Vinyl Acetate Monomer Pricing Assessment
UNSPC: 41116107

  • Commodity Pricing

vinyl acetate monomer Markets Covered: 

sgSingapore
saSaudi Arabia
krKorea
usUnited States
mxMexico
inIndia
cnChina

vinyl acetate monomer Markets Covered: 

Global vinyl acetate monomer Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In Q1 2025, the VAM market experienced a modest recovery across all regions after a period of sustained declines. Singapore led the rebound with a 6.46% increase to $783/MT, driven by renewed demand in the adhesives and textile sectors. China followed with a 4.12% rise to $739/MT, supported by early-year restocking and easing feedstock pressures. The USA saw a 7.80% uptick to $949/MT, reflecting improved market sentiment and stronger export flows. However, Saudi Arabia only saw a slight increase of 0.37%, reaching $660/MT, as regional demand remained weak and competitive pressure from Asian suppliers persisted. Overall, the quarter marked a cautious recovery.

Q4 2024: 

In Q4 2024, VAM prices fell across most regions, influenced by weak demand and inventory adjustments. Saudi Arabia experienced the largest drop of 11.09%, with prices falling to $657/MT, driven by oversupply and a slowdown in the construction industry.. Singapore experienced a 6.78% reduction to $735/MT as buyers postponed purchases. In China, prices decreased by 4.19% to $710/MT, affected by sluggish manufacturing and a pessimistic market outlook. The USA experienced a 2.42% drop, reaching $880/MT, as supply normalized post-plant maintenance, domestic demand in industries like automotive and construction weakened, and global economic uncertainty led to cautious buying.

Q3 2024: 

In Q3 2024, VAM prices declined sharply across the globe, driven by weak industrial activity and high inventory levels. The USA saw the largest drop of 17.03%, falling to $902/MT, as export opportunities diminished and domestic demand weakened. China followed a similar trend, with prices falling 11.97% to $741/MT, impacted by sluggish demand in the construction and adhesives sectors. Singapore recorded a 10.15% decrease to $789/MT, due to reduced exports to Southeast Asia. Saudi Arabia also saw a 7.76% drop to $740/MT, as Gulf-based downstream demand slowed and cheaper Asian imports flooded Indian markets. The overall global price movement this quarter reflected falling feedstock costs and a generally pessimistic market outlook.

Q2 2024: 

In Q2 2024, VAM prices diverged across regions, shaped by local market dynamics. Singapore and Saudi Arabia recorded healthy gains of 7.02% and 7.03% respectively, rising to $878/MT and $802/MT, buoyed by seasonal demand for adhesives and emulsions in construction and packaging. In contrast, China saw a significant 14.46% decline to $841/MT, attributed to oversupply, weak exports, and rising competition among local producers. The USA saw a surge of 15.43%, with prices reaching $1,088/MT. This was driven by supply constraints, higher domestic demand, and stable feedstock costs, reflecting a tightening market despite global oversupply.

Q1 2024: 

In Q1 2024, VAM markets reflected mixed trends globally. The USA saw a decline of 3.23%, with prices settling at $942/MT. This drop was due to reduced downstream demand, easing inventory pressures after the winter production issues, and less tight supply conditions. China recorded a 7.03% increase to $984/MT, driven by early-year restocking and expectations of tighter availability post-holidays. Conversely, Singapore and Saudi Arabia saw modest declines of 1.48% and 0.68% respectively, settling at $821/MT and $749/MT, as these markets remained well-supplied and demand growth was slow. Global pricing was shaped by a blend of strong western fundamentals and flat to weak Asian buying sentiment.

India vinyl acetate monomer Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

Q1 2025:
In Q1 2025, VAM prices imported from Saudi Arabia into India saw minimal movement, rising just 0.11% to $727/MT. However, Ex-Kandla prices increased by 5.61% to INR 859/MT, supported by rupee depreciation and improving domestic demand from the paint, coatings, and adhesives sectors. Seasonal restocking and rising construction activity contributed to higher local consumption. Currency-driven cost inflation also played a role in pushing domestic prices up. Meanwhile, balanced supply from the Middle East and limited pressure from East Asian exporters helped keep import prices steady despite global uncertainties.

Q4 2024:
In Q4 2024, VAM prices CIF Nhava Sheva from Saudi Arabia fell sharply by 10.77% to $726/MT due to weak demand, falling acetic acid prices, and inventory overhang. Ex-Kandla prices declined by 5.27% to INR 813/MT, reflecting reduced offtake from paint and adhesive manufacturers, who delayed buying amid bearish sentiment. Softer manufacturing activity and freight normalization also pressured prices. Geopolitical uncertainty and global oversupply weighed heavily on market confidence, while Indian buyers remained cautious, anticipating further corrections.

Q3 2024:
In Q3 2024, VAM import prices from Saudi Arabia dropped 4.57% to $814/MT amid weak global demand and competitive offers from East Asia. Ex-Kandla prices fell 7.46% to INR 858/MT, driven by a seasonal demand lull and sluggish orders from the paint and adhesives industries. Stabilized freight and increasing regional competition contributed to price declines. Adhesive producers, in particular, reduced procurement volumes due to low downstream activity. With limited export demand and subdued domestic consumption, prices faced continued pressure across the quarter.

Q2 2024:
In Q2 2024, CIF Nhava Sheva VAM prices from Saudi Arabia rose by 7.25% to $853/MT on the back of tight global supply and pre-monsoon stocking. However, Ex-Kandla prices dropped 4.21% to INR 928/MT, as domestic demand from the paint and coatings sectors softened. Monsoon concerns, coupled with cautious adhesive buying, limited overall price support. Higher crude and logistics costs influenced import pricing, but weak end-user demand in India capped gains at the domestic level.

