According to the commodity market analysis system of Business Society, the price of acetic acid generally rose in January. As of January 29, the average market price was 2,830 yuan per ton, an increase of 80 yuan per ton compared to the price of 2,750 yuan per ton at the beginning of the month, representing a monthly increase of 2.91%. In January 2026, the acetic acid market showed a trend of rising first and then falling. In the first and middle ten days of the month, the price of acetic acid continued to rise following the trend before New Year's Day. The main reasons were the slow recovery of maintenance units on the supply side, tight market supply, and rising prices of downstream acetic anhydride on the demand side. The strong fundamental support for acetic acid drove its price to continuously increase. In the latter ten days, the capacity utilization rate of acetic acid improved, while downstream demand remained moderate, leading to an increase in enterprise inventories. Market sentiment weakened, and the price center of acetic acid shifted downward.

The downstream acetic anhydride market performed strongly. From January 1 to 29, the average ex-factory price of acetic anhydride increased from 4,275 yuan per ton to 4,590 yuan per ton, a rise of 7.37%. On the supply side, some acetic anhydride manufacturers halted production for maintenance, reducing market supply. The strong price of upstream acetic acid provided good cost support. Downstream operations of acetic anhydride remained stable, and market fundamentals were strong, leading to a significant price increase for acetic anhydride during the month.

The raw material methanol market experienced strong fluctuations in January. As of January 29, the average market price was 2,284 yuan per ton, an increase of 3.49% compared to the price of 2,207 yuan per ton at the beginning of the month. Domestic methanol spot supply was ample, with high inventories among midstream and downstream sectors. Methanol shipments were poor, and the market mainly showed a fluctuating trend. In the latter ten days, market news indicated expectations of reduced methanol imports at ports, leading to an upward shift in market sentiment and price center. However, high methanol inventories suppressed prices and provided limited support for acetic acid prices.

Future Market Forecast: Analysts from Business Society believe that acetic acid maintenance units are currently recovering, and the operating rate is continuously improving. Some enterprises have seen rising inventories, weakening support from the supply side. Downstream sectors are purchasing on demand, and there may be stockpiling operations before the Spring Festival. Market sentiment remains cautious. It is expected that the acetic acid market will decline first and then rise next month, with specific attention to downstream demand follow-up.