The domestic acetic acid market has been consolidating recently. Raw material methanol remains at a high level compared to the same period last year, maintaining cost pressure on acetic acid. On the supply side, acetic acid plant recovery is slow, and enterprise inventories are low, providing some support to market sentiment and stabilizing acetic acid prices. End-market demand is weak, with downstream transactions being average and purchases mainly driven by immediate needs. The market fundamentals are unfavorable, resulting in narrow price fluctuations for acetic acid during the week.
The methanol market has recently experienced a downward trend. As of May 24, the average domestic market price had fallen by 1.77% compared to May 18. Low methanol port arrivals and continued inventory reduction have kept prices relatively strong. Domestic methanol plant maintenance and low inventory levels have provided good support for market sentiment. Downstream buyers are purchasing only as needed, limiting further price increases. Methanol prices fluctuated at high levels throughout the week.
Downstream acetic anhydride prices remained weak, with the average ex-factory price falling by 3.02% from May 18th to 24th. Raw material acetic acid prices remained stable, providing limited cost support. Downstream demand was insufficient, leading to a weakening market atmosphere and a bearish sentiment in the acetic anhydride market, resulting in a slight price decline during the week.
Market outlook: Currently, the operating rate of acetic acid plants is not high, and the supply side is still supported. The price of raw material methanol is relatively high, and cost pressure remains. However, downstream demand is weak, and the transaction volume of acetic acid market is generally average. Market sentiment is in a state of flux. It is expected that the acetic acid market will stabilize and consolidate in the short term. In the future, attention should be paid to the market supply situation.
Post time: May-26-2026