Q1 2024:
In Q1 2024, Saudi-origin VAM import prices rose 3.09% to $795/MT due to supply disruptions and firm freight rates. Ex-Kandla prices jumped 12.22% to INR 968/MT, supported by strong restocking and demand from the decorative paint and adhesive industries. Seasonal project kick-offs, especially in construction and renovation, spurred consumption. High inventory turnover at the distributor level and persistent supply chain concerns added to the domestic price momentum.

vinyl acetate monomer Parameters Covered: 

  • Ethylene 
  • Acetic Acid 
  • USA 
  • Saudi Arabia 
  • Singapore 
  • China 
  • South Korea 
  • Raw material used in the production of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) emulsions and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH).
  • India 
  • Mexico 

vinyl acetate monomer Parameters Covered: 

  • Ethylene 
  • Acetic Acid 
  • USA 
  • Saudi Arabia 
  • Singapore 
  • China 
  • South Korea 
  • Raw material used in the production of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) emulsions and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH).
  • India 
  • Mexico 

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global vinyl acetate monomer price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the vinyl acetate monomer 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 vinyl acetate monomer prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely vinyl acetate monomer market data.

Track PriceWatch's vinyl acetate monomer 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.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Vinyl Acetate Monomer prices

  • 2022: Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Issues
    The geopolitical tensions stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict in early 2022 exacerbated existing supply chain disruptions and increased energy costs. This resulted in upward pressure on VAM prices, as producers faced higher feedstock costs and logistical challenges. 
  • 2020: COVID-19 Pandemic
    The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 resulted in major disruptions to supply chains and a sudden drop in demand from various sectors. However, as the global economy began to recover later in the year, demand surged, leading to significant price increases as production struggled to keep pace. 
  • 2017: Hurricane Harvey
    The impact of Hurricane Harvey in August 2017 caused significant disruptions in petrochemical production in the Gulf Coast region of the USA. The temporary shutdown of plants resulted in supply shortages, leading to fluctuations in VAM prices. 
  • 2015-2016: Global Oil Price Collapse
    The sharp decline in crude oil prices led to reduced feedstock costs for VAM production, causing prices to drop significantly. This period saw many petrochemical prices, including VAM, experiencing volatility as producers adjusted to lower margins. 

 

These events underscore the VAM market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics. 

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major VAM production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire VAM supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., Ethylene and acetic acid) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact VAM prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on VAM production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., automotive, packaging), to predict shifts in VAM demand and corresponding price movements. 

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global VAM production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming VAM production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization. 

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including packaging, automotive, and construction. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global VAM pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast VAM prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes. 

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice. 

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable VAM pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

86.09 g/mol

CAS No

108-05-4

HS Code

29153200

Molecular Formula

C4H6O2
vinyl acetate monomer

Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM, C₄H₆O₂) is a vital compound used in manufacturing adhesives, paints, coatings, and films. It is mainly produced by reacting ethylene, acetic acid, and oxygen, with ethylene sourced from petroleum or natural gas. VAM is prized for its ability to improve adhesion, flexibility, and durability across a wide range of applications.

Packaging Type

ISO-tank

Grades Covered

>99%

Incoterms Used

FOB Jubail (Saudi Arabia), FOB Singapore, FOB Busan (South Korea), FOB Shanghai (China), FOB Los Angeles (USA), CIF Manzanillo (Mexico), CIF JNPT (India).

Synonym

Acetic acid vinyl ester

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28 MT

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.

Properties Specifications
Appearance Clear & Free
Vinyl Acetate (wt%) ≥99.98%
Water content (wt%) ≥0.002%
Color (Pt-Co) 5 Pt-Co
Acidity as Acetic acid (wt%) ≥0.0013%
Aldehyde as Acetaldehyde (wt%) ≥0009%
Inhibitor as Hydroquinone (ppm) ≥3.9ppm
Specific gravity @ 20/20 ◦C ≥0.9340

Applications

Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) is a significant intermediate used in the production of a wide range of resins and polymers for paints & coatings, adhesives, glues & sealants, elastomers, textile finishes, paper coatings, binders, films, and a myriad of other industrial and consumer applications.

Vinyl Acetate Monomer price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for vinyl acetate monomer. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

VAM prices in the global market are influenced by several key factors, including supply and demand dynamics, feedstock costs (primarily ethylene and acetic acid), production capacity, and geopolitical events. Seasonal demand from downstream industries such as adhesives, paints, and textiles also play a significant role. Additionally, fluctuations in crude oil prices and global economic conditions can further impact pricing trends.

Changes in feedstock availability directly affect VAM pricing trends, as VAM is derived from essential feedstocks like ethylene and acetic acid. When supply disruptions occur—due to maintenance shutdowns, natural disasters, or geopolitical tensions—production costs can increase, leading to higher VAM prices. Conversely, if feedstock availability improves, it can stabilize or even reduce VAM prices, allowing procurement heads to better manage costs.

Regional price differences for VAM can arise due to variations in local supply and demand, transportation costs, and the presence of production facilities. For instance, prices in the USA might be higher due to increased demand and production constraints, while prices in the APAC region could be lower due to abundant local supply. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for procurement heads, as it helps in devising effective sourcing strategies and optimizing costs.

The price outlook for VAM soon appears to be influenced by several factors, including ongoing recovery from supply chain disruptions, seasonal demand fluctuations, and potential geopolitical uncertainties. Procurement heads should monitor feedstock prices, production capacities, and global market trends closely. Developing flexible procurement strategies, such as securing contracts with suppliers or exploring alternative sourcing options, will be essential to mitigate risks and manage costs effectively.

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