Acetic Anhydride Price Trend and Forecast: Top 10 Leading Trading Countries and Regions - Latest Edition [2026]

The Expert Market Research pricing report on Acetic Anhydride provides insights into the top 10 leading trading countries and regions

Acetic Anhydride prices were lower during 2024. Pricing analysis indicates a slight recovery is anticipated during the latter half, as inventory adjustments and prudent demand management have shown restraint. In Q1 2025, the acetic anhydride market faced weak demand across key regions, despite stable feedstock costs, due to limited downstream momentum. North America saw subdued offtake and logistical delays, APAC experienced a slight price recovery from Q4 but remained under long-term bearish pressure, and Europe registered continued price declines due to oversupply and falling demand.

Get Real-Time Prices (Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly) - Download Free Sample

Acetic anhydride finds extensive application in several industries owing to its intensive acetylation ability. In the pharmaceutical industry, it finds major application in the manufacture of aspirin, paracetamol, and other active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is also very important in the production of cellulose acetate, which is employed in textiles, photographic films, and cigarette filters. Furthermore, acetic anhydride is used in the agrochemical sector to synthesize herbicides and pesticides and in the dye and perfume industries to produce intermediates. The chemical is versatile and reactive and thus is a useful chemical in various industrial processes.

Acetic Anhydride Price Forecast

Acetic anhydride market trends differ from region to region, driven by the availability of feedstock, downstream consumption, and geopolitical factors. In Europe, especially in Belgium, prices witnessed fluctuations due to seasonal restocking and consistent demand from the pharmaceutical industry. Nevertheless, as of March 2025, the Belgian market witnessed muted prices due to balanced levels of supply and stable feedstock. costs, despite the anticipated higher demand in downstream applications such as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. North America acetic anhydride price trends were firm, underpinned by sufficient supply but dragged by sluggish downstream demand in applications such as pharmaceuticals and building-related applications.

Get Real-Time Prices (Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly) - Download Free Sample

Global Trade and Supply Chain Implications

Broader macroeconomic factors affecting acetic anhydride price forecast suggests that the Asia Pacific region is the leading manufacturer and consumer of acetic anhydride, accounting for 50% of the world market. China and India are two prominent countries in this region. India, in general, has been working actively to increase domestic manufacturing capacity, with Laxmi Organic Industries Ltd inaugurating a new factory at Mahad to accelerate regional production.

Moreover, fluctuations in global freight prices and regulatory updates can also influence trade flows. North America and Europe tend to witness differing price patterns according to local demand conditions, with industries like pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals accounting for most of the consumption. Generally, the supply chain of acetic anhydride is vulnerable to both upstream raw material realities and downstream industrial output.

Feedstock Analysis

Acetic anhydride is mainly manufactured based on the use of acetic acid as its main feedstock, and hence, acetic acid's availability and cost are key drivers of its production economics. The most widely applied production process is the ketene process, wherein acetic acid decomposes thermally to yield ketene, which then reacts with more acetic acid to yield acetic anhydride. With this reliance, acetic anhydride prices are in close correlation with acetic acid. Acetic acid prices held relatively firm in certain regions throughout 2024 but were mildly volatile in others through price swings in the crude oil market, planned turnaround shutdowns at large production units, and shifting downstream demand from sectors like purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and solvents. Disruptions to acetic acid manufacturing, either from logistical issues, supply chain limitations, environmental mandates (particularly in China), or upstream methanol volatility, can rapidly carry over into apparent price fluctuations within the acetic anhydride market.

Demand and Supply Outlook for Acetic Anhydride

The long-term market outlook of the acetic anhydride shows steady growth fuelled by continuous demand from major end-use industries like pharmaceuticals, cellulose acetate manufacturing, and agrochemicals. The pharmaceutical industry will remain a significant contributor, particularly in the production of commonly consumed drugs such as aspirin and paracetamol. Applications in cigarette filters and textiles by cellulose acetate will also drive long-term consumption. Further, the demand for herbicides and pesticides by the agrochemical industry is also driving the demand upwards. Yet, the market is subjected to challenges such as raw material price fluctuations and environmental regulations, which have the potential to affect production costs and supply dynamics. Overall, the acetic anhydride market will grow moderately but steadily, underpinned by its vital position in major industrial applications. Even as challenges like regulatory restrictions and fluctuations in raw material costs may prevail from time to time, the market is likely to grow steadily, with the Asia Pacific region leading global supply and demand dynamics.

Gain a competitive edge with Expert Market Research's comprehensive price forecasting reports. Dive deep into the latest market dynamics and price outlook for your specific materials, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve with actionable insights and strategic foresight.

What Our Reports Include:

Historical Price Data and Analysis:

• In-depth review of prices (including feedstock) over the past 5 years.
• Visualizations and trend analysis to identify historical patterns and seasonality.

Supply and Demand Analysis:

• Detailed industry analysis of current supply and demand trends shaping the market, along with projections for how these dynamics are expected to evolve during the forecast period.
• Insights from our extensive supplier and trader network, government websites, industry bodies, and global trade data.

Latest Industry News:

• Up-to-date information on recent developments and geopolitical events.
• Pricing analysis of how these events are likely to impact future prices.

Key Macroeconomic Indicators:

• Evaluation of economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation rates, and PMI.
• Insights into how these indicators affect prices.

Price Outlook:

• Forecasted price trends analysis for the next 2 years using statistical modelling and fundamental & technical price analysis.
• Scenario analysis and potential price fluctuations.

Why Choose Our Reports?

• Accurate Data: Our reports are based on reliable data sources, including primary interviews, government websites, and industry bodies.
• Comprehensive Insights: We offer a holistic view of the market, considering all factors related to demand, supply, macroeconomic environment, and input costs.
• Timely Updates: Reports are updated monthly, with options for quarterly or semi-annual subscriptions.
• Expert Support: Our team of analysts is available for consultations and customized requirements.

Key Benefits:

• Informed Procurement Decisions: Gain insights on when to buy and how to negotiate better, mitigating the impact of price volatility.
• Competitive Advantage: Leverage our robust and time-tested forecasting methodology to stay ahead in the market.
• Actionable Insights: Make better market decisions with detailed market forecasts and analysis.