Acetone Market Surged Significantly This Week (September 10–17, 2026)

1. Key Market Focus This Week

1. Petrochemical enterprises saw acetone prices rise then fall this week. As of Thursday, the opening price from East China Sinopec was set at 9,300 RMB/ton.
2. The capacity utilization rate of domestic phenol-acetone units increased to 77.57% this week.
3. Insufficient arrivals of vessel cargoes led to port inventories dropping to a low level of 6,500 tons.

2. Weekly Market Analysis

Table: Regional Price Change Comparison for Domestic Acetone (Unit: RMB/ton)

Source: Chempricehub Information

The spot market for acetone in East China experienced a significant pullback this period. As of September 17, the negotiated reference price for acetone in the Jiangsu region ranged between 8,650 and 8,750 RMB/ton. The acetone market fluctuated intensely this week. Initially driven by cost pressures, the market center surged significantly. However, resistance to passing high costs downstream became apparent as major downstream industries faced universal losses. End-user factories showed increasing resistance to high-priced raw materials, with few proactive buyers entering the market; most procurement was limited to rigid small orders aimed at digesting existing inventories. Meanwhile, raw material prices retreated, weakening cost support and intensifying bearish sentiment. Holders felt psychological pressure, accelerating shipment rates and offering discounts to sell, leading to frequent appearances of low-priced cargo, which dragged the market center down rapidly.

3. Analysis of Market Influencing Factors

1. As of September 17, the phenol-acetone profit margin for Sinopec East China enterprises stood at -394 RMB/ton, an improvement of 162 RMB/ton compared to September 10.
2. The capacity utilization rate of domestic phenol-acetone units rose to approximately 77.57% this week.
3. According to incomplete vessel schedule data from Chempricehub Information, as of September 17, the total volume of acetone vessel cargoes destined for East China in September was 31,000 tons. Of this, 11,300 tons had arrived, while 19,700 tons were still in transit. Attention should be paid to subsequent shipping dynamics.

4. Next Week Market Forecast

It is expected that cost factors will continue to provide some support for acetone next period. Supply data shows a month-over-month increase, while demand-side data is expected to decline month-over-month. Consequently, the acetone spot market is projected to trend lower amid volatility. Key points to watch include:

1. Supply side: Domestic phenol-acetone unit operating rates are expected to rise next period, with port inventories hovering around 8,000 tons.
2. Demand side: There is an expectation for improved demand from downstream Bisphenol A (BPA) and Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) sectors next period. However, MMA operating rates are declining, reducing demand, while other downstream industries are expected to maintain procurement based on immediate needs.
3. Cost side: Raw materials still have room for upward movement, maintaining cost-end support.

For more detailed weekly market analysis, please refer to the Chempricehub Information Acetone Weekly Report.