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.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the U.S. Acetonitrile market exhibited a firm to slightly bullish trend, driven by consistent demand from downstream sectors, particularly pharmaceuticals and chemical processing.
Prices moved upward through the quarter, supported by balanced supply-demand dynamics, stable production rates, and heightened procurement activity. Suppliers responded to tightening supply conditions and labor-related challenges by sustaining higher selling prices to protect margins. Strong overseas inquiries and improved domestic consumption contributed to steady export momentum, while operational stability among manufacturers ensured uninterrupted availability.
The market also benefited from a supportive economic environment, including healthy manufacturing activity and favorable trade conditions. Although production costs remained manageable due to steady feedstock trends, inflationary concerns and currency fluctuations encouraged preemptive pricing strategies. The resumption of operations at a major production facility further stabilized supply mid-quarter, easing earlier constraints. Traders remained optimistic, driven by active restocking efforts and limited inventory accumulation.
Overall, the U.S. Acetonitrile market in the first quarter maintained positive sentiment, underpinned by solid end-user demand, stable output, and a cautiously bullish outlook supported by both domestic and global market factors.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2025, the South Korean acetonitrile market witnessed a notable recovery at the start of the year, supported by improved global demand and tightened supply dynamics. January saw export prices climbing steadily, driven by stable production rates, rising feedstock costs, and active buying interest from the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors. Positive trading sentiments, along with stronger overseas demand and currency fluctuations, further reinforced market firmness. By mid-February, prices remained on an upward path, bolstered by global supply constraints and a temporary production disruption at major petrochemical complexes in South Korea. However, this momentum weakened in early March as the market turned bearish amid oversupplied conditions and muted demand. Despite rising feedstock costs, producers refrained from passing on the burden to maintain competitiveness, while buyers adopted a cautious approach due to limited downstream activity. Overall, the quarter was marked by a sharp early rebound, followed by a correction phase, reflecting a market shaped by volatile supply-demand dynamics, operational disruptions, and strategic positioning by stakeholders.
Europe
The Belgian Acetonitrile market in Q1 2025 showcased a dynamic shift from early strength to a more subdued close. January opened with strong demand from key downstream sectors, supported by healthy trading activity and favorable currency dynamics. Suppliers capitalized on this momentum by raising prices, encouraged by active inquiries and balanced inventory levels. However, February brought a clear market reversal, driven by weakening demand from major end-user industries such as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. At the same time, improved supply availability and easing logistics reduced cost pressures and increased competition, prompting sellers to lower prices. As the quarter progressed, sentiment remained weak due to delayed purchasing decisions, with many buyers anticipating further declines. By March, consistent destocking efforts and continued macroeconomic challenges, including inflation and a broader industrial slowdown, reinforced bearish market conditions. Although the strengthening euro improved import affordability, it did little to revive trading enthusiasm. The market ultimately settled into a buyer-friendly environment marked by cautious procurement and overall low transaction volumes.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The Acetonitrile market in North America experienced a volatile trajectory during the fourth quarter of 2024. Starting in October, export prices saw continued increases driven by a combination of elevated freight charges, higher acetic acid prices, and persistent demand from downstream sectors. These factors contributed to tighter supply chains and higher production costs, benefiting suppliers with enhanced margins.
Despite a slight decrease in U.S. manufacturing activity, reflected by a PMI contraction and rising inflationary pressures, the market remained buoyant due to strong consumption from pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. A major disruption, such as an explosion at a key production facility, further strained supply, while logistical challenges persisted, especially at U.S. ports. By November, the market began to show signs of softening as demand weakened, leading to declining prices and subdued trading activity.
However, as the year closed, Acetonitrile prices surged again in early December due to a rebound in downstream demand, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, coupled with logistical disruptions and a favorable U.S. dollar exchange rate. In January 2025, prices remained elevated as export demand persisted, fuelled by ongoing global shortages and trade policy uncertainties, with the market exhibiting structural rather than seasonal price increases. Traders capitalized on the higher pricing environment, adjusting their procurement and sales strategies in response to continued inflationary pressures, manufacturing constraints, and a shift in U.S. trade policies. Despite rising input costs and global supply chain challenges, the U.S. Acetonitrile market showed resilience, with sustained export volumes and consistent demand from key industries, particularly pharmaceuticals, underpinning a robust pricing structure.
