Raw Material Support Drives Ethyl Acetate Market to Oscillate at High Levels (October 2026)

1. Key Points This Month

1. Supply: The average monthly capacity utilization rate was 49.44%, down 1.44 percentage points from the previous month.

2. Costs: Feedstock acetic acid prices surged strongly; East China acetic acid prices fluctuated between 4,453 and 4,523 RMB/ton during the month. Ethanol prices also rose, with Subei ethanol priced at 5,729 RMB/ton.

3. Profit: The theoretical profit margin for ethyl acetate in October was 34 RMB/ton, a month-on-month increase of 160 RMB/ton (a rise of 126.98%).

2. Monthly Market Analysis

Table: Monthly Change in Ethyl Acetate Market Prices (Unit: RMB/ton)

Source: Chempricehub Information

The domestic ethyl acetate market followed a "rise-then-fall" trajectory this month. At the beginning of the month, coinciding with the National Day holiday, transaction volumes increased significantly in the latter half due to restocking demand, particularly in Shandong province. Supported by firm feedstock acetic acid prices and downstream replenishment, local upstream suppliers raised their quotations consecutively. By mid-month, the market weakened as acetic acid prices declined and downstream demand softened. Market participants adopted a cautious wait-and-see approach amid ample supply. Some holders sought to realize profits, offering discounts to clear inventory, while new orders were limited and trading activity cooled. In late October, the decline accelerated as acetic acid prices fell sharply, weakening cost support. Combined with sufficient market supply and accumulating factory inventories, sentiment remained poor. Downstream buyers showed little willingness to place orders or enter the market, forcing factories to cut prices under selling pressure. Toward the end of the month, prices rebounded briefly before stabilizing as rigid demand was released.

4. Next Month Market Forecast

Looking ahead, feedstock acetic acid prices are expected to continue declining, further eroding cost support. With stable industry operating rates, circulating market supply will remain abundant, maintaining sales pressure. On the demand side, downstream terminal consumption is limited, primarily driven by rigid procurement needs, likely resulting in a slower purchasing pace. Additionally, export order execution is projected to decrease month-on-month compared to October. Overall, lacking clear positive drivers, Chempricehub forecasts that the price center for ethyl acetate will shift lower next month.