For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Acetonitrile Prices in North America
- In USA, the Acetonitrile Price Index rose by 2.89% quarter-over-quarter, supported by firmer feedstock costs.
- The average Acetonitrile price for the quarter was approximately USD 3477.67/MT, reflecting steady pharmaceutical demand.
- Acetonitrile Spot Price showed modest gains amid steady operations, limited merchant volumes, and export inquiries.
- Acetonitrile Price Forecast indicates upward bias driven by inventory rebuilding and seasonal pharmaceutical procurement cycles.
- Acetonitrile Production Cost Trend reflects higher purification expenses from rising acetic acid and ammonia prices.
- Acetonitrile Demand Outlook remains constructive with pharmaceutical and laboratory sectors absorbing output, battery-grade pull nascent.
- Acetonitrile Price Index volatility rose in March; Strait disruptions tightened feedstock flows, raising logistics costs.
- Gulf Coast inventories stayed normal, with steady export liftings to India and Europe tempering domestic tightness.
Why did the price of Acetonitrile change in March 2026 in North America?
- Supply disruptions from Strait delays reduced acrylonitrile runs, lowering crude acetonitrile volumes available for purification.
- Rising feedstock costs, ammonia and acetic acid, increased purification expenses, exerting upward pressure on offers.
- Export demand remained cautious, allowing domestic sellers to firm FOB pricing while inventories stayed adequate.
Acetonitrile Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Acetonitrile Price Index rose by 0.46% quarter-over-quarter, driven by modest feedstock cost increases.
- The average Acetonitrile price for the quarter was approximately USD 1393.00/MT, reflecting balanced domestic supply conditions.
- Acetonitrile Spot Price momentum shifted higher late March due to intensified battery sector procurement and safety stocks.
- Acetonitrile Price Forecast indicates modest firmness as export inquiries and regulatory risk premia support offers.
- Acetonitrile Production Cost Trend saw upward pressure from ammonia and acetic acid feedstock increases, tightening producer margins.
- Acetonitrile Demand Outlook improved as lithium-ion battery and pharmaceutical procurement accelerated pre-Golden Week stock replenishment.
- Acetonitrile Price Index reflected tight spot availability after accelerated offtake, despite sustained normal plant operating rates.
- Inventories, export nominations, and logistics stability combined to moderate volatility, limiting sharper Acetonitrile spot fluctuations.
Why did the price of Acetonitrile change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Stronger battery and pharmaceutical buying tightened available spot lots, increasing acute demand relative to exportable supply.
- Feedstock cost uptick, notably ammonia, raised production cash-costs, prompting sellers to lift offers to protect margins.
- Stable port operations and disciplined export nominations limited inflows, amplifying domestic tightness and supporting higher bids.
Acetonitrile Prices in Europe
- In Belgium, the Acetonitrile Price Index rose by 3.85% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter by-product supply and stronger spot buying.
- The average Acetonitrile price for the quarter was approximately USD 1114.67/MT, reflecting balanced import arrivals and stable domestic offtake.
- Acetonitrile Spot Price strengthened in March as reduced acrylonitrile run-rates tightened co-product availability across Antwerp hubs.
- Acetonitrile Price Forecast shows near-term firmness driven by limited arrivals and elevated seller leverage in spot markets.
- Acetonitrile Production Cost Trend was modestly higher as feedstock acetic acid gains pushed replacement cost for importers.
- Acetonitrile Demand Outlook remains steady with pharmaceutical and laboratory consumption sustaining balanced offtake and limited restocking.
- Inventory and export demand dynamics kept the Acetonitrile Price Index volatile amid thin spot availability and proactive buying.
- Operational outages and compliance-driven shutdowns at acrylonitrile units compressed supply, supporting stronger Antwerp CFR offer levels.
Why did the price of Acetonitrile change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Acrylonitrile unit turnarounds and compliance shutdowns reduced by-product acetonitrile output sharply in March, tightening local supply.
- Rising acetic acid replacement costs increased landed import values, pressuring seller offers and widening bid-ask spreads.
- Steady pharmaceutical consumption and thin arrival slate encouraged proactive buying, amplifying short-term price strength across Antwerp market.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Acetonitrile Prices in North America
Why did the price of Acetonitrile change in December 2025 in North America?
- Increased production and port inventories eased tightness, allowing sellers to reduce offers and relieve premiums.
