ACME Green Molecules signed a binding long-term agreement with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical to supply 100,000 tonnes per annum of green methanol from its Paradip plant. The $1 billion deal provides stable offtake for new capacity and strengthens the outlook for methanol as a marine fuel.
Acetic Acid Price Trend Analysis 2026: Supply Demand Analysis, Market Insights, Price Drivers, Historical Prices & Latest News
Written ByPragati Agarwal
Acetic Acid Price Trend Q2 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetic Acid | China | FOB | USD 460.90/MT | May 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | USA | FOB | USD 580.09/MT | May 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | Germany | FOB | USD 554.35/MT | May 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | India | FOB | USD 621.69/MT | May 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | Japan | FOB | USD 689.03/MT | May 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | China | FOB | USD 609.12/MT | April 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | USA | FOB | USD 540.02/MT | April 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | Germany | FOB | USD 710.12/MT | April 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | India | FOB | USD 695.95/MT | April 2026 |
| Acetic Acid | Japan | FOB | USD 651.12/MT | April 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Acetic Acid prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
- Global acetic acid prices in Q2’26 were mixed, pressured by oversupply in some markets while supported by tighter availability and downstream demand in others.
- Feedstock methanol volatility and plant operating rates shaped cost structures, with outages and ramp-ups causing short-cycle swings rather than sustained directional movement.
- Downstream demand from vinyl acetate monomer, PTA, and solvent applications stayed steady, but procurement remained conservative due to frequent price swings.
Asia
In the second quarter of 2026, the monthly average acetic acid price was ~RMB 4.14/kg in April and ~RMB 3.13/kg in the subsequent month, showing a decrease of ~24.3% in China. Prices softened during the quarter due to elevated operating rates earlier in the quarter followed by inventory drawdowns and weaker derivative demand. Export availability increased from key East Asian producers, while downstream PTA-linked consumption remained uneven, limiting sustained recovery. Meanwhile, the monthly average acetic acid price in India was ~INR 66.25/kg in April and ~INR 59.18/kg in the subsequent month, showing a decrease of ~10.7%. Prices moved lower due to weaker import demand cycles and cautious buying from downstream chemical processors.
Europe
In Germany, the monthly average acetic acid price in Q2 2026 stood at ~EUR 0.62/kg in April and ~EUR 0.49/kg in the following month, recording a fall of ~21.9%. The prices fell due to weak derivative demand for automotive coatings and industrial solvents. The import from Asia rose, while the production levels in Europe fell due to stockpile build-up, exerting further downward pressure.
North America
In the second quarter, the monthly average acetic acid price in US stood at ~USD 540.02/MT in April and ~USD 580.09/MT in the following month, marking an increase of ~7.4%. Prices remained strong due to tightened domestic supply situation and high operating rates in methanol-based acetic acid units. Imports remained stable, whereas the demand from domestic markets for VAM and acetate esters provided support to prices.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Acetic Acid price trends are expected to remain uneven, with Asia and Europe continuing to adjust inventories while North America remains sensitive to operating rate fluctuations and feedstock linked supply shifts.
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Prabhudas Lilladher notes that higher acetic acid prices supported revenue in Jubilant Ingrevia's Chemical Intermediates segment, but ongoing competition from Chinese producers limits pricing power. The cyclical nature of acetic acid prices adds earnings volatility.
Purified terephthalic acid (PTA) prices were reduced in India from July 1, following a decline in feedstock costs. The revision lowers manufacturing costs for polyester producers, reflecting easing crude oil-linked raw material prices and suggesting continued downward pressure.
Celanese is supplying ethyl acetate with 50% bio-content to Siegwerk for use in printing inks, aiming to reduce fossil-based inputs without altering manufacturing. The collaboration may foster demand for sustainable solvents but conventional ethyl acetate pricing is likely stable in the near term.
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- Global acetic acid prices increased in Q1 2026 due to plant maintenance and reduced operating rates tightening supply, while Middle East tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions raised freight costs and supported higher prices.
- Rising methanol prices, driven by constrained imports and geopolitical disruptions, increased production costs and sustained upward pressure on acetic acid prices.
- Higher prices supported downstream derivatives like acetic anhydride, though overall demand remained cautious due to elevated costs and weak industrial activity.
Asia
In China, prices were about 2.93 RMB/kg (FOB) in January and increased to around 3.05 RMB/kg in March, with prices rising by approximately 13% quarter-on-quarter and 5% from February to March. The market trend reflected supply-side tightening early in the quarter due to plant maintenance, followed by inventory pressure and weak demand in February. In March, prices rebounded as operating rates remained constrained and inventories declined, while methanol feedstock costs rose sharply due to reduced imports and geopolitical factors. Downstream support improved, with acetic anhydride prices increasing in March, reinforcing demand fundamentals. In India, prices were about 34 INR/kg (FOB) in January and around 40.53 INR/kg in March, with a 10% increase from February to March. The rise was primarily linked to higher import costs, supply constraints, and increased logistics expenses due to disruptions in global trade flows. The Middle East conflict and congestion at the Strait of Hormuz significantly impacted freight rates and delayed shipments, tightening regional availability.
