Acetone Price Trend and Forecast

Acetone Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Acetone in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

 

Acetone Price Trend for the Q3 of 2024

Product	Category	Region	Price	Time Period
Acetone	Chemicals	India	1260 USD/MT	July’24
Acetone	Chemicals	India	1134 USD/MT	September’24

Stay updated with the latest Acetone prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
 

Asia

In Q3 2024, the acetone market has shown signs of continued weakness, influenced by several key factors. Throughout July, maintenance shutdowns at multiple production facilities, including Shanghai Xisa and Qingdao Gulf, reduced acetone production capacity by a significant margin. This limited supply was compounded by a lack of enthusiasm from downstream enterprises to replenish stocks, particularly as phenol ketone factories faced financial losses. As August unfolded, some companies adjusted their pricing strategies in response to changing market conditions, while domestic and international prices demonstrated stability amid a backdrop of steady inquiries from traders.
 

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In the Chinese market, the prices had already declined by approximately 10% by August’24. However, in early September, the domestic market further declined, with terminal factories mainly focused on contract fulfillment and limited new purchases, highlighting the ongoing difficulties faced by traders who grappled with losses. Similarly, in the Indin market, too a similar depreciating trend was observed as the monthly average prices here went from about 1260 USD/MT in July’24 to around 1134 USD/MT in September’24. Overall, a weak market trajectory was witnessed.

Europe

Acetone prices in the European markets mirrored its pricing behaviour of the Asian markets during the third quarter of 2024. The prices were stable and nearly flat with very little fluctuations. The export queries for the Asian markets were also low, and the market remained stagnant. Phenol and acetone saw a weak buying interest in Europe, i.e., the downstream demand remained average. High energy and heightened freight costs in Europe have depressed margins over a period of time, which forced the firms to consolidate. This has made supply relatively tight, and although there was increase in the operational costs, the prices remained stable.

North America

The price of acetone showcased a similar trajectory in North America than its global counterparts in the early stages. At the start of the quarter, the prices were relatively flat in the market. Both domestic and export price in the United States market showed very marginal fluctuations, which was consistent with the trend of the spot export market. But as the quarter progressed, the prices started to rise in the market amid the average demand. This was primarily attributed to the incline in feedstock rates. Comanies like Altivia Petrochemicals implemented a price increase on acetone in North America, citing increased operating costs, particularly the rising cost pressure coming from raw materials. These price changes led the consuming industries to realign their procurement strategies with evolving market conditions.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, Looking forward, the market outlook suggests that acetone will continue to operate weakly, influenced by sufficient supply and fluctuating crude oil prices, keeping industry participants cautious as they navigate this challenging environment.
 

Acetone Price Trend for the Q2 of 2024

Asia

In the second quarter of 2024, the domestic acetone market saw a significant upward trend in the early phase. Early in the quarter, end-user industries increased pre-holiday stocking, pushing up prices. The maintenance of Gaoqiao Petrochemical's phenol-ketone unit and a malfunction at Yangzhou Shiyou's unit reduced supply, while expectations of increased acetone purchase due to new MIBK production also drove prices higher. Despite these factors, after the May Day holiday, rising imports and increased port inventory began to ease supply tensions.

The restart of phenol-ketone units and additional trade sources led to improved operating rates for domestic enterprises. However, the increased supply and weakened purchasing sentiment resulted in a softened market, with trading volumes insufficient to maintain earlier highs. The overall trading atmosphere weakened, leading to a high-level stalemate in the market, with downstream factories replenishing stocks as needed. The quarter ended with a cautious and meek trading environment, influenced by both supply improvements and fluctuating demand.

Europe

In the European market, acetone prices continued to decline due to weak demand from downstream industries and derivatives. The ample supply from manufacturers and the stable availability of propylene, a key feedstock, contributed to meeting local demand from sectors such as MMA, personal care, adhesives, and solvents. The disruptions caused by offshore attacks led to longer shipping routes and subsequent delays and costs; however, the overall supply chain remained resilient.

Strikes by transport workers at major German ports also caused temporary disruptions, but major ports like Bremerhaven and Rotterdam continued to operate effectively. Further, the decrease in energy prices and reduced industrial cost pressures have led to lower production costs for acetone. Additionally, the oversupply of naphtha and declining crude oil prices further reduced production costs. While European chemical manufacturers are expected to face challenges, efforts to maximize floating capacity and introduce new vessels have eased supply chain pressures despite ongoing container shortages.