- Higher acrylonitrile operating rates lifted variable costs modestly, while freight normalized reducing transportation premiums slightly.
- Pharma restocking ahead of holidays provided support, yet buyer caution and delayed procurement capped upside.
Acetonitrile Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Acetonitrile Price Index rose by 1.22% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting disciplined supply management practices.
- The average Acetonitrile price for the quarter was approximately USD 1383/MT, based on FOB Tokyo.
- Acetonitrile Spot Price tightened as cargo competition and import parity narrowed Tokyo FOB Price Index.
- Acetonitrile Price Forecast anticipates modest volatility early next quarter, led by restocking and demand normalization.
- Acetonitrile Production Cost Trend remained subdued as lower LNG and stable feedstock costs reduced pressures.
- Acetonitrile Demand Outlook stays steady as pharmaceutical, electronics and agrochemical sectors maintain offtake across Asia.
- Inventory levels remained comfortable, while export orders intermittently slightly supported the Tokyo FOB Price Index.
- Domestic producers ran near-normal rates; disciplined selling limited spot volumes, stabilizing the Acetonitrile Price Index.
- Freight reductions and easing energy costs partially offset import parity, shaping Acetonitrile Spot Price movements.
Why did the price of Acetonitrile change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Comfortable inventories and uninterrupted plant operations expanded spot availability, pressuring December APAC pricing marginally lower.
- Competitive inbound Chinese cargoes narrowed Japan's premium, while cautious downstream buying reduced upward price momentum.
- Lower LNG costs and easing freight softened production and logistics expenses, offsetting exporter pricing power.
Acetonitrile Prices in Europe
- In Belgium, the Acetonitrile Price Index fell by 3.4338% quarter-over-quarter, amid weak demand, firmer euro.
- The average Acetonitrile price for the quarter was approximately USD 1239.00/MT, reflecting Antwerp CFR levels.
- Acetonitrile Spot Price remained range-bound as balanced imports and steady terminal inventories limited overall volatility.
- Acetonitrile Price Forecast indicates mild near-term softening with stabilization anticipated as buyers defer year-end restocking.
- Acetonitrile Production Cost Trend remained muted as acrylonitrile feedstock and freight rates stayed broadly stable.
- Acetonitrile Demand Outlook shows pharmaceutical restocking offset by cautious industrial procurement ahead of holiday shutdowns.
- Acetonitrile Price Index reflected firmer offers from suppliers as selective export allocations tightened spot volumes.
- Regional acrylonitrile units operated normally, limiting upward pressure on Acetonitrile Spot Price despite seasonal demand.
Why did the price of Acetonitrile change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Firmer euro reduced dollar-denominated import costs, producing modest downward pressure on reported CFR dollar prices.
- Terminal stocks tightened in Antwerp, enabling suppliers to firm offers despite broadly balanced physical supply.
- Stable feedstock acrylonitrile and unchanged freight rates limited production cost increases, capping significant price hikes.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Acetonitrile Price Index rose by 22.38% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tightening domestic availability.
- The average Acetonitrile price for the quarter was approximately USD 3390.00/MT, supported by export demand.
- Acetonitrile Spot Price strengthened as inventories declined and overseas buyers competed for limited port cargoes.
- Acetonitrile Price Forecast stayed firm into quarter end as feedstock and freight cost pressures persisted.
- Acetonitrile Production Cost Trend rose with acetic acid and propylene influences, pressuring integrated producer margins.
- Acetonitrile Demand Outlook remained constructive driven by pharmaceutical, agrochemical and analytical UHPLC restocking requirements activity.
- Acetonitrile Price Index volatility rose as maintenance, currency shifts and prompt allocations affected export competitiveness.
- Inventory drawdowns and export bookings tightened availability, amplifying seller leverage and sustaining FOB price levels.
Why did the price of Acetonitrile change in September 2025 in North America?
- Supply steadiness from resumed plant runs and balanced inventories reduced immediate scarcity, allowing price correction.
- Reduced urgency from pharmaceutical and UHPLC buyers led to softer spot demand and lower inquiries.
- Flat energy costs and improved logistics removed cost support, enabling buyers to delay purchases further.
APAC
- In Japan, the Acetonitrile Price Index fell by 4.817% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and soft downstream demand.
- The average Acetonitrile price for the quarter was approximately USD 1370.00/MT, reported by weekly FOB Tokyo assessments reflecting export dynamics.
