Acrylic acid

Acrylic Acid Market Dynamics Report (Recent Commodity Market Intelligence)

I. Price Trends
- Recent Prices: In June 2026, the acrylic acid market exhibited a volatile price trend. Taking the East China region as an example, the benchmark price of hydroxyethyl acrylate (closely correlated with the acrylic acid market) ranged between RMB 9,300/ton and RMB 10,183.33/ton. Specifically, the price remained stable at RMB 10,183.33/ton from May 19 to May 21—representing a recent high; it declined to RMB 9,300/ton on May 25—the recent low. By July, the benchmark price shifted again; for instance, according to Shengyishe’s data, the acrylic acid benchmark price stood at RMB 7,200.00/ton on July 15, reflecting a slight increase compared to the beginning of the month.
- Regional Price Differentials: Acrylic acid prices vary across regions. As the primary production base, East China commands relatively higher quotations for national-standard (GB) 99% grade products. In contrast, prices in North China and South China differ due to regional supply-demand imbalances and logistics costs.

II. Supply-Demand Balance
- Supply Situation: Domestic acrylic acid capacity continues to expand. However, excessively rapid capacity growth by some enterprises has led to localized oversupply. By 2025, China’s total acrylic acid production capacity had increased to 4.4 million tons, with additional planned or under-construction capacity expected to come online in the second half of the year. Nevertheless, increased nominal capacity has not fully translated into higher actual market supply volumes, as certain producers have curtailed or suspended operations due to cost pressures or strategic adjustments.
- Demand Situation: Acrylic acid serves diverse downstream applications, including coatings, inks, adhesives, and more. With global economic recovery and rising living standards, demand for high-quality, high-performance acrylic acid products continues to grow. However, near-term demand remains sluggish—particularly in architectural coatings—exerting downward pressure on the acrylic acid market.

III. Cost Factors
- Raw Material Costs: Key raw materials for acrylic acid production include propylene and ethanol. Fluctuations in raw material prices directly impact both production costs and market pricing. Recently, propylene prices—subject to significant international market volatility—have experienced notable swings, potentially transmitting cost pressures to the acrylic acid sector.
- Environmental Compliance Costs: Stricter environmental regulations require enterprises to invest substantially in emissions control, wastewater treatment, and other environmental protection measures—further elevating overall production costs.

IV. Policy Environment
- Domestic Policies: Authorities including the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) have issued guiding opinions encouraging the development of high-performance, eco-friendly chemical products and promoting the high-end, green transformation of the acrylic acid industry. Tax incentives and special fiscal funding for technological upgrading projects also provide supportive momentum for enterprise development.
- International Standards and Regulations: To access overseas markets, enterprises must obtain certifications such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). While compliance with these international standards increases operational costs, it simultaneously enhances product competitiveness in global markets.

Analysis and Assessment

I. Market Sentiment
- Current market sentiment toward acrylic acid is relatively weak, with prices under downward pressure. This reflects the combined impact of oversupply, subdued demand, and mounting cost pressures. Nonetheless, accelerating industry consolidation and increasing recognition of the value proposition of high-end products may gradually improve market sentiment.

II. Competitive Landscape
- Competition in the acrylic acid industry is intense, featuring both domestic and international players. Domestic enterprises leverage scale advantages and technical capabilities to maintain solid market positions, while multinational firms command shares in the Chinese market through advanced technologies and strong brand equity. Looking ahead, intensified industry consolidation and the rise of premium products are expected to further optimize the competitive landscape.

III. Development Trends
- The acrylic acid industry is undergoing a strategic shift—from volume-driven expansion to technology-driven value creation. Going forward, innovation and value enhancement will be central priorities, with high-end products becoming key growth drivers. Concurrently, tightening environmental regulations and heightened consumer awareness of sustainability will make green, eco-friendly practices a defining trend across the industry.

Forecast

I. Price Outlook
- Acrylic acid prices are expected to remain range-bound over the near term. The floor price will be anchored by the industry’s average cash-cost level, while the ceiling will be constrained by excess capacity. Amid the interplay of supply-demand dynamics, cost variables, and policy influences, market prices are projected to fluctuate within a rational, sustainable band.

II. Supply-Demand Outlook
- As industry consolidation accelerates and high-end products gain traction, supply-demand fundamentals are expected to gradually improve. On the supply side, manufacturers will place greater emphasis on product quality and cost efficiency; on the demand side, end-users will increasingly prioritize performance attributes and environmental compatibility. These developments will collectively propel the acrylic acid industry toward high-quality, sustainable growth.

III. Industry Outlook
- As a vital component of the chemical industry, the acrylic acid sector holds broad development prospects. Technological advancements and evolving market needs will continue to open new avenues for growth. Moreover, stricter environmental regulations and growing consumer emphasis on sustainability will reinforce green development as a core strategic imperative—presenting both emerging opportunities and formidable challenges for the industry.