| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetic Acid | China | FOB | USD 460.90/MT | May 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | USA | FOB | USD 580.09/MT | May 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | Germany | FOB | USD 554.35/MT | May 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | India | FOB | USD 621.69/MT | May 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | Japan | FOB | USD 689.03/MT | May 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | China | FOB | USD 609.12/MT | April 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | USA | FOB | USD 540.02/MT | April 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | Germany | FOB | USD 710.12/MT | April 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | India | FOB | USD 695.95/MT | April 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | Japan | FOB | USD 651.12/MT | April 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Acetic Acid prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In the second quarter of 2026, the monthly average acetic acid price was ~RMB 4.14/kg in April and ~RMB 3.13/kg in the subsequent month, showing a decrease of ~24.3% in China. Prices softened during the quarter due to elevated operating rates earlier in the quarter followed by inventory drawdowns and weaker derivative demand. Export availability increased from key East Asian producers, while downstream PTA-linked consumption remained uneven, limiting sustained recovery. Meanwhile, the monthly average acetic acid price in India was ~INR 66.25/kg in April and ~INR 59.18/kg in the subsequent month, showing a decrease of ~10.7%. Prices moved lower due to weaker import demand cycles and cautious buying from downstream chemical processors.
Europe
In Germany, the monthly average acetic acid price in Q2 2026 stood at ~EUR 0.62/kg in April and ~EUR 0.49/kg in the following month, recording a fall of ~21.9%. The prices fell due to weak derivative demand for automotive coatings and industrial solvents. The import from Asia rose, while the production levels in Europe fell due to stockpile build-up, exerting further downward pressure.
North America
In the second quarter, the monthly average acetic acid price in US stood at ~USD 540.02/MT in April and ~USD 580.09/MT in the following month, marking an increase of ~7.4%. Prices remained strong due to tightened domestic supply situation and high operating rates in methanol-based acetic acid units. Imports remained stable, whereas the demand from domestic markets for VAM and acetate esters provided support to prices.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Acetic Acid price trends are expected to remain uneven, with Asia and Europe continuing to adjust inventories while North America remains sensitive to operating rate fluctuations and feedstock linked supply shifts.
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Asia
In China, prices were about 2.93 RMB/kg (FOB) in January and increased to around 3.05 RMB/kg in March, with prices rising by approximately 13% quarter-on-quarter and 5% from February to March. The market trend reflected supply-side tightening early in the quarter due to plant maintenance, followed by inventory pressure and weak demand in February. In March, prices rebounded as operating rates remained constrained and inventories declined, while methanol feedstock costs rose sharply due to reduced imports and geopolitical factors. Downstream support improved, with acetic anhydride prices increasing in March, reinforcing demand fundamentals. In India, prices were about 34 INR/kg (FOB) in January and around 40.53 INR/kg in March, with a 10% increase from February to March. The rise was primarily linked to higher import costs, supply constraints, and increased logistics expenses due to disruptions in global trade flows. The Middle East conflict and congestion at the Strait of Hormuz significantly impacted freight rates and delayed shipments, tightening regional availability.
Europe
In Europe, acetic acid prices followed an upward trajectory, driven by elevated feedstock costs and energy price volatility. The Middle East conflict led to a surge in crude oil and natural gas prices, increasing production costs across the chemical value chain. Additionally, rising logistics costs and supply chain disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz congestion added upward pressure. However, downstream demand remained constrained due to weak industrial activity and cautious procurement patterns, limiting the pace of price increases.
North America
The North American market also witnessed firm pricing, supported by higher feedstock costs and global supply tightening. Elevated crude-linked raw material costs and increased freight expenses contributed to upward price momentum. Demand conditions remained moderate, with buyers focusing on inventory management amid persistent price volatility.
Acetic Acid is known to be a colourless liquid organic compound with a pungent smell. When undiluted, it is often coined as glacial acetic acid. Vinegar is no less than 4% acetic acid in volume, thus, making acetic acid the primary element of vinegar apart from water. It has a distinctive sour taste and it contains a methyl group linked to a carboxyl group. It is primarily manufactured as a precursor to PVA (polyvinyl acetate), household vinegar, and cellulose acetate.
C2H4O2
Intermediates, Acetic Anhydride, Ester, Vinyl Acetate Monomer, Vinegar, Polymeric materials
Ethanoic acid, 64-19-7, Ethylic Acid, Acetic Acid, Glacial
LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., British Petroleum Plc, Celanese Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Jiangsu SOPO (Group) Co., Ltd, Yankuang Group
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
While producing Acetic Acid from methanol, the process of carbonylation is carried out. Carbon monoxide is utilised as a source of carbonylation and the reaction is carried out in the presence of a catalyst along with water, producing Acetic Acid.
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This feasibility study examines the cost of vinyl acetate production using acetic acid and acetylene. In this process, the reaction of acetylene with acetic anhydride in a catalysed medium and high temperature results in the formation of Ethylidene diacetate.
This study presents the economics of Vinyl Acetate production from acetic anhydride and ethylene via a typical vapor-phase oxidation process.
This report presents a detailed cost analysis of SMCA production from molten Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA).
The following report deals with the economics of the production of acetic acid via carbonylation of methanol using carbon monoxide as a source of carbonyl group.
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