Acetone Price Trend and Forecast

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 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.

Acetone Price Trends

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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About

In appearance, Acetone is a colourless organic solvent which has mild, sweetish odour. It is volatile and flammable in nature. Acetone is found naturally in plants and trees. Acetone is miscible with water and is used as an as an important solvent in industry, home, and laboratory. It is extensively used in the production of methyl methacrylate and bisphenol A.

Product Details

Report Features Details
Product Name Acetone
Industrial Uses Adhesives and sealant chemicals, Agricultural chemicals (non-pesticidal), Fuels and fuel additives, Intermediates, Ion exchange agents, Laboratory chemicals, Paint additives and coating additives, Paper waterproofing, Photosensitive chemicals, Propellants and blowing agents, Solvents, Surface active agents, Viscosity adjustors
Chemical Formula C3H6O
Synonyms 67-64-1, 2-Propanone, Dimethyl ketone, Dimethyl carbonyl, Propanone, 2-Propanone, Dimethyl formaldehyde, Ketone propane
Molecular Weight 58.08 g/mol
Supplier Database Formosa Chemicals and Fibre Corporation (FCFC), Royal Dutch Shell plc, INEOS Phenol GmbH, Mitsui Chemicals Inc., Cepsa Química, S.A.
Region/Countries Covered Asia Pacific: China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand

Europe: Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,  Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece

North America: United States and Canada

Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru

Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
Currency US$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database Availability Yes
Customization Scope The report can be customized as per the requirements of  the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support 360-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.

Production Processes

  • Production of Acetone from Propylene and Benzene via the Cumene Process; from Isopropanol; via Direct Oxidation; and via Indirect Oxidation

In the cumene process, benzene is alkylated with the help of propene, which is further oxidised to produce Acetone with phenol. This production process utilises a significant amount of air and nearly all acetone production takes place via the cumene route where 0.62 tonnes of acetone is prepared with each tonne of phenol. Being a co-product to phenol, the availability of acetone also depends upon the market conditions for phenol.

Methodology

The displayed pricing data is derived through weighted average purchase price, including contract and spot transactions at the specified locations unless otherwise stated. The information provided comes from the compilation and processing of commercial data officially reported for each nation (i.e. government agencies, external trade bodies, and industry publications).

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