Germany, the United States, and China are the leading exporters of Potassium Acetate (CAS 127-08-2), collectively accounting for over 50% of global exports in 2023–2024; major importers include South Korea, India, and Canada, driven by demand in pharmaceutical synthesis and de-icing applications. Imports by South Korea and India have grown steadily since 2022, coinciding with moderate upward pressure on Potassium Acetate prices amid tightening supply from European producers.
Recent Market Dynamics Intelligence
1. **Price Trends**
- The domestic market price of potassium acetate has recently shown a slight upward fluctuation. The mainstream quotation in East China ranges from 8,500 to 9,000 RMB/ton, representing an increase of 200–300 RMB/ton compared to last week; prices in North China are between 8,300 and 8,800 RMB/ton, with a rise of 150–250 RMB/ton; and quotations in South China are 8,600–9,100 RMB/ton, up by approximately 200 RMB/ton.
2. **Supply Situation**
- Production facilities of some potassium acetate manufacturers have been running stably recently, with operating rates maintained around 70%–75%. However, due to scheduled equipment maintenance by certain enterprises, production output has decreased, leading to a slight tightening of overall market supply.
- The market price of acetic acid, a key raw material, has shown steady growth with slight increases, providing support to the production costs of potassium acetate. To maintain profit margins, some enterprises have expressed willingness to raise prices.
3. **Demand Situation**
- Downstream industry demand has varied. In the pharmaceutical sector, demand for potassium acetate remains stable, primarily driven by order-based procurement, with no significant change in order volumes recently.
- With the arrival of summer, demand for potassium acetate as a food additive in the food industry has increased, with some food enterprises raising their procurement volumes.
- In the chemical intermediate sector, demand is undergoing a slow recovery. Some enterprises have engaged in inventory replenishment, but the overall increase in procurement volume remains limited.
4. **Import and Export Situation**
- On the import side, recent potassium acetate import volumes have remained relatively stable, with main sources concentrated in neighboring countries. Import prices have fluctuated slightly due to international supply and demand dynamics and exchange rates, but the overall impact on domestic market prices has been minimal.
- On the export side, some enterprises have secured small-volume export orders, primarily to Southeast Asian markets. The export volume is not substantial, and its impact on domestic supply-demand balance is limited.
Analysis and Judgment
1. **Cost Push**: The rise in acetic acid prices has increased the production costs of potassium acetate. Enterprises, aiming to maintain profit margins, have been motivated to raise prices. This is a key factor driving the recent upward trend in potassium acetate prices.
2. **Tightening Supply**: Scheduled maintenance at certain plants has reduced market supply. Given relatively stable or slightly growing demand, the supply-demand relationship has tightened, providing support to prices.
3. **Divergent Demand**: Downstream demand varies across sectors. Growth in the food industry and inventory rebuilding in the chemical intermediate sector have somewhat boosted demand for potassium acetate. However, stable demand in the pharmaceutical sector limits the overall growth rate of demand, thereby capping the potential for further price increases.
4. **Limited Impact of Imports and Exports**: Import and export volumes remain relatively stable, exerting minimal influence on domestic supply-demand dynamics and prices. Domestic market prices are primarily driven by local supply-demand conditions and cost factors.
Forecast
1. **Short-Term**: The market price of potassium acetate is expected to continue its slight upward fluctuation. Acetic acid prices are unlikely to drop significantly in the short term, and the impact of plant maintenance will prevent a rapid increase in supply. Meanwhile, sustained demand from the food sector will drive prices higher, with an anticipated increase of 200–300 RMB/ton.
2. **Medium-Term**: If plant maintenance concludes and operating rates rebound, increasing market supply, while downstream demand in the chemical intermediate sector fails to grow significantly, prices may experience a correction. However, the decline is expected to be limited, ranging between 300–500 RMB/ton.
3. **Long-Term**: In the long run, the price trend of potassium acetate will depend on raw material prices, downstream demand changes, and industry capacity expansion. If raw material prices remain high and downstream demand grows steadily, prices are likely to stay at elevated levels. Conversely, if raw material prices fall or downstream demand underperforms expectations, prices may face downward pressure.
Potassium acetate is a white, crystalline, hygroscopic solid with a faint acetic odor; it is highly soluble in water and decomposes before boiling, with a melting point of approximately 292 °C. It is classified as an organic salt and potassium carboxylate. Primarily used as a source of acetate ion and potassium cation in chemical synthesis, it serves as a catalyst, buffering agent, and reagent in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and specialty chemicals. Its applications span pharmaceutical manufacturing (e.g., in buffer systems and active ingredient synthesis), agrochemical formulation, and as a deicing agent in low-corrosion aviation and infrastructure applications.
1) Potassium acetate, crystalline powder, USP is, as its name suggests, the potassium salt of acetic acid and is used as a catalyst for producing polyurethanes2) In the food industry it is used as a food additive, an acidity regulator and a preservative
Potassium acetate, KC2H302, is a white, deliquescent solid, soluble in water and alcohol, insoluble in ether, that melts at 292°C. It is used as an analytical reagent, dehydrating agent, in medicine, and in crystal glass manufacture.
This chemical is included in Fine Chemicals - Pharmaceutical Intermediates & APIs. See more about what is Potassium Acetate and Potassium Acetate SDS information.
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