Chemical Updates

Asian Acetic Acid/VAM Weekly Commentary / 20-Aug-2026-20-Aug-2026/937 am EST/1337 GMT / China methanol costs up 8.95% week over week / Chinese VAM prices fall as producers restart operations

Aug 21, 2026

Asian acetic acid and vinyl acetate monomer prices were mixed Aug. 20, with domestic AA prices in China supported by rising feedstock costs, while domestic VAM prices softened as producers restarted plants following scheduled maintenance. Bullish sentiment in the Chinese AA market was underpinned by higher feedstock methanol costs. Domestic methanol prices in East China rose 208 yuan/metric ton ($30.59/mt) week over week to 2,883 yuan/mt ex-tank on Aug. 20, while dollar-denominated methanol CFR China rose 8.95% week over week to $353/mt on Aug. 20, up from $324/mt on Aug. 13. The firmer feedstock environment translated into higher AA values across both domestic and export markets. FOB China spot cargoes were heard offered at $420/mt on Aug. 20, from about $400/mt the previous week, reflecting tighter seller sentiment amid rising...

Exclusive market movement data, shipping lineups, demand signals and pricing rationale continue in full report.

Unlock complete article access with a paid account.

Continue Reading With Membership

This is a preview. Login and activate a paid plan to read the complete article.