What are the main cost and price drivers for acrylic acid in China right now?

What are the main cost and price drivers for acrylic acid in China right now?
Acrylic acid pricing in China is being driven primarily by feedstock costs and supply-side discipline. In a recent monthly assessment, acrylic acid rose 200 yuan per tonne while butyl acrylate jumped 400 yuan per tonne, with producers raising offers collectively amid strong bullish sentiment. The upstream propylene cost base has moved higher, and several plants have scheduled maintenance, tightening near-term availability. Looking at the broader cost structure, the propane-to-propylene route shows a narrowing advantage: the propane-acrylic acid spread has compressed from roughly 3,200 yuan per tonne historically to around 1,700 yuan per tonne by 2023, as propane utilisation rises and propylene supply grows. This means downstream acrylic acid producers face a less forgiving cost environment, making operational efficiency and feedstock flexibility increasingly decisive for margins.