Having Rebounded from ‘Low-to-Mid’ to ‘High’, Has the Momentum Behind the Current Acrylic Acid Rally Run Out?

Spot Market: Trading sideways at high levels; evaporative environment has stalled.

Recent price trends indicate that the acrylic acid market is demonstrating remarkable stability:

Price performance: From July 27 to August 2, the daily price of acrylic acid remained constant at 8,350.00 RMB/ton, with the daily fluctuation rate holding at 0.00% to several consecutive days.

Raw material support: The benchmark price to upstream propylene stands at 7,927.67 RMB/ton, remaining stable; consequently, the cost side provides steady support to acrylic acid, with no significant collapse or surge in prices.

Supply-Demand Dynamics and Market Outlook

The core dynamic currently driving the acrylic acid market is the ongoing tug-of-war between supply and demand:

On the supply side, manufacturers are strongly inclined to maintain price levels, and inventory pressure remains manageable; this has supported spot prices, keeping them firm around the 8,350 RMB/ton mark.

On the demand side, downstream buyers show limited acceptance of high prices, with purchasing largely driven by immediate needs rather than a strong appetite to chase rising prices. Consequently, trading volumes have failed to support a price breakout, resulting in the current market stalemate.

Market Outlook:

In the short term, the acrylic acid market is likely to undergo a period of consolidation with fluctuating prices.

Upside: attention should be paid to whether there is a substantial improvement in downstream demand and whether the feedstock propylene provides a new driver to price increases. If prices fail to break through the resistance zone of 8,400–8,500 RMB/ton, they will face the risk of a pullback.

Downside: Given the strong support provided by the 20-day moving average and the prevailing upward direction, the scope to any pullback remains relatively limited; support is expected to be found in the 8,100–8,200 RMB/ton range.