Imported VAM in Kandla

Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) prices in India rose by ₹2/kg due to higher feedstock costs and robust downstream demand. Supply constraints from limited shipments and INEOS's plant shutdown added upward pressure. Domestic VAM production resumed, reducing some import dependency. Seasonal growth in paints, coatings, and adhesives boosted market sentiment.

Domestic Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) prices rose by ₹2/kg this week, driven by seasonal demand from paints and adhesives sectors and higher raw material costs. India’s VAM market, reliant on imports, sees increased trading activity and a demand surge from downstream applications like VAE-based paints.

Domestic hydrogen peroxide prices fell by ₹1/kg due to weak downstream demand and increased production. Key industries like textiles and pharmaceuticals continue to show sluggish demand. With ample supply and cautious buyer sentiment, prices are expected to remain under pressure, with further corrections likely in the near term.

Phenol prices have dropped by ₹2-3/kg due to increased imports, despite strong seasonal demand from plywood manufacturers. Ample supply and liquidation pressure keep the market bearish. Rising feedstock costs may push production expenses higher. Experts predict short-term price softness but suggest monitoring for potential rebounds due to upstream cost pressures.

Styrene Monomer prices showed minimal fluctuations due to weak buying trends. Rising benzene costs have increased production expenses, squeezing profit margins. Demand remains sluggish, particularly in EPS and 3S sectors. Meanwhile, supply remains stable despite maintenance activities. Market expectations indicate continued price consolidation, influenced by crude oil trends and benzene movements.

Ethyl Acetate prices in India have risen by ₹0.5/kg, driven by higher ethanol and feedstock costs. Reduced production rates and increasing demand from paints and packaging are adding upward pressure. With Acetic Acid prices volatile and bulk buyers securing inventories, market conditions remain tight, signaling further price hikes ahead.

N-Butyl Acetate prices have been revised upwards by importers, rising by ₹1/kg to ₹87++ per kg ex-Kandla on 60-day credit terms. Accord Organics, a key domestic producer, has also increased its base price by ₹1/kg, now offering at ₹87.00++ per kg ex-Ahmednagar on advance payment terms.

Acetone prices in India declined slightly due to weak demand from bulk drug manufacturers and lower replacement costs for importers. While the pharmaceutical sector saw a slowdown, demand from the paints, coatings, and diacetone alcohol sectors remained stable. Global crude oil and feedstock price trends continue to influence market sentiment.

Hydrogen peroxide prices dropped ₹2/kg due to weak demand from textiles & pharma and high domestic production. India's 34 kt monthly demand remains below 39 kt production capacity. Global factors, including crude oil & gas price fluctuations, add uncertainty, keeping the market bearish for February. Further price declines possible.