- Acetonitrile Spot Price showed weekly volatility amid balanced supply, with selective exports and promotional offers influencing trade.
- Acetonitrile Price Forecast indicates short-term range-bound movement, influenced by inventories and cautious purchaser behavior across region.
- Acetonitrile Production Cost Trend remained muted as feedstock acetic acid eased, slightly relieving margin pressures.
- Acetonitrile Demand Outlook is subdued with pharmaceutical procurement delays, keeping the Price Index under periodic downward pressure.
- High inventories and steady export competition pressured the Price Index, prompting distributors to offer discounts to liquidate stock.
- Near-term trade likely remains transactional with promotional offers and limited restocking, constraining upward momentum in the Price Index
Why did the price of Acetonitrile change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Oversupply from steady domestic production and recent import arrivals raised inventories, reducing sellers' pricing leverage.
- Soft downstream demand from pharmaceutical and analytical sectors led buyers to defer purchases, limiting offtake.
- Lower feedstock costs and competitive regional offers encouraged promotional selling, pressuring spot quotations and competitiveness.
Europe
- In Belgium, the Acetonitrile Price Index fell by 20.04% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak demand and imports.
- The average Acetonitrile price for the quarter was approximately USD 1085.33/MT, CFR Antwerp weighted receipts.
- Acetonitrile Spot Price eased through Q3 while the Acetonitrile Price Index reflected persistent importer-led oversupply.
- Acetonitrile Production Cost Trend showed limited pressure from acetic acid, restricting pass-through to CFR quotes.
- Acetonitrile Demand Outlook is cautious as pharma restocking competes with weak industrial consumption across Belgium.
- Acetonitrile Price Forecast suggests limited near-term upside absent acrylonitrile disruptions or logistic bottlenecks tightening availability.
- Inventory overhang at Antwerp pressured prompt offers, keeping the Acetonitrile Price Index on subdued trajectory.
- Major producers operated normally, constraining disruptions while traders discounted spot lots to manage terminal inventories.
Why did the price of Acetonitrile change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Reduced acrylonitrile runs and some turnarounds tightened supply, prompting immediate sellers to lift CFR offers.
- Pharmaceutical restocking absorbed available cargoes, increasing prompt demand and supporting higher local Acetonitrile price levels.
- Logistics frictions and temporary freight curbs reduced Antwerp arrivals, amplifying prompt tightness and price pressure.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- The North American Acetonitrile market exhibited a robust upward trend through Q2 2025, with the average price increase reaching approximately 8.58%. Acetonitrile Spot Prices steadily climbed from around USD 2500/MT in April to close near USD 3050/MT by the end of June, reflecting tightening supply and strengthened downstream demand dynamics.
- Throughout the quarter, production cost trends remained favorable due to persistently low Henry Hub natural gas prices below $4/mmBtu, which stabilized steam and power expenses, allowing manufacturers to maintain steady output without cost escalations impinging on margins.
- The Acetonitrile demand outlook showed significant strength within the pharmaceutical sector, comprising nearly 45% of US consumption, alongside rising requisitions for UHPLC and battery-grade acetonitrile grades. This buoyant downstream demand helped offset intermittent supply pressures and supported upward price momentum.
- June 2025 was marked by moderate price corrections to USD 2960/MT FOB Texas amid a largely neutral but volatile 12-week trading range, driven by continuous co-product acetonitrile generation and weakening acetic acid feedstock prices. Nonetheless, the overall monthly price behavior confirmed resilience amid open pipelines and strong procurement interest.
- Inventory levels remained balanced, supported by steady operating rates at key producers such as INEOS Nitriles and Sasol Chemicals, with no major plant shutdowns disrupting availability, thereby facilitating stable supply conditions aligned with growing demand.
- The US dollar’s strength throughout the quarter enhanced export margins but exerted some downward pressure on competitive positioning abroad, tempering overseas demand despite solid domestic consumption, and contributing to measured price adjustments in international markets.
- Trading activity reflected cautious optimism, with buyers actively raising procurement volumes in anticipation of future tightening, but remaining mindful of near-term oversupply potential due to uninterrupted manufacturing output and steady feedstock costs.
- The Acetonitrile price forecast for the upcoming quarter points toward continued moderate strength or stabilization in acetonitrile prices, contingent on sustained pharmaceutical and battery-grade demand growth and no significant upsurge in production costs, particularly energy and feedstock inputs.