North America

The acetone market in the US showcased rigidity amid the fluctuating momentum of its market drives in the April-June quarter of 2024. During this quarter, the acetone prices in the North American market remained stable as supply exceeded domestic demand. In the early phase of Q2, sufficient inventories met moderate demand from end-use industries. Also, the consumption rates of acetone were largely driven by the personal care and cosmetics sectors, supporting an uptrend in the prices.

However, adverse weather conditions in North and South America, including storms and heavy rainfall, pressured manufacturers to temporarily halt production, impacting the supply chain. In addition to this, these weather conditions also affected major importers such as Brazil and Mexico, leading to reduced demand and operational halts. As the quarter progressed towards the end, the high inflationary pressure and interest rates limited the growth of the market.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price of Acetone is expected to sustain its current market trend as the demand from the end user industries is expected to remain stagnant while the cost of feedstock materials is also estimated to stabilize.
 

Acetone Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

Product	Category	Region	Price	Time Period
Acetone	Chemicals	China	1012 USD/MT	January 2024
Acetone	Chemicals	China	1016 USD/MT	March 2024
Acetone	Chemicals	India	1129 USD/MT	March 2024

Stay updated with the latest Acetone prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
 

Asia

In China, the acetone prices showcased only minimal movements in its prices during the first quarter of 2024 as the spot prices moved from approximately 1012 USD/MT to 1016 USD/MT. This stagnancy in the prices was influenced by the stable demand from the downstream industries and limited trading activities amid the rising tensions at the Red Sea route.

The production rates, on the other hand, are inclined by a significant margin, creating a disbalance between the supply and demand sectors of the Asian markets, limiting the growth of the acetone price trend in the first three months of 2024. The gradual decline in the export rates also projected a negative influence on the acetone market momentum. However, the confidence of the domestic consumers and end-user industries fueled the overall dynamics of the market and resulted in the stagnant trend in the prices of acetone.

Europe

The weak momentum of the phenol market showcased its significant influence on the pricing movement of acetone in European countries. During the major phase of the quarter, the decline in the cost of feedstock materials and sudden avalanches in the cost of crude oil limited the operational rates of the commodity, indicating a frail condition of the market.

The domestic downstream industries, however, presented a stagnant number of orders, but the overseas players remained reluctant to place bulk orders amid the rising tensions at the export ports due to the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas and rising sanctions on Russian industrial produce.

North America

The mild demand from several downstream industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, bisphenol A, and methyl methacrylate, kept acetone prices steady in the US market. The US acetone market remained resilient amid fluctuations in the cost of feedstock materials, changes in domestic industries' operational rates, and limited worldwide developments.

However, the rise in the shipments from Asian countries helped in stabilizing the inventory levels and sustaining the balance between the demand and supply dynamics of the region. On the other hand, the prices of phenol swindled due to low production levels and weak demand, heavily affecting the pricing patterns of acetone as the commodity serves as the major feedstock in acetone production.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Acetone is expected to be influenced by the pricing trajectory of its derivatives and feedstock materials in the adjacent quarters.
 

Acetone Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Asia

In China, the fourth quarter of 2023 faced a drop in the spot prices of acetone from approximately 1010 USD/MT in October to 983 USD/MT in December’23. This drop in the quoted prices of acetone was a result of relentless traders as they were eager to destock the piling-up stocks. The rates of procurement from the downstream industries were weak during the entire quarter as they themselves struggled with the rise in uncertainties in the energy sector.

Europe

The initial phase of the fourth quarter brought fluctuations in the acetone market as the prices found it difficult to find a source of support. However, the acetone prices stabilized in the end phase of the quarter, but still, the sluggish demand from downstream sectors like methyl methacrylate and bisphenol A concerned the traders. Additionally, the persistent conflicts disrupted trade routes and supply rates of upstream components such as crude oil and naphtha gas, resulting in delays and increased shipping costs for acetone.

North America

Initially, the acetone market in North America was supported by weak but stable demand from the downstream paints and coatings industries. The domestic as well as overseas demand was catered by the in-house production of acetone, but as the issues with the Panama Canal rose, the export rates nosedived, and the prices of acetone stumbled.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Acetone price trend are expected to follow the trend adopted by the downstream industries and the cost trajectory of crude oil around the globe.
 

Acetone Price Trend for the July - September of 2023

Asia

The Asian market trend for Acetone observed bullish patterns during the first three months of the second half of the year 2023. The versatility of acetone’s usage came into play as the demands surged from the various consumption sectors, varying from adhesive and sealants to propellants and blowing agents. With an approximate 27% inclination, the spot prices in the Chinese domestic market increased from about 770 USD/MT in July’23 to around 980 USD/MT in September’23. The price analysis proposes further escalations of acetone prices in the Chinese market.

