Chemicals News Today

India’s Acetic Acid market is entering a firmer phase as Chinese domestic prices have accelerated sharply and inventories remain low. China’s regional Acetic Acid prices reached around CNY 3,500–3,800/MT by September 7–8, with East China up 8.86% WoW and North China up 9.81% WoW.

Acetic acid prices remained firm but volatile as China moved from supply-driven strength toward a more balanced market. Plant restarts are improving availability, while cautious downstream buying is limiting further gains. In India, import dependence and changing replacement costs continue to influence prices, keeping the market range-bound with a firm bias.

Methanol prices remained firm but volatile during August as the Chinese market showed signs of recovery following July’s correction. Supply uncertainty, plant maintenance, lower inventories and Middle East geopolitical risks supported prices, while seasonal downstream weakness and higher imports limited upside. Indian prices remained elevated amid cautious buying and replacement-cost pressures.

As of 13 August 2026, global spot methanol prices softened across key Asian hubs due to weak downstream demand and easing geopolitical tensions. In India, imported methanol held steady at ₹50/kg at Mumbai and Kandla ports, while CFR India quotes stood at $470/ton as buyers remained on the sidelines.

Acetic acid prices in Asia remained firm as tight spot availability in China and low inventories in India supported the market. India acetic acid price today stayed elevated at ₹82.5–86.5/kg despite cautious buying. However, improving operating rates, plant restarts, and higher import arrivals in August are expected to gradually ease supply tightness.

Toluene prices today strengthened as higher crude oil prices and tightening spot supply supported market sentiment. While downstream demand remained stable, buyers turned cautious at elevated price levels, leading to requirement-based procurement. The Indian toluene market is expected to remain stable to firm, with global crude trends and import availability guiding prices.

Imported acetic acid prices in India strengthened to ₹58/kg ex-Kandla/Mumbai as tight inventories, delayed imports, and Middle East tensions supported market sentiment. Indian buying interest improved, but downstream demand remained cautious due to higher procurement costs. Supply disruptions and plant maintenance are expected to keep prices firm in the near term.

Mixed Xylene prices in India continued to weaken in June 2026, tracking lower crude oil and Asian aromatics prices. Comfortable regional supply, falling paraxylene (PX) prices, and seasonal weakness in PTA and polyester demand kept buying activity subdued. The market is expected to remain range-bound until stronger downstream demand or crude recovery emerges.

Methanol prices in India witnessed a sharp correction during June, with Ex-Kandla prices falling over 30% month-on-month. Improving prospects for Middle East supply, progress in US-Iran peace negotiations, and expectations of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have eased supply concerns, while weak buying sentiment continues to pressure prices.

Toluene prices in India softened during May and early June 2026, tracking weaker Asian market sentiment, declining China prices, and comfortable supply availability. Demand from paints, coatings, solvents, and fuel blending remained cautious, while buyers preferred need-based procurement. Near-term market sentiment remains stable to slightly bearish.