylic fiber, added further bearish sentiment to the market.
In Q1 2024, the global Acrylonitrile market experienced a sharp upward trend, primarily driven by rising prices of Propylene feedstock and strong demand from key sectors like automotive, construction, and textiles. In the U.S., Acrylonitrile prices surged to $1366/MT, reflecting a 12.65 % increase from the previous quarter.
This increase was fuelled by the ongoing recovery in the automotive and construction industries, which significantly boosted the demand for Acrylonitrile-based products such as ABS and acrylic fibres. Additionally, supply chain bottlenecks and rising freight rates contributed to the price escalation, as suppliers faced challenges in meeting growing demand.
In Q2 2024, Acrylonitrile prices in the U.S. averaged $1438/MT, marking a 5.26% increase from Q1. This price rise was primarily driven by continued strength in the automotive and construction sectors, which maintained steady demand for Acrylonitrile-based products like ABS and acrylic fibers. Additionally, higher Propylene feedstock costs sustained upward pressure on prices, while logistical constraints and elevated freight rates further tightened supply.
Despite some easing in supply chain disruptions, industrial activity remained strong, supporting Acrylonitrile demand from key downstream industries such as textiles and plastics, leading to a sustained price increase in Q2.
In Q3 2024, Acrylonitrile prices in the U.S. averaged $1369/MT, reflecting a 4.8% decline from Q2. This drop was mainly due to softening demand from the automotive and construction sectors, as economic uncertainties and high interest rates led to slower industrial activity. Additionally, propylene feedstock prices stabilized, reducing cost pressures on Acrylonitrile production.
Improved supply conditions, coupled with easing freight and logistics constraints, further contributed to the price decline. While demand from textiles and plastics provided some market support, it wasn’t enough to counteract the broader industrial slowdown, leading to a downward price trend in Q3.
In Q4 2024, Acrylonitrile prices in the U.S. averaged $1382/MT, reflecting a 1.01% increase from Q3. This slight recovery was driven by moderate demand improvement from the automotive and construction sectors, as supply chain conditions stabilized, and production activities picked up. Additionally, seasonal demand from textiles and plastics provided further market support.
While propylene feedstock costs remained steady, improved downstream consumption contributed to the marginal price rise. However, the overall market remained cautious, with global economic uncertainties limiting significant price movements.
In Q1 2025, the Indian market for Acrylonitrile (ACN) imported from China witnessed a strong upswing, with prices rising to $1380/MT, reflecting a 14.62% increase from the previous quarter. This notable price hike was primarily driven by supply-side constraints in the Chinese market, which tightened significantly due to the Lunar New Year holiday disruptions.
During this period, many Chinese producers either scaled back operations or implemented maintenance shutdowns, reducing export availability across the region. As a result, Indian buyers faced limited cargo offers and growing lead times, prompting a wave of restocking at elevated price levels.
The seasonal demand revival in India after the year-end lull, along with expectations tied to the upcoming fiscal announcements, further supported the bullish pricing environment. Additionally, firm feedstock propylene prices added upward pressure to overall production costs, reinforcing the upward momentum.
According to PriceWatch, In the second quarter of 2025, prices for Acrylonitrile (Purity ≥99%) imported from China into India on a CIF Nhava Sheva basis averaged 1,181 per metric ton, marking a steep decline of 14.42% compared to the previous quarter. The downturn closely followed the pricing trajectory of Chinese exporters, who continued to quote lower values amid soft overseas demand and a cautious trading environment.
Indian buyers remained highly selective in their procurement, with many delaying purchases in anticipation of further price reductions. Meanwhile, freight rates for China-to-India routes eased slightly during the quarter, adding further downward momentum to the landed cost of imports.
Despite steady port operations and no reported delays in vessel movement, overall buying sentiment remained muted due to slow offtake from end-use sectors like ABS and acrylic fibre.
Distributors reported sufficient stock availability, and few deals were concluded on a forward basis, as most market participants adopted a short-term purchasing approach. The overall tone remained bearish through the quarter.
Back in Q1 2024, prices had ticked up slightly to $1280/MT, representing a 1.75% increase from Q4 2023. This early-year firmness was supported by improved sentiment post-winter holidays and a moderate rebound in downstream consumption.
Restocking activity by Indian buyers and steady exports of derivatives like ABS and SAN added to the positive pricing pressure. Nevertheless, the increase remained limited due to sufficient availability from Chinese suppliers and no major disruptions in supply chains.
During Q2 2024, the Indian ACN import market witnessed a marginal decline, with prices at $1275/MT, slipping by 0.39% compared to Q1. The period saw balanced supply-demand conditions, with steady shipments arriving from China and consistent downstream consumption.
However, with no strong external factors pushing prices upward, and a slowdown in export demand from Indian manufacturers, the market showed signs of stabilization. Pre-monsoon buying was also somewhat muted, as many processors adopted a wait-and-watch approach.