Similarly, owing to the hike in demands caused by its sumptuous economic growth, Acetone prices in the Indian market rose from around 809 USD/MT to about 930 USD/MT within the tenure of the third quarter of 2023. Conclusively, a very positive market outlook was observed for Acetone in the said period.

Europe

In contrast with the regional prices of acetone in Asia, the price trend declined for Acetone in the European market during the said time period. With Chinese manufacturing returning to normal, an easy and cheap import option was available for most European markets. This led to healthy competition for prices between domestic and international suppliers. In order to sustain the market momentum, the suppliers discounted Acetone prices. Overall, the market outlook was a little pessimistic.

North America

Following the Asian market trend, Acetone prices inclined in the North American market as well. With a forward push from the feedstock prices and a visible rise in sales queries, the Acetone price trend are forecasted to rise in the coming months as well.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, further escalation is anticipated in the Acetone price trend going forward. The rising demand curves will positively impact the Acetone prices as well.
 

Acetone Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

The price trend for Acetone were driven by the oscillating costs of crude oil and the prices of naphtha and propylene. During the first quarter, the prices rose steadily as the downstream demand was low yet stable, given the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays.

In Q1, the spot prices went from around 710 USD/MT in January to 780 USD/MT in March’23 in the Chinese domestic market. After the holiday season, the factories started production at a much faster pace, and market offtakes grew considerably. The acetone spot prices peaked at around 935 USD/MT in April’23. However, soon the market returned to its stable dynamics, and the market prices stabilized towards the end of the second quarter.

A similar inclining yet stable trend was seen in India as the spot prices of Acetone went from around 821 USD/MT in January to 832 USD/MT in June’23. This positive trend was owing to the stable demand from the downstream acetate sectors. However, the prices recorded occasional fluctuations, but overall, the momentum kept strong.

Europe

The price trend for Acetone recorded a steady run in the European markets. The price rose gradually and averaged around 1038 USD/MT ( CIF, Germany) in March’23. The same trend continued in the second quarter, with some instances of decline due to regional market imbalances. However, the overall market remained favorable in supporting the rising prices as the production activities in the region declined, and high consumption rates were observed in the European region.

North America

Given the volatilities in crude oil and feedstock petrochemicals, an uprising trend in acetone prices was seen in the North American market. The initial months of 2023 were favorable as the production rates fell, and as a result, the availability of Acetone declined. Despite the supply chain disruption, the market demand kept firm, and the prices inclined. The rising demand from the downstream paints & coating industries sustained the prices in the second quarter.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend for Acetone are expected to remain stable in the upcoming quarters. The trajectory seems somewhat flat as the demand and supply of Acetone seem to balance out each other subject to the given market conditions.
 

Acetone Price Trend for the Second Half of 2022

Asia

The prices of acetone underwent periodic oscillations during the third quarter. After the removal of covid restrictions, the factories started churning out products at a much faster rate which was met with equally robust market demand. Despite the relaxed upstream costs, the prices in the market soared due to downstream stockpiling. The buyers actively bought and hoarded the product before the mid-autumn festival break which further increased the prices.

The acetone prices went from 822.24 USD/MT Spot China in July’22 to 797.13 USD/MT Spot China in September’22. Initially, the prices inclined during the start of the fourth quarter, however soon the momentum fizzled out. The decline was attributed to the truckers' strike in South Korea which hindered the logistics and transportation along with the production cuts in the Chinese domestic market. The price of acetone averaged 792.96 USD/MT Spot China towards the end of December’22.

Europe

Owing to the raised operating costs, inflated freight charges, and constricted feedstock supply, the prices of acetone soared throughout the quarter. The scarce transport capacity amid solid downstream demand for its derivatives caused the acetone prices to soar 1.8% compared to the previous quarter.

The price of acetone averaged 1032.06 USD/MT CIF Germany towards the end of the third quarter. The same outlook continued in the fourth quarter. However, soon the high prices affected the market pricing fundamentals, and the demand suffered. Acetone prices decline averaging around 1030 USD/MT CIF Germany in December’22.

North America

The price trend for acetone in the US domestic market closely mimicked the global outlook. The production output was in line with the robust downstream demand causing the market dynamics to be in a state of healthy equilibrium. As the demand from the downstream sector suffered the prices began to decline. With many plants under maintenance shutdowns and cautious buying activity of buyers, the price trend of acetone suffered.

Analyst Insight

As the international situation stabilizes, the prices are highly likely to make a comeback. As the pricing fundamentals increase, the low inventories and robust downstream demand will cause the price to rise.
 

