Acrylic Acid Market Dynamics Intelligence, Analysis, and Forecast

I. Market Dynamics Intelligence

1. Price Trends
- Recent Price Volatility: From May 12 to May 20, 2026, the national average price of acrylic acid in mainstream markets exhibited a downward trend. Specifically, the average price stood at RMB 8,650 per ton on May 12, declining to RMB 8,062.5 per ton by May 20—a cumulative decline of 6.8%. The steepest single-day drop occurred on May 13, at 2.46%.
- Regional Prices: As of May 21, 2026, the trading range for acrylic acid in the East China market was RMB 7,800–7,900 per ton, unchanged from the previous working day, reflecting a sideways consolidation pattern.

2. Supply-Demand Situation
- Supply Side: Overall supply of acrylic acid has remained relatively stable recently; however, certain producers have implemented production cuts or temporary shutdowns due to cost pressures or scheduled plant maintenance, exerting a moderate impact on market supply.
- Demand Side: Downstream demand for acrylic acid remains steady, yet growth momentum is insufficient amid macroeconomic headwinds and cyclical industry dynamics. Additionally, profit margins for some downstream products have turned negative, resulting in limited tolerance for high raw material prices and cautious, just-in-time procurement behavior.

3. Import-Export Situation
- Export Growth: In April 2026, China’s exports of acrylic acid and its salts reached 16,933.85 metric tons—a month-on-month surge of 135.52%. The average export price rose to USD 1,218.18 per ton, up 54.36% MoM. This indicates significantly heightened overseas demand for Chinese acrylic acid and expanded profitability for domestic exporters.
- Import Situation: No recent data on acrylic acid imports were reported; typically, import volumes remain comparatively small and exert negligible influence on the domestic market.

4. Feedstock Market
- Propylene Prices: As the primary feedstock for acrylic acid, propylene price fluctuations significantly affect the acrylic acid market. Recently, propylene prices have traded in a range-bound manner, offering limited cost support to acrylic acid—thus exerting a neutral impact overall.

II. Analysis and Assessment

1. Reasons for Price Decline
- Weakening Cost Support: Stable (range-bound) propylene prices have diminished cost-side support for acrylic acid.
- Soft Demand: Insufficient demand growth from downstream industries—exacerbated by negative margins in certain downstream segments—has weakened willingness to absorb higher raw material costs, contributing to subdued demand for acrylic acid.
- Relatively Stable Supply: Although some producers reduced output or suspended operations, overall supply remained broadly stable, with no significant supply shortage emerging.

2. Impact of Export Growth
- Boosting Market Confidence: The sharp increase in export volume and rise in export pricing have positively influenced market sentiment and supply-demand expectations, providing modest bullish support to spot acrylic acid prices.
- Alleviating Domestic Supply Pressure: Increased exports help absorb excess domestic supply, thereby playing a constructive role in stabilizing domestic prices.

III. Outlook

1. Short-Term Outlook
- Price Consolidation: Acrylic acid prices are expected to continue consolidating within a narrow range over the near term. Limited cost support, soft domestic demand, and supportive export dynamics will jointly shape this sideways movement.
- Ongoing Supply-Demand Negotiation: Buyers and sellers will remain in active negotiation, with producers and inventory holders quoting prices flexibly based on market conditions, while downstream buyers maintain cautious, need-based purchasing behavior.

2. Medium- to Long-Term Outlook
- Demand Growth Drivers: Over the medium to long term, demand growth for acrylic acid will primarily stem from sectors such as construction, medical care & hygiene, and adhesives. Continued expansion in these end-use industries is expected to gradually lift acrylic acid demand.
- Evolving Supply Landscape: Gradual ramp-up of domestic acrylic acid capacity and continuous technological advancement may reshape the supply structure. Outdated production capacity is likely to be phased out, and industry concentration is expected to further increase.
- Price Trend: Amid rising demand and structural supply adjustments, acrylic acid prices are projected to trend steadily upward. However, the magnitude of any price appreciation will depend on multiple factors—including macroeconomic conditions, industrial policies, and feedstock price developments.