Asia
The Chinese acetic acid market during the fourth quarter exhibited mixed trends. The average prices were about 362 USD/MT (FOB) in October and around 376 USD/MT in December. Prices declined through the early portion of the quarter amid cautious downstream purchasing behaviour and moderate trading activity.
However, the trend reversed notably as multiple producers implemented maintenance shutdowns that reduced capacity utilization and mitigated inventory pressures. Supply tightening supported progressive price recovery through the latter half of the quarter, with quotations strengthening consistently toward year-end. Demand from the packaging, textile, and coating sectors remained steady, with buyers maintaining prudent just-in-time procurement strategies that limited inventory buildup.
Indian acetic acid markets demonstrated consistent strengthening across the fourth quarter as production costs increased and supply dynamics tightened. The prices were about 328 USD/MT (FOB) in October and around 369 USD/MT in December. Prices advanced progressively from early quarter levels, reflecting firmer cost structures and steady downstream consumption patterns.
Demand from coating, pharmaceutical, and chemical derivative sectors maintained stable purchasing activity, supporting the upward price trajectory. Market sentiment remained constructive as suppliers faced limited competitive pressure, enabling sustained price appreciation through year-end.
Europe
European acetic acid markets faced sustained downward pressure throughout the fourth quarter as demand weakness outweighed supply-side factors. The prices were about 643 USD/MT (CIF) in October and around 622 USD/MT in December in Germany.
The markets experienced steady price erosion as consumption from resins, coatings, and construction industries remained subdued. Seasonal demand declines accelerated toward year-end as buyers reduced purchasing ahead of holiday periods.
Logistics challenges at major ports provided limited pricing support amid broader demand weakness. Elevated inventory levels across distribution channels and declining feedstock methanol costs enabled suppliers to maintain lower offer levels. Purchasing behaviour reflected conservative inventory management, with customers limiting orders to immediate requirements.
North America
North American acetic acid markets exhibited gradual downward price movement during the fourth quarter, aligning with global chemical market trends. The prices were about 414 USD/MT (FOB) in October and around 395 USD/MT in December. Prices declined progressively as supply availability remained adequate and downstream demand showed limited growth momentum. Manufacturing activity maintained steady but uninspiring consumption rates.
Feedstock dynamics offered mixed signals, with methanol providing some support while overall input pressures remained manageable. Trade flows stayed relatively stable, though import activity moderated as shipping rates declined. Year-end destocking and slowing seasonal demand from construction applications added downward pressure as the quarter concluded.