In Q3 2024, prices declined to $1225/MT, marking a 3.92% fall from Q2 levels. This downturn was largely attributed to the monsoon season in India, which slowed manufacturing operations and reduced demand from end-use industries such as textiles and automotive components.
Chinese suppliers remained active in the market, maintaining a steady flow of material. Buyers in India, however, were cautious, operating on thin inventories and avoiding aggressive procurement amid continued expectations of further price softness.
Looking back at Q4 2024, ACN prices in India stood at $1204/MT, reflecting a 1.71% drop from Q3. Despite some buying activity during the festive season in October, overall sentiment remained muted due to comfortable inventories and sluggish downstream offtake.
With many Indian buyers having secured material ahead of the holiday season, fresh import interest remained low. Meanwhile, the global market was impacted by year-end slowdowns, and stable production levels in China ensured ample availability for export, keeping pricing in check.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Acrylonitrile is a highly versatile, colourless liquid with a pungent Odor, primarily used as a chemical intermediate in the production of various important polymers. It is produced through the ammoxidation of Propylene, ammonia, and oxygen. Acrylonitrile is known for its high reactivity and serves as a key building block for manufacturing several synthetic materials. Acrylonitrile is widely used in the production of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Acrylic fibres, Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN), and Nitrile Rubber (NBR). These materials are essential in industries such as automotive, construction, textiles, plastics, and adhesives due to their strength, durability, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and impact.
Packaging Type
Acrylonitrile 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 |
| Molecular weight | 53.06 g/mole |
| Density (g/ml) @ 20°C | 0.805-0.806 |
| Melting point | -83.55°C |
| Boiling Range | 75-78 °C |
| Viscosity | 0.34 centipoise (at 25.0°C) |
| Heat of polymerization | 17.3 ± 0.5 kcal/mole |
Acrylonitrile Applications
Acrylonitrile is widely used across various industries due to its exceptional properties, including chemical, temperature, and weather resistance. In the automotive sector, it is commonly used for hoses, belts, and seals, offering durability in harsh environments. In the construction sector, it is used for insulation, roofing membranes, and protective coatings due to its weather-resistant qualities. Additionally, Neoprene is frequently used in electrical insulation, medical devices, and protective gear, such as gloves and knee pads, owing to its flexibility and resilience.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global acrylonitrile price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the acrylonitrile 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 acrylonitrile prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely acrylonitrile market data.
Track PriceWatch's acrylonitrile price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Acrylonitrile pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Acrylonitrile is a highly versatile, colourless liquid with a pungent Odor, primarily used as a chemical intermediate in the production of various important polymers. It is produced through the ammoxidation of Propylene, ammonia, and oxygen. Acrylonitrile is known for its high reactivity and serves as a key building block for manufacturing several synthetic materials. Acrylonitrile is widely used in the production of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Acrylic fibres, Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN), and Nitrile Rubber (NBR). These materials are essential in industries such as automotive, construction, textiles, plastics, and adhesives due to their strength, durability, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and impact.
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 |
| Molecular weight | 53.06 g/mole |
| Density (g/ml) @ 20°C | 0.805-0.806 |
| Melting point | -83.55°C |
| Boiling Range | 75-78 °C |
| Viscosity | 0.34 centipoise (at 25.0°C) |
| Heat of polymerization | 17.3 ± 0.5 kcal/mole |
Applications
Acrylonitrile is widely used across various industries due to its exceptional properties, including chemical, temperature, and weather resistance. In the automotive sector, it is commonly used for hoses, belts, and seals, offering durability in harsh environments. In the construction sector, it is used for insulation, roofing membranes, and protective coatings due to its weather-resistant qualities. Additionally, Neoprene is frequently used in electrical insulation, medical devices, and protective gear, such as gloves and knee pads, owing to its flexibility and resilience.
The pricing of Acrylonitrile is influenced by several key factors, including the cost of feedstocks like Propylene and ammonia, which are essential for its production. Fluctuations in crude oil prices and changes in demand from major end-use industries such as automotive, textiles, and plastics also play a significant role. Additionally, geopolitical events, transportation costs, and supply chain disruptions can impact pricing trends.
Feedstock availability, particularly of Propylene, directly affects Acrylonitrile pricing. When there are disruptions in Propylene supply due to refinery outages, production cuts, or changes in market dynamics, Acrylonitrile prices often rise as manufacturers compete for limited resources. Conversely, an abundant supply of Propylene can lead to price stabilization or reductions.
Regional price differences for Acrylonitrile can be substantial, influenced by local production capacities, feedstock availability, and market demand. For instance, regions with strong refining infrastructure, like the U.S. and parts of Asia, may experience lower prices compared to others with limited production capabilities. Understanding these regional dynamics is essential for procurement heads, as they can optimize sourcing strategies by exploring cost-effective suppliers in favourable markets while balancing quality and delivery times.