① Glacial acetic acid prices rose steadily throughout the month, gradually approaching previous highs.
② Market supply remained tight as domestic downstream rigid demand increased, coupled with export support; enterprise inventories hit new lows again.
③ Pay attention to the commissioning status of new glacial acetic acid plants in Xinjiang and Guangdong in October.
| Figure 1: Five-Year Price Range Trend of Glacial Acetic Acid (CNY/ton) | Figure 2: 2026 Glacial Acetic Acid Price Trend (CNY/ton) |
|---|---|
| Data Source: Chempricehub Information | Data Source: Chempricehub Information |
Table 1: Summary of Glacial Acetic Acid Industry Chain Prices (Unit: CNY/ton)
| Product | Region | Current Period | Previous Period | Change Value | Change Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methanol | East China | 3762 | 2738 | 1024 | 37.40% |
| Glacial Acetic Acid | East China | 3951 | 2961 | 990 | 33.43% |
| Ethyl Acetate | East China | 6262 | 5521 | 741 | 13.42% |
| Butyl Acetate | East China | 7911 | 6694 | 1217 | 18.18% |
| Vinyl Acetate | East China | 7320 | 6520 | 800 | 12.27% |
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
In September, the domestic glacial acetic acid market continued its upward trend after rebounding from a low point in mid-to-late August, recording six consecutive weeks of price increases. At the beginning of the month, market sentiment was boosted by rising costs and tight supply. Although enterprise inventories initially rose due to slow shipping rates at coastal plants earlier, they subsequently declined continuously once shipping resumed, leading to strong bullish momentum from producers. By mid-month, intensifying geopolitical conflicts triggered another wave of price hikes in basic chemicals, with some products reaching year-to-date highs. Glacial acetic acid prices followed suit under tight supply conditions. Toward the end of the month, as markets anticipated a easing of geopolitical tensions, crude oil and methanol prices retreated. However, cost fluctuations had limited impact on glacial acetic acid, which stood out independently amid supply-demand dynamics. Enterprise inventories fell to low levels, coastal plants fulfilled export orders, and downstream customers stocked up ahead of national holidays, boosting overall demand and maintaining a tight supply environment.
Forecast for next month: In October, glacial acetic acid prices are expected to retreat slightly from current highs, though the market may remain firm initially. On the supply side: Maintenance plans exist for Celanese and Kingboard Chemical Phase I next month, but attention should also be paid to the operational status of new plants in Guangdong, as well as units operated by Zhonghe Hezhong and Xinjiang Zhongrong in Xinjiang. On the demand side: Downstream customers currently show resistance to high prices. Future focus should be on post-holiday restocking sentiment among downstream users and changes in export activity.
For more monthly market analysis, please refer to the Chempricehub Information Glacial Acetic Acid Monthly Report.
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