Daily Market Report

Acetic Acid prices surged across domestic and imported markets, driven by tight global supply, lower Chinese operating rates, and rising upstream methanol costs. Indian port inventories dropped as imports faced delays, while several global shutdowns intensified shortages. With INR weakness and strong buying sentiment, prices are expected to rise further through early 2026.

Ethyl acetate increased in the indian market, operating in the ₹66.5–₹67.5/kg range depending on customer location. Severe feedstock shortages, rising ethanol costs, and reduced imports have tightened supply significantly. With possible plant shutdowns and manufacturers prioritising exports, market sentiment remains strong and prices may continue rising through December.

Toluene prices in India increased due to short-term port tightness, while China saw marginal gains driven by steady demand and stable refinery output. Crude oil weakened globally, affecting sentiment across aromatics. Despite softer crude cues, local shortages will support Indian prices in the near term, keeping the overall outlook stable to slightly soft.

Acetone prices fell by ₹3/kg due to weak downstream demand, steady domestic production, and consistent imports. Soft benzene and propylene prices further pressured sentiment. While demand from paints, IPA, and DAA remains weak, a recovery is expected from the pharma sector by December–January, which may help stabilise prices.

Toluene prices rose ₹3/kg this week, supported by feedstock cost recovery and improved trading momentum. Demand from paints remains steady, while the pharma sector shows gradual recovery. Despite crude volatility, supply–demand conditions are balanced. Short-term outlook suggests stability with slight downside risk amid cautious buyer sentiment and steady import volumes.

Domestic Acetic Acid prices in India strengthened through October 2025, driven by firm methanol feedstock costs and cautious downstream demand. While global methanol prices softened under tariff pressure, domestic supply remained stable. Post-festive demand recovery from pharmaceutical and packaging sectors is expected to support prices into early November.

Acetic Acid prices in India continued their downward trend amid weak methanol feedstock and cautious downstream demand. Despite international prices firming slightly on Chinese restocking, domestic sentiment remains subdued. Stable supply, potential post-monsoon VAM demand, and gradual recovery in pharmaceuticals could support market stabilization through October.

Domestic MDC prices dropped ₹1–2/kg due to weak pharma demand, while volatile methanol feedstock costs, driven by oversupply in China and U.S. sanctions on Iran, added uncertainty. Global crude softness further weighed on sentiment. With steady production but sluggish consumption, MDC prices are expected to stay mixed in the near term.

Indian methanol prices held firm near ₹31/kg despite a festive lull, driven by strong formaldehyde demand and curtailed Iranian imports. Chinese CFR prices softened on oversupply, but Indian buyers continue active procurement. Futures show near-term tightness, while crude and gas trends add to overall market caution.

Toluene prices softened to ₹67–68/kg amid weak paint and coating demand and oversupply, tracking a 3% drop in crude oil. Imports dominate India’s 57,000 MT monthly need, while pharma demand may lend near-term support. Market direction hinges on crude trends and post-monsoon recovery in downstream sectors.

Ethyl acetate markets showed mixed trends as acetic acid softened domestically but firmed in China. Ethanol prices surged on higher blending mandates, while methanol declined. Strong downstream demand and GST cuts for polymers are expected to boost momentum. Rising exports may create domestic shortages, keeping the outlook volatile yet firm.

IPA prices in India corrected to ₹80–84/kg amid oversupply from imports and weak sentiment linked to softer propylene and acetone values. Demand remains concentrated in pharmaceuticals and personal care, together forming half of consumption. Market outlook stays bearish short term, but recovery is expected as bulk drug output strengthens.