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

The EMR pricing report on Acetone provides insights into the top 10 leading trading countries and regions.

In 2024, acetone prices demonstrated notable divergence across key global markets, driven by regional supply-demand imbalances, feedstock trends, and downstream consumption shifts. In China, prices trended downward for most of the year as domestic oversupply intensified due to expanded phenol-acetone capacities and tepid demand from sectors like solvents, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals. Weak export interest and aggressive price competition further suppressed average transaction values, compelling producers to operate at reduced margins. In the first quarter of 2025, acetone prices saw a slight increase in North America due to tight feedstock supply and higher logistics costs.

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

Meanwhile, acetone price trends in Europe and Asia remained mostly stable or slightly lower due to weak downstream demand and steady supply. South Korea faced similar bearish pricing, with lower shipment volumes to China and Southeast Asia creating an inventory overhang and forcing spot market discounts. In contrast, the U.S. market exhibited more stable acetone pricing, supported by steady demand from MMA and bisphenol-A production, though periodic tightness from plant maintenance led to short-term price upticks. 

In Europe, acetone prices remained under pressure amid rising energy and compliance costs that raised production expenses but could not be fully passed on due to muted demand and cheaper Asian imports. Germany and Belgium saw reduced export competitiveness, prompting price realignments to retain market share. India and Southeast Asia experienced fluctuating price movements throughout the year. While these regions attempted to benefit from competitively priced imports, local currency depreciation and port congestion created volatility in landed costs. The Middle East, with integrated production hubs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, sustained relatively competitive pricing, though occasional logistical hurdles led to localised price spikes. Acetone price trends in Latin American countries like Brazil and Mexico saw heightened price variability due to irregular shipping schedules and fragmented downstream consumption patterns. Globally, China’s pricing behaviour and output levels exerted the most pronounced influence on overall acetone price trajectories during the year.

Acetone Price Forecast

The global acetone market in 2024 experienced moderate pricing pressure, influenced by oversupply conditions and mixed demand from downstream industries. In North America, acetone price trends took a downward path during the latter half of the year due to stable production costs, sufficient inventory levels, and subdued demand from pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial solvents. The European market faced similar headwinds, with excess supply, especially as a by-product of phenol production, and weak demand from adhesives and coatings sectors limiting price recovery. In the Asia-Pacific region, early-year supply disruptions, such as unplanned shutdowns at phenol-ketone units in China, temporarily lifted prices; however, increased imports and elevated stockpiles exerted downward pressure in subsequent months. Despite these fluctuations, demand from core applications, including methyl methacrylate (MMA), bisphenol A (BPA), and personal care products, remained largely stable. Looking ahead, acetone price trends are expected to show modest growth into 2025, supported by consumption recovery in the construction, automotive, and consumer goods sectors. Market participants are also responding to regulatory pressures by optimising feedstock efficiency and investing in environmentally compliant production technologies to maintain competitiveness and manage input costs.

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

Global Trade and Supply Chain Implications

In 2024, global trade and supply chain dynamics for acetone were influenced by shifting regional trade flows, logistical constraints, and regulatory developments. China, a dominant player in acetone exports, increased shipments to Southeast Asia to fulfil contractual obligations, though high inventory levels at regional ports exerted downward pressure on spot prices, thus affecting the acetone price trends directly. The United States, benefiting from cost-effective shale-based feedstocks, expanded exports to Europe and Asia, especially during the third quarter, when limited domestic consumption created surplus availability. However, both regions experienced supply chain disruptions due to elevated freight rates stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and sporadic labour strikes at major port terminals.

In Europe, reliance on acetone imports persisted due to high production costs and limited local output, while compliance with stringent EU solvent-handling regulations added further complexities to cross-border trade. Meanwhile, new capacity additions in China and the Middle East helped ease supply pressures in the latter half of the year, despite intermittent outages at integrated phenol-acetone facilities. These factors highlighted the vulnerability of acetone’s global value chain to transportation bottlenecks, environmental standards, and regional overdependence, thus hampering the acetone price trends. In response, industry stakeholders have increasingly prioritised diversification of supply routes, long-term contracts, and localised storage strategies to enhance resilience ahead of expected demand growth in 2025.

Feedstock Analysis

In 2024, acetone production costs were predominantly shaped by fluctuations in primary feedstock prices, especially propylene and cumene, and energy input volatility. Propylene, the main precursor for acetone via the cumene process and direct dehydrogenation routes, saw price swings closely tied to crude oil and naphtha market fluctuations, augmenting the acetone price trends. These variations directly influenced acetone’s cost base, as producers navigated balancing crude-linked feedstock expenses against downstream demand. Meanwhile, the cumene process, which co-produces phenol and acetone, tied acetone output and cost-sensitive efficiency to phenol market cycles and plant operating rates. Regionally, Asia benefited from lower propylene costs due to ample naphtha-based steam cracking capacity, helping to contain acetone for cost inflation. While in North America, shale‑derived propylene provided a competitive feedstock advantage. In contrast, Europe faced higher energy costs and regulatory burdens, driving up production expenditures and prompting a shift toward alternative feedstock strategies. The volatility in these raw material inputs underscores the crucial role of feedstock selection and process integration in managing acetone production economics and maintaining competitiveness throughout the year.

Demand and Supply Outlook for Acetone

In 2024, global demand for acetone remained largely stable, supported by its continued application in downstream sectors such as solvents, pharmaceuticals, paints and coatings, and personal care products. The Asia-Pacific region accounted for approximately 57% of total consumption, driven by industrial activity and strong demand in cosmetics and electronics manufacturing, thereby bolstering the acetone price trends. While overall demand growth was tempered by softer economic conditions in parts of North America and Europe, key segments like automotive refinishing, nail-care products, and speciality chemical synthesis provided some resilience. However, cautious purchasing behaviour and seasonal inventory adjustments led to uneven demand patterns across regions. 

On the supply side, the market experienced moderate expansion due to new capacity additions in China and India, which helped alleviate earlier constraints. Most acetone production continued to be linked to the phenol value chain, and output levels remained steady at integrated cumene-based facilities. Nonetheless, regional outages, periodic maintenance shutdowns, and feedstock availability issues, particularly related to propylene, created localised tightness during parts of the year, thus having an impact on the acetone price trends. Although supply and demand were relatively balanced on a global scale, lingering logistical inefficiencies and increased output from Asia kept prices under pressure. Entering 2025, the market is expected to tighten gradually as demand improves, and operating rates adjust in response to evolving cost structures and trade conditions.

Gain a competitive edge with EMR'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 analysis of current supply and demand factors 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.
• 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 for the next 2 years using statistical modelling and fundamental & technical 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 forecasts and analysis.