South Korea
Singapore
Germany
Bangladesh
Brazil
China
Egypt
IndiaIn Q1 2025, in South Korea Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Purity 99.9% FOB Busan prices declined modestly to USD 1518/MT, down 1.7% from the previous quarter. Despite an uptick in crude oil prices that raised feedstock costs particularly acetone and MTBE MMA producers in Asia struggled to pass on these increases due to persistently weak downstream demand.
Market sentiment remained largely bearish as buyers adopted a cautious “purchase-as-needed” strategy, wary of economic uncertainties under the Trump administration and the impact of a strong U.S. dollar, which made imports costlier for Asian currency holders.
The Lunar New Year holiday (January 25 – February 4) further reduced trading volumes, with many buyers holding back purchases and maintaining minimal inventory. Operating rates across Asia hovered around 50–60%, with planned maintenance and reduced run rates continuing in Taiwan and Singapore.
Meanwhile, China ramped up supply with several new MMA units coming online, including capacities from Sinochem and Sheng Hong Group, contributing to a more balanced-to-long supply situation. Despite regional weather disruptions and political instability in countries like South Korea, overall MMA demand remained soft, especially in derivative markets such as coatings and adhesives.
With contract negotiations underway and downstream offtake failing to recover meaningfully, MMA prices remained under pressure throughout the quarter, and the outlook for Q2 remains similarly cautious.Â
According to the PriceWatch, the South Korean MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) market with 99.9% purity experienced a 4.4% decline in prices during Q2 2025. The average FOB Busan price for the quarter was recorded at USD 1451 per metric ton.
This price correction was primarily driven by persistent weakness in regional demand, excess market supply, and heightened geopolitical uncertainties including the expiration of the U.S. administration’s 90-day tariff reprieve, escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and new U.S.-China tariff measures.
Despite a steady rise in upstream feedstock prices such as naphtha, acetone, and MTBE, producers were unable to pass on costs as buyers reduced offtake volumes, citing economic caution and expectations of further declines. In China, the ramp-up of new MMA capacities added further pressure to the regional supply landscape, while downstream demand from sectors like PMMA and cast sheets remained lacklustre.
Additionally, currency fluctuations and cautious inventory strategies from buyers limited procurement activity. Given the ongoing supply overhang and muted derivative demand, this soft trend is expected to continue in the near term, with prices likely to remain under pressure barring a significant rebound in demand or resolution of trade-related tensions.
In Q1 2024, in South Korea Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Purity 99.9% market, prices surged to USD 1628/MT FOB Busan, reflecting a quarterly increase of 5.7%. This uptick was primarily driven by a confluence of supply-side constraints and stronger-than-anticipated external demand, particularly from India.
Asian producers faced substantial supply pressure due to scheduled plant turnarounds and unplanned disruptions, including the impact of Germany’s rail strike and a prolonged arctic blast in North America that curtailed output rates at several facilities. Geopolitical disruptions in the Red Sea, triggered by the Houthi group’s interference with shipping routes, further hindered logistical fluidity, leading to tightening availability of MMA across the region.
Adding to the bullish sentiment were firming feedstock costs, with crude oil climbing to USD 80 per barrel and driving up Naphtha and Propylene prices. As a result, MMA producers faced elevated production costs and low inventory levels, prompting price hikes and prioritization of shipments to long-standing customers in March.
Macroeconomic headwinds, including persistent inflation and uncertain monetary policy trajectories in the US and EU, pressured global consumption patterns. Buyers in Asia remained cautious, citing adequate inventories and slower offtake amid weak end-use demand.
Consequently, while average Q1 prices rose on tighter supply and higher costs, transactions were often negotiated individually, reflecting resistance to steep price hikes in a fragile global demand landscape.
In Q2 2024, in South Korea Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Purity 99.9% FOB Busan prices surged significantly to USD 2050/MT, registering a sharp quarter-on-quarter increase of 25%. This sharp rise in prices was underpinned by a confluence of supply constraints, upstream cost inflation, and global logistical disruptions.
In May alone, MMA prices rose by USD 150–200/MT, spurred by tight market fundamentals and escalating feedstock costs, particularly for acetone and MTBE. These elevated raw material costs impaired MMA operating rates, pushing them to historic lows and exacerbating supply tightness. Compounding the situation were geopolitical and infrastructural crises disrupting global logistics.