Asia Pacific
In the fourth quarter of 2024, acetonitrile export prices from East Asia, particularly Japan, exhibited an upward trend for acetonitrile with a modest drop witnessed in December 2024. Starting with October, prices initially rose due to supply constraints from production disruptions, feedstock shortages, and rising freight costs, while strong demand from the pharmaceutical, electronics, and specialty chemicals sectors contributed to upward pressure. However, by the end of October, prices declined slightly due to weak demand from end-users, the depreciation of the Japanese yen, and ample supply from major producers. In November, export prices remained high following the previous month’s trajectory as production disruptions and logistical challenges limited supply, while demand remained strong across key sectors. However, December saw a downward shift in prices due to persistent oversupply conditions and weakened downstream demand. High inventory levels and moderate feedstock costs, particularly acetic acid, contributed to the subdued pricing environment. Overall, the market exhibited a bearish sentiment, with prices steadily decreasing by the end of December, reflecting oversupply and weak demand across key sectors.
Europe
During the entire Q4 2024, Belgium's acetonitrile market saw consistent price increases, fueled by global competition, strong downstream demand, and supply-side limitations. Demand from the pharmaceutical and solvent sectors drove heightened activity, with stockpiling efforts in anticipation of potential shortages. The weakening of the Euro against the US dollar further raised import costs, while rising feedstock prices supported the upward price trend. In October, Belgium faced tight supply conditions, limited inventories, and disruptions in global production, particularly from key Asian suppliers, exacerbated by logistical issues. Demand from neighboring regions also supported higher prices. Increased freight costs and a weaker Euro further escalated import costs, dampening procurement activities. However, continued supply constraints kept prices elevated, with pharmaceutical and industrial demand maintaining its strength. As a result throughout the quarter, the Belgian market remained seller-driven, as suppliers adjusted prices to align with global benchmarks. By December, ongoing export demand and logistical constraints kept prices high, with suppliers managing inventory levels to support market stability. The quarter closed with tight market conditions and sustained high prices.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Moving forward towards the third quarter of 2024, the Acetonitrile market in North America experienced a challenging period marked by overall decreasing prices with a modest rise witnessed only in the middle of the quarter.
For the entire quarter, the pricing environment was predominantly negative, with a focus on destocking, reduced demand, and lower production costs. The inventory level among the trades remained more than sufficient and the decline in raw material prices had a certain positive impact on the downstream market in terms of production, supporting the market suppliers in terms of trading sentiments. While, many traders adopted a wait-and-see attitude towards market resources, and most traders were still cautious in their purchasing pace. As there had also been no significant increase or decrease in demand, market prices had not been greatly impacted with overall market trading sentiments leaning on the southerly side. However, in the middle of the quarter, the U.S. Acetonitrile market demonstrated stability, with a slight improvement in overseas demand. This trend was bolstered by rising feed material prices and escalating freight costs. Factories collectively raised their listing prices, and traders maintained a positive price trajectory. Downstream and overseas market purchasing focused on large orders, with significant involvement from intermediate traders. Lastly, the market stocks gradually depleted as they met downstream demand, particularly in the pharmaceutical, and other solvent sectors.
Overall, the USA witnessed the most substantial price changes, the market exhibited consistent downward movements. The market saw an overall average of more than 2% decrease compared to the same quarter from the previous quarter in 2024. This culminated in the quarter-ending price of USD 2165/MT for Acetonitrile pharma Grade FOB Texas in the USA, reflecting the overall decreasing sentiment in the market.
