Acrylic Acid (CAS: 79-10-7) is a core unsaturated organic acid raw material in the chemical industry chain, with strong polymerization and esterification activity. It serves as the key intermediate for the production of acrylate, acrylic resin and superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Industrial-grade acrylic acid is widely used in water-based coatings, industrial adhesives, textile auxiliaries and paper-making chemicals. Resin synthesis and coating emulsion grade acrylic acid are essential raw materials for downstream fine chemical production.
1. Key Market Highlights This Week
- Raw Material Side: Propylene Prices Keep Falling
- Propylene, the primary feedstock for acrylic acid, stayed on a downward path this week, further eroding cost support and weighing on market sentiment.
- Supply Side: Operating Rate Drops to 69.33%
- The overall operating rate of acrylic acid producers was estimated at 69.33%, down 2.62 percentage points from the previous week. Shandong Kaitai's old plant shut down for maintenance, while Satellite Chemical's acrylic acid unit cut output. Although Shandong Hongxin resumed operations, the industry's capacity utilization still declined.
2. Weekly Market Review
During this period, the East China acrylic acid market showed a weak and volatile trend overall. Spot prices traded in the range of 7,650–7,800 RMB/ton, down 10 RMB/ton (0.13%) from the previous cycle.
On the supply-demand front, declining propylene prices offered limited cost support, keeping market sentiment bearish. While some plants underwent maintenance or load reductions, others resumed operations, resulting in a slight overall decline in operating rates. Downstream buyers stayed cautious, mainly fulfilling rigid demand with little appetite for active purchasing, creating downward pressure on prices. Most manufacturers and traders adjusted quotes flexibly, with trading activity remaining subdued and spot negotiations settling in a narrow range.
3. Market Outlook for Next Week
Looking ahead, the East China acrylic acid market is expected to remain weak. Key points:
- Cost Side: The propylene market is likely to see narrow fluctuations, offering limited cost support that cannot effectively boost spot prices.
- Supply Side: Tianjin Bohua's acrylic acid unit is expected to start up. If successful, market supply may increase further, leading to looser circulation.
- Demand Side: Acrylic acid suppliers are actively seeking sales, but downstream users are mainly digesting previous contracts, with few active inquiries. Trading sentiment is light, lacking substantial bullish drivers.
In summary, the supply-demand contradiction remains prominent. Negotiated price centers are expected to continue their volatile and weak trend next week. Attention should be paid to propylene price movements, plant operation updates, and downstream procurement follow-up.