The drought-stricken Panama Canal, ongoing security threats near the Suez Canal, and the Baltimore Key Bridge collapse at the U.S. Port of Baltimore severely impacted freight flows. Simultaneously, widespread port strikes across Chile and major Italian terminals further slowed cargo movement, increasing lead times and limiting MMA trade fluidity across continents.
Despite rising prices, overall MMA demand remained muted. Downstream derivative markets exhibited weakness, and many buyers opted to scale back procurement volumes, citing high inventories and a persistent mismatch between buying and selling indications. The cautious wait-and-watch stance among converters and traders led to subdued trade volumes, even as sellers attempted to allocate limited stock primarily to long-standing customers.
As the quarter progressed into June, while the surge in demand from the U.S. and China helped support prices, sentiment in Asia remained cautious amid expectations of declining Western demand during the summer holiday lull.
With inventory positions still lean at producers’ ends and freight bottlenecks unresolved, the MMA market remained in a balanced-to-tight state, sustaining elevated pricing through the end of the quarter.
In Q3 2024, in South Korea Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Purity 99.9% FOB Busan prices edged down to USD 2000/MT, marking a marginal decline of 2.5% from the previous quarter. This slight correction in prices came despite continued supply-side limitations across Asia. A major factor influencing the MMA production landscape was the sustained decline in hydrogen cyanide (HCN) availability due to lower acrylonitrile (AN) operating rates, a key feedstock dependency for MMA manufacturing. As a result, many MMA producers maintained constrained operating rates, hovering between 50% to 70%, unable to ramp up output despite some market support. Singapore’s Sumitomo Chemical continued to idle one or more of its units, citing subdued demand.
Similarly, in Japan, major MMA producers such as Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) and Asahi Kasei reportedly reduced or halted production temporarily during Q3, aligning operations with persistently weak downstream offtake. In Thailand, PTTAC’s 75,000 tons per annum MMA plant remained offline and is now expected to stay shut until year-end, removing a significant volume of regional supply.
Meanwhile, in Taiwan, Kaohsiung Monomer Co. continued to operate its 100,000 tons/year MMA facility at reduced rates due to an upstream issue at the CDPC acrylonitrile unit, further tightening output. This plant is also scheduled for a complete turnaround in October, compounding future supply concerns. The market saw limited urgency to restock, and many buyers relied on previously accumulated inventories.
Thus, although the structural supply side remained tight, MMA prices slipped modestly as producers faced resistance to elevated offers amidst lacklustre demand. Market participants are now closely watching Q4 trends, especially with upcoming turnarounds and downstream seasonality expected to reshape price dynamics.Â
In Q4 2024, in South Korea Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Purity 99.9% FOB Busan prices fell sharply to USD 1545/MT, marking a substantial quarter-on-quarter decline of 22.7%. This steep decline reflected broad-based demand weakness across Asia, amplified by ample inventories and year-end seasonal softness.
In December, buying interest dropped significantly as downstream sectors, particularly coatings and acrylics, operated at subdued rates. Market participants cited ongoing negotiations for 2025 term contracts and the traditional slowdown during the holiday season as primary reasons for deferring purchases.
Buyers exercised restraint, targeting lower prices and avoiding bulk procurement, leading to weak transactional activity throughout the quarter. Producers, despite constrained output, struggled to secure meaningful margins amid heightened buyer resistance. The persistent mismatch between offer and bid levels widened the negotiation gap, making consensus elusive.
Moreover, export opportunities remained limited, with derivative demand flat across key end-use sectors, further weakening the trade environment for MMA. Compounding the bearish sentiment were macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures. The re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. President sent ripples through global trade expectations, with markets bracing for a possible revival of protectionist policies under his “America First” doctrine.
This contributed to a sharp rise in the U.S. dollar, elevating import costs for dollar-dependent Asian markets and discouraging new MMA purchases. Meanwhile, the Middle East geopolitical landscape shifted slightly with a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah coming into effect in late November.
While this brought some short-term regional stability, the broader geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty across Asia persisted, keeping buyers on the defensive. Looking ahead to early 2025, MMA market sentiment is expected to remain cautious.
