Adipic Acid Price Trend Analysis 2026: Supply Demand Analysis, Market Insights, Historical Prices, Latest News & Price Drivers

Asia

The Asian adipic acid market exhibited a mixed trend during the fourth quarter of 2025. Chinese markets witnessed progressive price declines through the early and middle portions of the quarter as raw material costs for cyclohexanone and benzene weakened, reducing production cost support. The prices were about 991 USD/MT (Spot) in October and around 964 USD/MT in December. Downstream demand from key end-use sectors, including nylon and polyurethane applications, remained sluggish, with buyers demonstrating cautious need-based purchasing strategies that limited transaction volumes.

Supply conditions remained ample as domestic manufacturers maintained high operating rates, contributing to inventory pressures that compelled producers to lower ex-factory pricing continuously. However, the final month witnessed a reversal as benzene markets demonstrated strengthening that restored cost support, while increased rigid demand from end-users improved trading activity and prompted manufacturers to raise ex-factory prices modestly, though overall quarter-end pricing remained below initial levels.

Europe

European adipic acid markets demonstrated fluctuating price patterns during the fourth quarter, mirroring the Asian region's trajectory with progressive declines followed by late-quarter stabilization. Feedstock costs for cyclohexanone and benzene followed global trends, weakening through the initial two months and limiting production cost support. Downstream sectors, including automotive, textile, and industrial applications, demonstrated subdued consumption patterns as broader economic uncertainties influenced purchasing decisions. Supply availability remained adequate as regional production facilities operated at consistent rates. Prices declined through most of the quarter before the late-period recovery observed in Asian markets similarly influenced European pricing as raw material costs firmed.

North America

North American adipic acid markets experienced oscillating price movements during the fourth quarter, following patterns consistent with Asian and European regions. Prices declined progressively through the initial months before demonstrating modest recovery in the final phase. Feedstock cost dynamics aligned with global trends, with benzene and cyclohexane derivative markets providing diminishing support through most of the period. Downstream demand from nylon, engineering plastics, and polyurethane applications remained measured, with buyers maintaining conservative inventory positions. The combination of adequate supply and cautious end-user purchasing sustained downward pricing momentum through most of the quarter before late-period raw material cost increases provided support.