Europe
In Europe, acetic acid prices followed an upward trajectory, driven by elevated feedstock costs and energy price volatility. The Middle East conflict led to a surge in crude oil and natural gas prices, increasing production costs across the chemical value chain. Additionally, rising logistics costs and supply chain disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz congestion added upward pressure. However, downstream demand remained constrained due to weak industrial activity and cautious procurement patterns, limiting the pace of price increases.
North America
The North American market also witnessed firm pricing, supported by higher feedstock costs and global supply tightening. Elevated crude-linked raw material costs and increased freight expenses contributed to upward price momentum. Demand conditions remained moderate, with buyers focusing on inventory management amid persistent price volatility.
About Acetic Acid
Acetic Acid is known to be a colourless liquid organic compound with a pungent smell. When undiluted, it is often coined as glacial acetic acid. Vinegar is no less than 4% acetic acid in volume, thus, making acetic acid the primary element of vinegar apart from water. It has a distinctive sour taste and it contains a methyl group linked to a carboxyl group. It is primarily manufactured as a precursor to PVA (polyvinyl acetate), household vinegar, and cellulose acetate.
Acetic Acid Product Detail
Chemical Formula
C2H4O2
Molecular Weight
60.05 g/mol
Industrial Uses
Intermediates, Acetic Anhydride, Ester, Vinyl Acetate Monomer, Vinegar, Polymeric materials
Synonyms
Ethanoic acid, 64-19-7, Ethylic Acid, Acetic Acid, Glacial
Supplier Database
LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., British Petroleum Plc, Celanese Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Jiangsu SOPO (Group) Co., Ltd, Yankuang Group
Regional Coverage
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
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-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.
Acetic Acid Production Processes
- Production of Acetic Acid via Methanol; via Acetaldehyde; via Ethylene; and via Butane
While producing Acetic Acid from methanol, the process of carbonylation is carried out. Carbon monoxide is utilised as a source of carbonylation and the reaction is carried out in the presence of a catalyst along with water, producing Acetic Acid.
Frequently Asked Questions
During Q1 2026, acetic acid prices increased in China and India. In China, prices showed a 14.39% increase from January to March, while in India, they witnessed an 18.06% increase during the same period. The rise was supported by stronger feedstock methanol costs, tighter regional availability, and firmer import pricing.
From Q4 2025 to Q1 2026, acetic acid prices increased in both China and India. In China, the average price rose from USD 361.30/MT in Q4 2025 to USD 424.46/MT in Q1 2026, showing a 17.48% increase. In India, the average price increased from USD 347.86/MT to USD 447.49/MT, reflecting a 28.64% rise.
The acetic acid market is expected to remain stable-to-firm during 2026. Demand from VAM, PTA, acetate esters, pharmaceuticals, coatings, and adhesives is likely to support consumption, while new production capacity in China may improve regional supply availability and moderate sharp price increases. Feedstock methanol prices, producer operating rates, downstream procurement activity, and export competitiveness will remain key market indicators throughout the year.
Acetic acid prices were mainly affected by methanol cost movement, freight pressure, plant maintenance, and regional supply availability. Disruptions around Middle East shipping routes reduced cargo predictability and raised freight and insurance costs, especially for import-dependent markets. This lifted delivered prices even where domestic demand was moderate. Methanol also influenced the market, as stronger feedstock values increased production costs and encouraged firmer supplier offers.
Major acetic acid producers and consumers include China, the United States, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan. China is the largest production hub and a major exporter. The United States has large integrated acetyl production assets, while India remains an important consumer market due to pharmaceuticals, textiles, packaging, paints, adhesives, and chemical intermediates.
A major development was the start of trial production at the Juzhengyuan (Jieyang) New Materials Base acetic acid project in China. The plant has a capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per year and is being described as one of the largest single-train acetic acid facilities globally. Its commissioning added new supply capacity in South China and is expected to support downstream acetyls, solvents, and chemical intermediates.
Acetic acid is primarily produced through the methanol carbonylation process using methanol and carbon monoxide as key feedstocks. Methanol is commonly derived from natural gas or coal-based routes, while carbon monoxide is generated through syngas production. Acetic acid is subsequently consumed in the manufacture of VAM, PTA, acetate esters, acetic anhydride, solvents, coatings, adhesives, textiles, and packaging materials.
Downstream demand played a major role in acetic acid pricing and trade flows. Vinyl acetate monomer, purified terephthalic acid, ethyl acetate, acetic anhydride, and acetate solvents remained the main consuming sectors. Demand from coatings, adhesives, packaging, polyester, pharmaceuticals, and textiles supported baseline consumption. However, weak buying in some derivative segments limited the ability of producers to pass on all cost increases.
India’s temporary customs duty exemption on key petrochemical products affected acetic acid trade in 2026. The policy removed basic customs duty on several chemical inputs, including acetic acid, from April 2 to June 30, 2026. This step was aimed at easing landed costs and improving feedstock availability during a period of freight disruption triggered by the Middle Eastern tensions and supply-chain uncertainty.
Procurement Resource employs a structured methodology combining primary research, secondary market data, analytical models, and validation processes to assess acetic acid prices and trends. Price evaluations incorporate supply-demand dynamics, feedstock movements, trade flows, and value chain analysis, supported by continuous market monitoring to ensure accurate and reliable insights.
About the Author
Pragati Agarwal
Senior Business Insights Analyst
Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.
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