Preparations for the Lunar New Year and financial year-end closures are likely to keep inventories lean and buying interest subdued. With no immediate drivers for recovery, the Q4 price decline reflects a broader conservative market stance and anticipates continued softness in early Q1 2025.Â
In Q1 2025, Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Purity 99.9% Ex-Mumbai (Bulk) prices fell by 12.4% to USD 1610/MT, as persistent demand weakness, excess supply, and macroeconomic headwinds continued to weigh heavily on market sentiment. The Indian MMA market remained on a bearish path at the start of 2025, extending the downtrend seen in Q4 2024.
Despite cost-side pressures from rising oil and feedstock prices, such as acetone and MTBE, producers struggled to pass these increases downstream due to limited offtake and contract deferrals. Most buyers operated cautiously, maintaining lean inventories and resorting to need-based purchases amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s trade and tariff policies, inflation risks, and currency fluctuations.
Seasonality also played a role in dampening market activity, as the Lunar New Year holiday in key Asian markets reduced trading volumes and delayed imports. Meanwhile, Indian downstream demand from PMMA sheet, coatings, and resin segments remained sluggish, with many buyers still liquidating older stocks or waiting for clearer pricing cues.
Inventory overhang from late 2024 and limited export opportunities further pressured sellers into offering lower prices to maintain cash flow and competitiveness. Additionally, the strong USD and tight liquidity across sectors constrained purchasing power and forward buying interest. Overall, Q1 2025 was characterized by bearish fundamentals, low confidence, and downward pricing momentum in India’s bulk MMA market.Â
According to the PriceWatch, the Indian MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) Purity 99.9% Ex-Mumbai (Bulk)market experienced a 6% decline in prices during Q2 2025. The average price for the quarter was recorded at USD 1513 per metric ton.
This price correction in the Indian MMA market was largely influenced by weakened downstream demand from PMMA and coatings sectors, alongside rising uncertainty due to global geopolitical tensions and the expiration of tariff reprieves between the U.S. and China.
Buyers continued to limit procurement volumes, adopting a cautious purchase as needed strategy, especially amid volatile currency fluctuations and fears of further price erosion. On the supply side, increased availability from Asian producers particularly China further pressured local offers, while surplus inventory from previous quarters also contributed to subdued market sentiment.
Despite firm upstream costs such as acetone and MTBE, producers struggled to maintain pricing amid soft offtake and thin export margins. This downward trend in prices reflects a cautious market outlook, and it is expected to continue in the near term as demand remains lacklustre, and buyers wait for more stable global macroeconomic conditions before increasing purchase commitments.Â
In Q1 2024, Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Purity 99.9% Ex-Mumbai (Bulk) prices surged by 15.3% to USD 1911/MT, driven by tight global supply, rising raw material costs, and logistical disruptions. The Indian MMA market witnessed a notable upswing during the first quarter, fuelled by constrained international supply due to planned plant shutdowns across Asia and Europe, lower production run rates in North America, and persistent geopolitical issues affecting trade routes.
A surge in global demand particularly from the U.S. and Europe tightened spot availability, pushing Indian sellers to raise offers in line with global benchmarks. On the cost front, a firming trend in upstream crude oil supported increases in naphtha and propylene prices, directly impacting MMA production economics.
Freight constraints, amplified by Houthi-led disruptions in the Red Sea and delayed vessel arrivals at Indian ports, further tightened regional supply and extended lead times. While downstream sectors such as PMMA, surface coatings, and automotive maintained moderate offtake, buyers became more selective in March amid elevated prices and expectations of a potential softening in Q2. Despite this cautious sentiment, limited inventory levels and firm input costs ensured prices remained on an upward trajectory throughout Q1.
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In Q2 2024, Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Purity 99.9% Ex-Mumbai (Bulk) prices soared by 21.2% to USD 2316/MT, marking the steepest quarterly gain in over a year amid persistently tight supply and elevated input costs. The Indian MMA market continued its bullish trajectory through the second quarter, as domestic prices followed the global uptrend spurred by reduced operating rates across Asia, higher feedstock values, and constrained regional availability. Key upstream materials acetone, MTBE.
