Chemicals Updates

Chinese AA output rates remain high at 85% / VAM demand destruction drives sharp fall

May 22, 2026

Asian acetic acid and vinyl acetate monomer prices declined for a fourth consecutive week May 21, pressured by weak downstream demand. In the Chinese acetic acid market, production rates among producers were heard to be high, at about 85%. Domestic prices in Jiangsu were marginally lower by Yuan 25/metric ton ($3.67/mt) week over week at Yuan 2,800-2,850/mt ex-tank May 21. However, FOB China cargoes were offered at $365-$370/mt May 21, $15-$20/mt lower from the previous week. Sellers said their customers' buying interest in India was about $450/mt or lower. FOB China $15/mt lower week over week at $364/mt and east China domestic AA Yuan 25/mt down over the same period at Yuan 2,825/mt ex-tank on May 21. Asian VAM prices fell considerably in the week ended May 21 due to...

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