Supply: The monthly average capacity utilization rate stood at 55.79%, a decrease of 1.32% compared to the previous month. The lowest daily capacity utilization rate was recorded at 43.06%.
Costs: The market price of acetic acid, a key raw material, rose strongly. During the month, East China acetic acid prices adjusted within the range of 3,300–4,550 RMB/ton. The market price of n-butanol also increased significantly, with East China n-butanol prices fluctuating between 7,750–8,800 RMB/ton during the month.
| Daily Price Trend Chart of Domestic Butyl Acetate (2025–2026) (RMB/ton) |
|---|
| Data Source: Chempricehub Information |
Table: Monthly Price Change Table for the Butyl Acetate Market (Unit: RMB/ton)
| Region | September 2026 | August 2026 | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North China | 7,690 | 6,555 | +1,135 | +17.32% |
| East China | 7,911 | 6,694 | +1,217 | +18.18% |
| South China | 8,056 | 6,718 | +1,338 | +19.92% |
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
In September, butyl acetate market prices surged strongly. In the East China market, the lowest ex-factory price during the month was 6,950 RMB/ton, while the highest reached 8,450 RMB/ton. The monthly average price was 7,911 RMB/ton, an increase of 1,217 RMB/ton from the previous month, representing a month-on-month rise of 18.18%.
Strong cost-side drivers dominated the entire month. At the beginning of the month, n-butanol prices were consolidating. Rising geopolitical tensions boosted market sentiment, increasing buying interest from downstream users and traders, which led to a halt in declines and subsequent price increases. Subsequently, both acetic acid and n-butanol remained strong, providing solid cost support. Major factories in Shandong achieved active transactions via auctions with premiums, creating a strong atmosphere of chasing higher prices across various regions, resulting in smooth transaction volumes.
During the early-to-mid part of the month, unstable international situations pushed both raw materials higher. Coupled with good execution of export orders and controllable shipments by major factories, downstream users engaged in opportunistic restocking driven by fear of further price hikes. Factories raised their quotes accordingly, gradually shifting the market center upwards.
Towards the end of the month, as prices reached high levels, resistance from downstream users emerged, leading to decreased willingness to take delivery. Some participants withdrew from the market to consume existing inventories, hindering the downward transmission of prices. However, due to strong cost support and decent export performance, factories showed little willingness to offer discounts. The market returned to consolidation, with most industry players waiting on raw material trends. Additionally, with the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, buying activity was sparse, and trading volume narrowed compared to earlier periods.
Several plants, including Dongying Yisheng, Shandong Jiyinmeng, Jingmen Qianxin, Zhuhai Qianxin, and Anhui Ruibai, underwent shutdowns for varying durations during the month, leading to a decline in butyl acetate capacity utilization in September.
Domestic demand remained generally weak, characterized mainly by opportunistic purchasing; however, export performance was notable.
The theoretical profit margin for butyl acetate in the East China market this month was -98.24 RMB/ton, a decrease of 171.97 RMB/ton compared to the previous month, representing a month-on-month drop of 233.24%. (Note: Original text says 233.24% drop, calculated based on absolute value change relative to previous negative/positive base or specific formula used by source. Preserving original numerical claim).
Current supply is ample. Attention should be paid to the restart plans of Dongying Yisheng and other facilities. Regarding costs, the price trends of acetic acid and n-butanol remain divergent. Downstream demand may weaken further after the holiday, potentially leading to inventory accumulation at factories. If export orders soften, market prices may face downward pressure. Industry participants are advised to monitor raw material fluctuations and changes in factory operating rates closely.
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