This significantly increased production costs for MMA producers, who passed these on to the market. At the same time, plant maintenance turnarounds and output curbs in Taiwan, Thailand, and Japan further tightened the Asian MMA supply pool, limiting import inflows into India. Some Indian buyers, anticipating supply disruptions, engaged in active restocking during April and May.
However, by June, buyer sentiment turned more cautious due to elevated inventory levels and growing resistance to high spot offers. Meanwhile, logistical concerns including port congestion and longer lead times due to rerouted vessels avoiding the Red Sea continued to affect MMA delivery schedules.
Despite these challenges, sellers maintained a firm stance on pricing, supported by thin supply margins and aggressive cost pass-throughs, keeping the domestic market elevated throughout Q2.
In Q3 2024, Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Purity 99.9% Ex-Mumbai (Bulk) prices edged up by 2.6% to USD 2376/MT, reflecting a stable-to-firm market amid persistent cost pressures and moderated demand. The Indian MMA market saw a marginal price increase during the third quarter as supply constraints lingered despite slightly softening demand.
Domestic producers and importers held offers firm in response to elevated input costs, particularly for feedstocks like acetone and MTBE, which remained high due to continued volatility in global crude oil markets and geopolitical tensions. On the supply side, regional availability remained limited as multiple Asian producers operated at reduced run rates especially in Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan owing to maintenance turnarounds and upstream issues with acrylonitrile (AN) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN).
These supply-side challenges curtailed spot imports into India, prompting local distributors to cautiously manage their inventories. Demand from downstream segments such as PMMA, surface coatings, and cast sheets remained steady but unaggressive. Most buyers continued to follow a hand-to-mouth approach, hesitant to build large inventories at high prices, especially with macroeconomic uncertainties in play.
Additionally, foreign exchange fluctuations and rising freight premiums contributed to price stability. Overall, Q3 reflected a balancing act between tight supply and restrained demand, leading to modest upward pricing momentum in the Indian MMA market.Â
In Q4 2024, Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Purity 99.9% Ex-Mumbai (Bulk) prices plunged by 22.7% to USD 1837/MT, amid weakened demand, ample inventories, and softening global sentiment. After three consecutive quarters of firm pricing, the Indian MMA market saw a sharp correction in Q4 as downstream consumption slowed significantly ahead of the year-end.
Demand from sectors such as PMMA, surface coatings, and automotive applications remained subdued, with buyers reducing offtake volumes and avoiding large spot purchases in anticipation of further declines. This sentiment was further reinforced by ongoing destocking efforts and uncertainty surrounding early 2025 contract negotiations. On the supply side, inventories had built up both domestically and regionally due to overstocking in prior quarters.
While upstream raw materials like acetone and MTBE remained costly, sellers were compelled to offer price reductions to stimulate trade and ease warehouse pressures. Additionally, with several Asian MMA plants gradually returning to higher operating rates, the regional oversupply put further pressure on Indian pricing.
Macroeconomic and geopolitical factors such as inflationary trends, currency volatility, and continued tension in the Middle East also weighed on buyer sentiment. Moreover, the stronger Indian Rupee against the U.S. Dollar during parts of the quarter made imports slightly more favourable, adding to the competitive pressure.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) is a colorless liquid used in the production of acrylic plastics, coatings, and adhesives. It is primarily derived from feedstocks such as acetone, hydrogen cyanide, and methanol through the propylene process. MMA offers excellent transparency, weather resistance, and versatility, making it ideal for applications in automotive, construction, and medical industries.
Packaging Type
Methyl Methacrylate 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 |
| Purity | Min 99.90% |
| Appearance | Clear, Colorless Liquid |
| Boiling Point | 101–102°C |
| Flash Point | 10°C (Closed Cup) |
| Inhibitor (MEHQ) | 10–20 ppm |
| Specific Gravity @ 20°C | 0.94 |
| Refractive Index (n20) | 1.414–1.417 |
Methyl Methacrylate Applications
Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) is a highly versatile material used across various industries due to its optical clarity, durability, weather resistance, and ease of fabrication. Key applications include automotive lighting, construction glazing, medical devices, optical lenses, consumer goods, aerospace components, 3D printing, coatings, solar energy, textiles, marine products, and electrical insulation. MMA is valued for its transparency, impact resistance, biocompatibility, and ability to be molded into a variety of shapes, making it essential in products requiring high performance and aesthetic quality.Â
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global methyl methacrylate price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the methyl methacrylate 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 methyl methacrylate prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely methyl methacrylate market data.
