In Q1 2025, Acrylonitrile (Purity; ≥99%) prices in the U.S. averaged $1342/MT FOB Houston, reflecting a 2.93% 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.
In Q4 2024, Acrylonitrile (Purity; ≥99%) prices in the U.S. averaged $1,382/MT FOB Houston, marking a modest 1.01% increase compared to Q3. This slight uptick was largely attributed to a moderate rebound in demand from the automotive and construction industries, supported by more stable supply chain conditions and a gradual rise in production activity. Seasonal demand from the textiles and plastics sectors also lent additional support to the market. Although propylene feedstock prices remained stable, stronger downstream consumption helped nudge prices upward. Nonetheless, the market remained cautious overall, with global economic uncertainties continuing to cap any significant price surges.
In Q3 2024, Acrylonitrile (Purity;≥99%) prices in the U.S. averaged $1369/MT FOB Houston, 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. Propylene feedstock prices were stable, which reduced 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 Q2 2024, Acrylonitrile (Purity;≥99%) prices in the U.S. averaged $1438/MT FOB Houston, 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 Q1 2024, the global Acrylonitrile (Purity; ≥99%) market saw a significant surge, primarily driven by higher Propylene feedstock prices and strong demand from major sectors like automotive, construction, and textiles. In the U.S., Acrylonitrile prices went up to $1366/MT FOB Houston, marking a 12.65% increase from the previous quarter. This price hike was largely attributed to the ongoing recovery in the automotive and construction industries, which led to a rise in demand for Acrylonitrile-based products such as ABS and acrylic fibres. Additionally, supply chain disruptions and increased freight costs further exacerbated the price rise, as suppliers struggled to keep up with the growing demand.
In Q1 2025, the Indian market for Acrylonitrile (ACN) imported from China witnessed a strong upswing, with prices rising to $1380/MT CIF Nhava Sheva (China), reflecting a 14.62% increase from the previous quarter. This price hike was 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.
Looking back at Q4 2024, ACN prices in India stood at $1204/MT CIF Nhava Sheva (China), 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.
In Q3 2024, prices declined to $1225/MT CIF Nhava Sheva (China), 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 were 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.
During Q2 2024, the Indian ACN import market witnessed a marginal decline, with prices at $1275/MT CIF Nhava Sheva (China), 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 Q1 2024, prices had ticked up slightly to $1280/MT CIF Nhava Sheva (China), 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.
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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.
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