Asia Pacific
Across the Asian Pacific region, during the entire third quarter of 2024, the Acetonitrile market witnessed a notable increase in prices with a modest decline in the beginning, driven by a complex interplay of supply and demand dynamics. Overall, factors including the continuous arrival of overseas inquiries, robust downstream industry utilization, and increased production costs along with elevated freight charges contributed to an upward price trend. In Japan particularly, the market experienced the most significant price changes, reflecting overall trends seen in the region. However, seasonality and correlation in price changes were evident, with a -1% decrease from the previous quarter in 2024. While the market trading sentiments persisted on the northerly side throughout the entire three months. Furthermore, Japan's position as a major exporter within the Asian market, which holds significant influence over both domestic and international acetonitrile supply chains, further solidified its competitive edge over European and North American regions. Market participants observed a persistent increase in demand across regional and overseas markets. This heightened demand, coupled with escalating freight costs for both truck and rail transport, exerted additional upward pressure on export prices. Overall, the Industry insiders remained optimistic about the market's future trajectory, particularly in light of ongoing strong transaction volumes and increasing market demand, driven by higher price quotations from overseas markets. However, the market witnessed a slight resiliency at the beginning of the quarter where the supply side considerably outpaced the overall demand side. High acetonitrile inventories at that time, led traders to offer discounts to stimulate transactions, indicating an oversupply relative to current demand. While, in the meantime, manufacturers were actively focused on reducing their production for newer batches instead were constantly indulging in destocking sentiments with the supply side outspacing the overall demand side. Overall with an optimistic trajectory, the latest quarter-ending price in Japan stood at USD 1515/MT of Acetonitrile FOB Tokyo, underscoring the overall positive pricing environment in the region.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European Acetonitrile market experienced stable pricing, marked by an overall downward trend. This stability was influenced by steady demand from the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors and a balanced supply. Global economic conditions, currency fluctuations, and the broader industrial landscape also played a role. Belgium, in particular, saw notable price fluctuations reflecting regional trends, with a -4% drop from the previous quarter. Market experts noted that prices had declined significantly until mid-Q3, driven by global supply chain adjustments and local market factors. Asian producers benefited from lower production costs, offering more competitive pricing due to improved operational efficiency, better raw material access, and resolved supply chain issues from earlier periods. In Europe, companies reduced stockpiles to lower storage costs and prevent product degradation. The euro’s appreciation against the U.S. dollar further benefited buyers by making imports more affordable. However, by late September 2024, the market had seen a significant uptick in regional inquiries, leading to rising Acetonitrile import prices in Belgium. Factory inventories remained low due to ongoing shipments, and the market maintained operations despite upstream fluctuations. While manufacturers kept prices high, the trading atmosphere remained optimistic, with transactions trending positively and import capacity staying strong. Downstream demand had shown signs of improvement, driven primarily by long-term contracts. The short-term outlook indicated continued market consolidation with range-bound activity. Overall, the quarter ended with Acetonitrile Industrial Grade priced at USD 1630/MT CFR Anterwep for pharma grade in Belgium, reflecting the overall stable pricing sentiment in the region.
FAQ:
1. What is the current price trend of Acetonitrile in North America as of Q2 2025?
In Q2 2025, the North American acetonitrile market exhibited a strong upward price trajectory, rising approximately 8.58%. Spot prices increased from around USD 2500/MT in April to nearly USD 3050/MT by June, driven by tight supply, robust pharmaceutical demand, and stable production costs amid low energy input prices.
2. Who are the major global producers of Acetonitrile?
Key global producers of acetonitrile include INEOS Nitriles, Asahi Kasei, Formosa Plastics, AnQore, PetroChina, and Sasol Chemicals. These players dominate supply across North America, Europe, and Asia, leveraging integrated acrylonitrile operations and serving both industrial and high-purity end-user sectors such as pharmaceuticals and lithium-ion batteries.
3. What factors influenced the bearish price trend in Asia-Pacific’s Acetonitrile market during Q2 2025?
APAC prices declined roughly 4% in Q2 2025, falling from USD 1475/MT to around USD 1290/MT. This was due to subdued downstream demand, especially in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, along with high operating rates, falling feedstock prices, and redirected exports amid India’s anti-dumping duties, which led to regional oversupply.
4. How did Europe’s acetonitrile market perform during Q2 2025?
Europe experienced a bearish quarter, with industrial-grade acetonitrile CFR Antwerp prices falling from approximately USD 1420/MT in April to USD 1229/MT in June. Despite stable production and resilient pharmaceutical demand, rising imports from Asia, soft industrial consumption, and stronger euro dynamics pressured market prices downward.
