Weekly Outlook for the Acrylic Emulsion Market (September 20, 2026)

I. Key Points

1. On September 18, international crude oil prices fell due to improved expectations for the repair of Saudi pipelines and signs of easing tensions in the Middle East. The NYMEX October crude oil futures contract closed at $100.30/bbl, down $1.61/bbl (-1.58% day-on-day); the ICE November Brent crude oil futures contract closed at $103.87/bbl, down $0.95/bbl (-0.91% day-on-day). The INE November 2026 crude oil futures contract fell by CNY 50.6 to CNY 754.4/bbl during the day session and dropped another CNY 19.6 to CNY 734.8/bbl in the night session.

2. Last week, the domestic MMA market saw a significant upward trend. Costs remained high, prompting holders to sharply raise their asking prices. However, downstream buyers resisted these higher prices after the rise, focusing mainly on absorbing previous gains. Actual transactions were largely based on real orders with negotiated pricing. The market is expected to maintain a consolidating trend today.

3. Last week, the domestic butyl acrylate market maintained a generally firm trend at high levels. On the raw material side, n-butanol and acrylic acid markets fluctuated weakly, slightly loosening cost support for butyl acrylate, though cost pressure persists. Holders continued to quote at high levels. Downstream factories, such as those producing adhesives and acrylic emulsions, made inquiries on an as-needed basis. Actual transaction centers remained strong. Today, the n-butanol market is likely to remain stable within a range, while the butyl acrylate market may consolidate at high levels. Future attention should focus on changes in market supply and downstream demand.

II. Price Table

Unit: CNY/ton

III. Market Outlook

Last week, the butyl acrylate and styrene markets fluctuated weakly, while the MMA market remained temporarily stable. Cost-side pressures remained relatively high. Acrylic emulsion producers and goods holders adjusted their quotes according to market conditions, focusing on active sales, while downstream buyers purchased and replenished stocks on an as-needed basis. In the short term, raw materials may dip slightly within a narrow range, potentially offering minor relief from cost pressures. However, with the upcoming National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays approaching, emulsion factories are likely to maintain stable pricing in their quotes. Downstream buyers will continue to negotiate prices and replenish stocks as needed, suggesting a high probability that market negotiations will stabilize. Future attention should be paid to dynamics in the raw material markets for butyl acrylate, MMA, and styrene, as well as downstream markets.