How does geopolitical conflict in the Middle East affect acrylamide and polyacrylamide prices?

How does geopolitical conflict in the Middle East affect acrylamide and polyacrylamide prices?
The US-Iran war in early 2026 triggered a clear cost-push transmission chain to polyacrylamide (PAM). Crude oil surged 15-20% on Hormuz Strait blockade fears, lifting naphtha and propylene costs, which directly pushed acrylonitrile prices up 800-1,200 yuan/ton in early March. Since acrylonitrile accounts for 70-80% of PAM production costs, every 1,000 yuan rise in feedstock theoretically adds 600-700 yuan to PAM costs. Energy and logistics expenses also climbed, with war-risk insurance and freight rates doubling. Consequently, anionic PAM for mining jumped from 13,000 to over 15,500 yuan/ton, while cationic grades rose 1,000-1,500 yuan/ton. Downstream panic buying amplified the price surge as buyers feared supply disruptions.