Track PriceWatch's methyl methacrylate 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 MMA pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) is a colorless liquid used in the production of acrylic plastics, coatings, and adhesives. It is primarily derived from feedstocks such as acetone, hydrogen cyanide, and methanol through the propylene process. MMA offers excellent transparency, weather resistance, and versatility, making it ideal for applications in automotive, construction, and medical industries.
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 |
| Purity | Min 99.90% |
| Appearance | Clear, Colorless Liquid |
| Boiling Point | 101–102°C |
| Flash Point | 10°C (Closed Cup) |
| Inhibitor (MEHQ) | 10–20 ppm |
| Specific Gravity @ 20°C | 0.94 |
| Refractive Index (n20) | 1.414–1.417 |
Applications
Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) is a highly versatile material used across various industries due to its optical clarity, durability, weather resistance, and ease of fabrication. Key applications include automotive lighting, construction glazing, medical devices, optical lenses, consumer goods, aerospace components, 3D printing, coatings, solar energy, textiles, marine products, and electrical insulation. MMA is valued for its transparency, impact resistance, biocompatibility, and ability to be molded into a variety of shapes, making it essential in products requiring high performance and aesthetic quality.Â
The commodity prices of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) are influenced by several factors, including:
Raw Material Costs: MMA is primarily derived from feedstocks like propylene, methanol, and acetone. Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials, often tied to global oil and gas prices, directly impact MMA prices.
Supply and Demand: The balance between MMA supply and demand plays a crucial role in price fluctuations. Increased demand in industries like automotive, construction, and electronics can drive prices up, while oversupply can lead to price drops.
Energy Prices: MMA production is energy-intensive, particularly in the synthesis of its feedstocks (propylene and methanol). Increases in energy prices (e.g., natural gas and electricity) can raise production costs, pushing MMA prices higher.
Production Capacity and Plant Utilization: The availability and efficiency of MMA production facilities, as well as any disruptions such as plant maintenance or closures, can affect supply and, consequently, prices.
Global Economic Conditions: Economic factors, including inflation rates, trade policies, and overall economic growth or recession, influence industrial demand for MMA and the costs associated with its production.
Environmental and Regulatory Factors: Stricter environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives may increase the cost of production or lead to the development of alternative production methods, influencing MMA prices.
Geopolitical Events: Political instability, natural disasters, or changes in trade policies in key production regions (e.g., Asia, North America) can disrupt supply chains and impact MMA prices.
Currency Exchange Rates: MMA is a globally traded commodity, and fluctuations in exchange rates can influence prices, particularly when raw materials or MMA itself is traded across borders.
Technological Advancements: Innovations in production processes, such as more efficient or lower-cost methods of synthesizing MMA, can lead to price reductions by lowering overall production costs.
Market Speculation: Market sentiment, including future price expectations and speculative trading, can also contribute to short-term fluctuations in MMA prices.
These factors interact to create dynamic pricing for MMA, often influenced by both global trends and regional market conditions.
Feedstock prices play a critical role in determining the commodity price of MMA. When the prices of propylene, methanol, and acetone increase due to supply-demand imbalances, raw material shortages, geopolitical tensions, or energy price hikes, the cost of producing MMA also rises. This increase in production costs typically leads to higher MMA prices, as producers pass on the additional costs to consumers. Conversely, a decrease in feedstock prices can lead to lower MMA prices, benefiting downstream industries that rely on MMA for their products.
The relationship between commodity prices and inflation for MMA is multifaceted. Rising feedstock prices (such as for propylene, methanol, and acetone) lead to higher production costs for MMA, which can then contribute to price increases for products containing MMA, fueling inflation. On the other hand, inflationary pressures—such as higher energy prices, labor costs, and interest rates—can also drive MMA prices upward, contributing to cost-push inflation. Additionally, global economic conditions, supply chain disruptions, and currency fluctuations all play roles in determining the price trajectory of MMA and its impact on inflation across industries.
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