Acetone Price Trend For the Second Quarter of 2022

Asia

The price of acetone showed a confusing trend in this quarter. Due to the low market sentiment and massive stockpiling of inventories, the market price for acetone crashed in the Asian market as the sellers accepted a lower price to clear out stocks to start production for the next quarter.

However, towards the end of May and early June, the price began to rise owing to the inflated crude oil prices. The uncertainty in the supply of primary raw materials like benzene and styrene and the excessive freight charges caused the acetone price trend to rise to CFR 930 USD/MT in the Asian market.

Europe

The most significant increase in the acetone price trend was seen in the European markets. The rising crude oil prices owing to the ongoing confrontation between Russia and Ukraine caused an energy crisis in the industrial sector. These inflated prices created delays and a supply chain crisis in the market, driving the price further.

With Royal Dutch Shell announcing the closure of its Moerdijk plant (Netherlands), the crude oil prices hit a new maximum in Europe. During this quarter, per ton price of acetone averaged 1140 USD/MT in the market.

North America

In line with the trend of the Asian market, the price in the US market experienced many fluctuations. Initially, the prices soared because of the strong domestic market sentiment and equally strong demand in international markets. Hence, the price inflated to FOB 1100 USD/MT in the US market.

The rising crude oil and freight charges influenced the cost of important feedstock styrene and benzene (1171 USD/MT May 2022), thereby increasing the costs further. However, the prices observed a downward trend around June 2022 due to the weakened demand from the domestic and international market, which led to stockpiling of the product, thereby affecting the acetone market and the price trend.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, acetone prices are expected to increase during the coming quarter. Despite the easing upstream cost pressure, the prices will likely incline, given the healthy buying activity in the market. With the mid-autumn festival approaching, buyers will actively buy the products and effectively hoard the same to increase the prices after the break.
 

Acetone Price Trend For the First Quarter of 2022

Asia

On March 22, early trading of the local acetone market anticipated that the ketone East China market would be robust at 5900 RMB/MT. The price of international crude oil soared, shippers' spirits were up, and the offer was firm. The market in the United States was brisk. Contract customers in East China aggressively assimilated the dominant negotiation range of 5900 RMB/MT. During Q1 of 2022 , under the effect of the pandemic, logistical transportation was bad. Furthermore, downstream demand was discharged.

North America

In the US, acetone prices were agreed upon at 0.58 USD/lb in March. This represented a 0.07 USD/lb gain over the February settlement. The chemical is now considered more on the tight side than balanced in the country.
 

Acetone Price Trend For the Fourth Quarter of 2021

Asia

Market sentiments continued to wander in India following the festival season in October. Improved availability of acetone and phenol in China after a lengthy stretch of energy crises reduced its supply in the Indian market. Tracing the falling profits due to the seasonal slowdown, Hindustan Organics implemented a turnaround at its Phenol/Acetone facility in India in mid-November.

Prices, after suffering a small spike owing to the delayed restart of Hindustan Organics facility, suffered another stunning slide in accordance with the decrease in regional demand for the product. A famous trader headquartered in Mumbai said that while enquiries in India remained static, players had been adopting a negative adjustment in their rates in order to clear the stocks before the year closes. Amidst the limited demand, Ex-Chennai per ton acetone prices in India fell to 653 USD in December.

Europe

Since H2 2021, the price continued to drop due to an increase in the availability of the feedstock cumene in Europe. Supply chain disruptions and freight prices progressively eased during Q4, but the region's energy crisis resulted in increased plant operating costs. Even though the production cost of phenol/acetone remained high, the year-end slowdown resulted in a lengthy period of dullness in the demand pattern. Due to low demand and abundant supply, acetone prices fell to 789 USD/MT in December.

North America

North America showed steady reduction in demand for the chemical, notwithstanding the considerable improvement in its availability in the quarter ended December. After the Ida hurricane in Q3, supplies of different petrochemicals increased progressively with restart of facility operations. Plant operating rates practically achieved normality by Q4 which finally led to building of stockpiles.

Seasonal slowdown in demand mainly from the paints and coatings sector pushed down the pricing for solvents and MEK in North America. On the other hand, export enquiries also remained anemic due inventory build-up in various nations. Owing to the poor demand, FOB prices in USA were estimated at 1320 USD/MT in December.
 