- Acetonitrile market participants expect that ongoing alignment of supply with resilient demand sectors, combined with potential geopolitical and trade policy developments, will drive measured price advances, while monitoring any emerging supply-side disruptions that could intensify tightness and foster stronger pricing conditions.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
- The APAC acetonitrile market trended downward during Q2 2025, with quarter-over-quarter pricing declining by roughly 4%. Acetonitrile Spot Price, especially from China, dropped sharply from around USD 1475/MT in April to near USD 1290/MT by June, reflecting weak global demand and ample supply.
- Acetonitrile production cost trends revealed continued easing, notably with feedstock acetic acid prices falling steadily throughout the quarter, thus encouraging high utilization rates at major plants without significant cost pressures.
- Acetonitrile demand throughout the quarter was subdued, as downstream pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors moderated their purchasing activity amid inventory corrections and cautious procurement strategies, although pockets of firm demand were noted in battery electrolyte manufacturing.
- The market in June 2025 was characterized by unrestrained supply with plants operating at normal to high rates, alongside continued feedstock abundance, leading to the lowest observed spot prices in the quarter and reinforcing a bearish outlook.
- India’s five-year anti-dumping duties on Chinese, Taiwanese, and Russian imports redirected exports inward, resulting in a surplus domestic supply that further weighed on prices in the Chinese market.
- Export shipments faced logistical and inventory pressures, with traders aggressively reducing stocks and lowering offers to stimulate demand, causing downward revisions that reverberated across the broader APAC region.
- Despite the bearish sentiment, certain sectors such as high-purity solvents for lithium-ion battery electrolytes, as well as renewed acrylonitrile tenders from key producers like Jilin Chemical Fiber, provided some counterbalance to extreme price falls.
- Acetonitrile production cost improvements and steady plant operations facilitated an ongoing supply surplus, making further price declines probable unless downstream demand accelerates or inventory positions normalize.
- The Acetonitrile price forecast for the next quarter suggests a cautiously optimistic recovery potential contingent on seasonal demand upticks, increased export orders, and anticipated maintenance shutdowns that may temporarily tighten supply.
- Market participants remain vigilant regarding global demand signals and supply chain dynamics, particularly the influence of regulatory measures and shifting trade flows that may alter availability and pricing in APAC markets moving forward.
Europe
- For Europe, the acetonitrile market experienced a predominantly bearish quarter across Q2 2025, with average quarter-over-quarter prices declining by approximately 6%. Acetonitrile Spot Price for industrial grade CFR Antwerp decreased from near USD 1420/MT in April to USD 1229/MT by June’s end, while pharma-grade prices demonstrated a significant downward trend, prices close to USD 1399/MT in June.
- Acetonitrile Production cost trends remained stable, supported by consistent output from regional producers like INEOS Belgium and steady raw material costs including acetic acid; however, improvements in global supply and shipping logistics broadened import options, exerting downward pressure on prices.
- Acetonitrile Demand outlook showed a dichotomy whereby pharmaceutical sectors maintained relatively steady to firm procurement activities, sustaining pharma-grade prices, whereas industrial applications saw subdued volumes amid cautious spending and inventory draws, amplifying softness in industrial-grade pricing.
- June 2025 developments were marked by continued import supply inflows redirected from Asia due to Indian anti-dumping duties, combined with smooth logistical operations in European ports, resulting in expanded availability and added downward pressure on industrial-grade prices.
- The strong euro versus the dollar provided marginal cost advantages for European importers, facilitating higher buying power but also intensifying competition among suppliers and contributing to price corrections.
- Acetonitrile Supply chain conditions in Europe during the quarter improved, with no reported major plant outages or export limitations, supporting a generally balanced market and reducing volatility.
- Lower ocean freight rates and resolved container shortages contributed to a more flexible procurement environment, enabling European buyers to secure volumes amid favorable terms.
- Though subdued demand restrained price gains, ongoing demand from laboratory and pharmaceutical testing sectors, particularly in high-throughput HPLC applications, underpinned pharma-grade price stability and prevented a sharper decline.
- Acetonitrile price forecasts for the next quarter indicate a range-bound or mildly softening trend, subject to developments in downstream pharmaceutical activities, potential shifts in trade tariffs, and global feedstock cost fluctuations.
- Market participants expect cautious purchasing to persist given ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties in the broader European industrial base, while pharma-grade segments are projected to maintain relative resilience supported by steady laboratory and clinical demand.
