What is driving the recent surge in acrylic acid and acrylate prices, and how sustainable is it?

What is driving the recent surge in acrylic acid and acrylate prices, and how sustainable is it?
The acrylic acid and acrylate market has seen a dramatic price rally, with spot acrylic acid in East China jumping from 6,000 to 12,000 yuan per ton in the first half of 2026, driven largely by supply disruption fears from the US-Iran conflict affecting propane feedstock. Industry leader Satellite Chemical reported record H1 2026 profits of 6.227 billion yuan, up 127% year-on-year, with its functional chemicals segment contributing 76% of revenue. Average acrylic acid prices rose 16% year-on-year and 35% versus H2 2025, while butyl acrylate prices climbed 27% sequentially. Peak theoretical margins reached 4,800 yuan per ton. However, overseas anti-dumping duties are emerging as a headwind for exports, suggesting the super-cycle may be peaking.