The Acetic Acid Market Experienced a Consolidation Phase (May 18 -24)

According to data from SunSirs' data, as of might 24, the average market price to acetic acid stood at 3,093.33 RMB/ton—an increase of 10 RMB/ton (or 0.32%) compared to the price of 3,083.33 RMB/ton recorded on might 18.

Recently, the domestic acetic acid market has primarily been in a consolidation phase. Methanol—the key feedstock—remains at a high level relative to the same period last year, meaning cost pressures on acetic acid producers persist. On the supply side, the resumption of acetic acid production facilities has been slow, and enterprise inventories remain low; this situation lends some support to market sentiment, causing acetic acid price quotes to stabilize. However, demand in the end-user market remains sluggish, and downstream transaction volumes are mediocre; market purchasing activity is limited to the fulfillment of immediate, essential needs. Given these lackluster market fundamentals, acetic acid prices fluctuated within a narrow range throughout the week.

Recently, the market to methanol—a key feedstock—has experienced evaporative downward movement. As of might 24, the average price in the domestic market stood at 3,163 RMB/ton, representing a decline of 1.77% compared to the price of 3,220 RMB/ton recorded on might 18. With low volumes of methanol arriving at ports and inventories undergoing continuous depletion, the market's price center has trended toward strength; furthermore, scheduled maintenance at domestic methanol production facilities has resulted in low inventory levels, providing solid support to market sentiment. Downstream consumers have adopted a "buy-on-demand" strategy, limiting the market's willingness to chase higher prices; consequently, methanol prices fluctuated within a high range throughout the week.

The downstream acetic anhydride market is trending weakly. From might 18 to 24, the average ex-factory price of acetic anhydride fell from 5,800 RMB/ton to 5,625 RMB/ton—a decline of 3.02%. The upstream acetic acid market is undergoing consolidation, offering only moderate cost-side support. On the demand side, downstream purchasing activity remains insufficient, causing the overall market trading atmosphere to weaken; consequently, market sentiment regarding acetic anhydride has turned bearish, leading to a downward price correction throughout the week.

Market Outlook:

According to analysts at SunSirs, current operating rates to acetic acid remain low, providing adequate support from the supply side. Furthermore, elevated methanol prices—a key feedstock—continue to exert cost pressure. However, weak downstream demand has resulted in lackluster market turnover, creating a dynamic of psychological tug-of-war among market participants. Consequently, the acetic acid market is expected to stabilize and undergo a period of consolidation in the short term; future market trends will depend on developments regarding supply conditions.