According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Business Society, the price of acetic acid dropped significantly in mid December. On December 20th, the average market price of acetic acid was 3150 yuan/ton, a decrease of 300 yuan/ton compared to the price of 3450 yuan/ton on December 11th, a decrease of 8.70%, and a decrease of 5.26% compared to the beginning of the month.

In mid December, the acetic acid market saw a broad decline, and the main factories in East China gradually recovered after an unexpected malfunction, leading to an increase in market supply. At the same time, the northern region was affected by rainy and snowy weather, transportation was restricted, and manufacturers accumulated inventory, resulting in a strong intention to clear inventory. However, downstream markets were affected by buying up and not buying down sentiment, resulting in weak purchasing sentiment, sluggish market trading, poor factory shipments, bearish sentiment among manufacturers, and a significant decrease in acetic acid prices. As of December 20th, the market prices of acetic acid in various regions during the month are as follows:

In mid December, the upstream raw material methanol market fluctuated and rose. As of December 20th, the average price in the domestic market was 2488.33 yuan/ton, an overall increase of 1.91% compared to the price of 2441.67 yuan/ton on December 11th. In the early stage, the expectation of methanol imports was at a high level, which suppressed market prices to some extent. Downstream purchases were made on demand, resulting in a slight decline in overall market prices; Starting from the 13th, some areas have been affected by heavy snow weather, resulting in limited transportation, increased freight costs, slowed delivery speed, and affected social inventory in consumer areas. The circulation of methanol in the region has decreased, and downstream delivery prices have continued to rise.

The downstream acetic anhydride market has experienced a significant decline. As of December 20th, the ex factory price of acetic anhydride was 5850.00 yuan/ton, a decrease of 8.41% compared to the price of 6387.50 yuan/ton on December 11th. Acetic anhydride manufacturers have resumed production, increased load, and sufficient supply in the acetic anhydride spot market. In addition, transportation is limited due to weather conditions, resulting in poor shipment of acetic anhydride and accumulation of inventory in enterprises. There is significant downward pressure. At the same time, upstream acetic acid prices have fallen, and the cost support for acetic anhydride is insufficient, leading to a continuous decline in acetic anhydride prices.

In the future market forecast, the acetic acid analyst from Shengyishe believes that the on-site maintenance of the acetic acid plant has resumed, the market supply has increased, and the negative impact on the supply side has affected downstream demand follow-up. Market transactions are limited, and the overall decline in the short term may weaken. However, considering that the current acetic acid price has fallen to a relatively low level, there is still a mentality of buying at a low price in the downstream. It is expected that the acetic acid market will consolidate and operate in the future, and specific attention will be paid to downstream procurement in the future.