Acetone Price Trend For the First, Second, and Third Quarters of 2021

Asia

Global supply constraints hampered the Asian market, despite the region's lower local production. Acetone prices in India increased on average from 945 USD/MT in January 2021 to 1329 USD/MT over this period (March 2021). On the other hand, Lotte GS Chemical Corporation in South Korea obtained licenses for Honeywell UOP Q-max, Phenol 3G, and Evonik MSHP technologies in order to manufacture acetone and phenol at its Yeosu facility, which has a capacity of 565,000 MT per year. Acetone prices in China and India stayed at 926 USD/MT and 1204 USD/MT in June in second quarter

Acetone prices in India and China early in Q3 remained between 872 USD/MT and 1010 USD/MT. Supply became constrained in the middle of Q3 as Chinese authorities placed further restrictions in response to the emergence of the delta version of COVID-19 in numerous areas. Daily bulk prices FOB Qingdao were estimated at 844 USD/MT on August 11th. The price climbed from 1240 to 1350 USD/MT FOB Tokyo in Japan during Q3. Whereas in India, ex-Chennai acetone prices decreased from 998 to 872 USD/MT during July and September.

Europe

In Europe, as a result of a global acetone scarcity caused by decreased US output and increased import demand from key Asian nations, prices increased dramatically during this period. The price surged significantly during the month of April, owing to strong demand from downstream paint and coating producers. Due to a lack of supplies from the United States and domestic producers, the European market had an unprecedented scarcity of solvents, especially acetone. As a result, a considerable increase in its pricing was noted across Europe throughout the second quarter.

Demand for the chemical from various downstream industries increased exponentially in Europe during the third quarter. In September, FD Karlsruhe offers were valued at 1030 USD/MT. The European paint and coatings and printing inks industries had been under severe strain as a result of rising raw material prices. A complicated mix of demand, capacity constraints, and a scarcity of raw material transportation resources raised uncertainty in the acetone supply chain across the European area in Q3.

North America

Due to disruptions in production and the suspension of key factories in Texas, the output of petrochemicals and numerous other categories in North America contracted in Q1 2021. Due to reduced manufacturing operations and increased demand from other countries such as Asia and Europe, the price of the feedstock propylene surged during this period, resulting in a 20.64% increase in acetone prices.

It's pricing in Q1 2021 settled at 2425 USD/MT in March. Although improving weather conditions by March's conclusion boosted regional market sentiments. However, prices declined significantly in the second part of the quarter, owing to a stable supply of raw materials in the United States, but remained sky-high in comparison to the previous year. As a result, price initially increased followed by a decrease in May and June, eventually stabilizing at 2030 USD/MT FOB Texas.

Acetone prices were stable in North America during the third quarter, owing to better demand and supply dynamics as production levels returned to pre-storm levels in August. However, it experienced a considerable decline in Q3, falling from 1980 to 1580 USD/MT FOB Texas. The fall in the price of the important feedstocks benzene and propylene favored the downward trend in acetone pricing, while demand from the downstream BPA and MMA markets appeared to have plateaued towards the end of Q3.
 

Acetone Price Trend For the Year 2020

Asia

The Asian market for the chemical remained stuck, pushed by supply overhang owing to substantial capacity increases from China’s Zhejiang Petrochemicals. However, the equipment breakdown at the new factory in early September offered significant relief as merchants who previously held back purchase under hopes for further collapse in the prices, hurried to meet their inventory requirements as per the consumption pattern. Manufacturers across the Northern Asia ran their operations at practically full capabilities, but the stockpiles of acetone remained manageable with considerable offtakes from some end-use sectors.

Domestic acetone prices in China reached a record high of 12,200-12,500 RMB/MT (1,725-1,770 USD/MT) ex-tank east China on June 8, before dipping to 11,700-12,000 USD/MT ex-tank, a few days later. In addition, average weekly prices increased by 24% from the previous week and had more than quadrupled from 3,750-3,800 USD/MT ex-tank east China on April 1.

Europe

The European market was shook by supply scarcity on maintenance turnarounds from Domo Caproleuna and Seqen followed by constrained imports from US and Asia. As various nations in the area resumed their work lives, increment in demand for transparent plastic shield as a preventative for Coronavirus led to higher consumption of BPA and MMA, contributing to the strong downstream demand. Moreover, growth in the number of home renovation projects put the demand for the chemical from paints and coatings sector in a solid position.

North America

Acetone supply in North America was constricted with companies like SABIC and Shell enforcing a production turnaround while INEOS reducing the production owing to force majeure. Demand remained solid with notable improvement in economics. Although the demand for its principal derivative IPA declined in comparison to the highs witnessed in the previous quarter but maintained at reasonable levels on its steady usage in sanitizers and disinfectants.

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