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.
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.
