For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Acetylene Price Index in the U.S. trended mixed through Q2 2025, with modest gains tied to feedstock calcium carbide costs and automotive-driven welding demand, while persistent weakness in construction-linked PVC applications and soft industrial activity kept broader sentiment subdued. Buyers largely adhered to short-term purchasing, limiting trading momentum.
• April saw prices stabilize as feedstock calcium carbide costs held firm, while inventories remained balanced. Robust demand from the automotive sector, particularly for welding in vehicle manufacturing, provided partial support. However, PVC consumption tied to housing and commercial projects lagged, as high mortgage rates and declining builder sentiment curtailed construction-related activity and downstream chemical usage.
• May recorded further softness as feedstock costs eased with stable calcium carbide prices and adequate supply. Downstream demand from PVC remained weak, as building permits and completions fell month-on-month, while industrial welding stayed muted due to slow project pipelines. Producers aligned operating rates conservatively, avoiding oversupply, and transactions remained largely spot-driven.
• By June, prices inched upward, supported by rising energy expenses that lifted manufacturing costs despite stable feedstock conditions. Automotive-linked welding offered modest demand stability, but PVC offtake tied to stalled residential and commercial construction activity remained lackluster. With overseas demand muted and inventories sufficient, U.S. acetylene markets closed Q2 cost-supported but fundamentally weak, with no clear demand-driven momentum.
Why did the price of Acetylene change in July 2025 in North America?
• In July, the Acetylene Price Index in North America edged higher as rising feedstock calcium carbide costs supported prices despite subdued PVC-linked demand.
• The Acetylene Production Cost Trend strengthened slightly, with elevated calcium carbide prices prompting sellers to maintain firmer offers, even as output aligned with seasonal demand and Gulf Coast logistics remained stable.
• The modest price gains were primarily cost-driven, as weak construction-driven PVC consumption kept overall market momentum restrained.
Asia
• The acetylene market in Asia trended largely soft through Q2 2025, with prices declining in April and May before posting a mild rebound in June as inventories tightened and selective demand improved. Weakness in downstream PVC consumption, tied to the broader construction slowdown, and muted industrial welding demand weighed on market momentum, despite stable feedstock conditions.
• In April, prices dropped as downstream PVC and welding activity lagged, with high inventories and only modest cost pressure from feedstock calcium carbide, despite brief maintenance-related tightness at some APAC plants. Falling PVC prices further curbed restocking, while heatwaves and labor shortages delayed construction projects, keeping demand sluggish.
• May saw a continued soft trend, as PVC producers across Asia reduced operating rates during extended regional holidays, suppressing acetylene consumption. Early monsoon disruptions and labor migration in India added to seasonal weakness, with most buyers sticking to spot purchases as inventories stayed sufficient.
• By June, prices rose modestly, supported by tighter inventories and a demand boost from India’s automotive sector, where retail vehicle sales rose year-on-year. Automotive-linked welding applications drove incremental offtake, but PVC-related consumption remained subdued due to stalled construction activity from monsoon delays and project deferrals, keeping overall market conditions cautious despite firmer pricing.
Why did the price of Acetylene change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July, the Acetylene Price Index in Asia declined as typhoons, storms, and landslides across multiple regions, coupled with the monsoon-driven construction slowdown, significantly reduced PVC-related consumption.
• The Acetylene Production Cost Trend remained steady, but sluggish end-user demand prompted traders to avoid aggressive restocking, keeping spot activity muted.
• Seasonal demand weakness, combined with weather-related project delays, sustained downward pressure on prices as market participants prioritized minimal, contract-bound procurement over forward purchases.
Europe
• The Acetylene Price Index in Germany trended largely soft through Q2 2025, as subdued downstream demand from PVC and welding applications outweighed steady feedstock conditions and minor seasonal factors. Weak construction-linked activity and stagnant industrial consumption led buyers to prioritize short-cycle procurement, keeping overall trading momentum muted.
• April saw prices ease as acetylene consumption from PVC converters and industrial welding sectors remained underwhelming. Ongoing weakness in Eurozone housing, commercial, and infrastructure projects suppressed derivative demand, while downstream buyers avoided bulk purchases amid high inventories and slow export movement due to persistent congestion at Hamburg Port.
• May prices continued to drift lower, with PVC producers curbing output despite slight seasonal improvements. Extended port backlogs and weak export orders from neighboring EU markets left domestic inventories elevated. Construction sector stagnation deepened, curbing cement and PVC-linked solvent demand, while industrial welding activity failed to recover, leaving volumes heavily spot-driven.
• By June, prices ticked up modestly as regional inventories tightened and localized restocking emerged, though market fundamentals stayed weak. Automotive-related welding offered slight support, but PVC demand tied to the struggling construction sector remained soft. With exports still constrained and end-use demand largely stagnant, European acetylene markets closed Q2 under cautious sentiment despite the late-quarter uptick.
Why did the price of Acetylene change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July, the Acetylene Price Index in Europe rose modestly as surging electricity and feedstock calcium carbide costs, driven by a regional heatwave and power grid strain, lifted production overheads despite weak PVC demand.
• The Acetylene Production Cost Trend strengthened, with electricity rates doubling and calcium carbide prices firming, prompting producers to maintain higher offers even as Hamburg port congestion slowed outbound shipments and lime costs stayed steady.
• Despite the cost-driven gains, sluggish construction activity and muted PVC consumption limited demand momentum, leaving the market supported primarily by rising production expenses rather than any recovery in downstream offtake.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
India:- INR 321000 /MT, -3.0% Down
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• The Acetylene Price Index of Asia witnessed a falling movement during the month of April 2025, continuing the overall 5% decline (Q-o-Q basis) as frail construction-linked demand and oversupply persisted.
• Why did the Acetylene prices change in April 2025?: The Acetylene Spot Price declined as the demand from adhesives, coatings, and solvent segments, especially in India and China, remained weak.
• The Acetylene Production Cost Trend was pressured by low operating margins, driven by oversupply and subdued pricing.
• New capacity additions and falling intra-Asia freight rates further intensified competition and weighed down prices.
• Export orders remained thin, and domestic procurement was limited to short-term contracts, reflecting cautious sentiment across APAC markets.
• Manufacturers maintained steady production but opted for lean inventories to avoid costlier overstocking.
• The Acetylene Demand Outlook remains subdued as the construction sector, a key consumer, has yet to rebound meaningfully.
• The Acetylene Price Forecast points toward continued pressure unless construction and export demand improve in the upcoming quarter.
North America
• The Acetylene Price Index in North America witnessed a falling trend during April 2025, primarily influenced by weak demand from downstream industries and economic burden on key industries included adhesives, solvents, and coatings.
• Why did the price of Acetylene change in the US?: The Acetylene Spot Price remained under pressure as high interest rates and inflation delayed construction activity, leading to reduced demand from residential and commercial building segments.
• On the supply side, production remained steady, but suppliers adopted controlled operating rates to avoid excess inventory build-up.
• Inventory levels increased at major distribution hubs, signaling a supply-demand imbalance and discouraging further production ramp-up.
• Despite stable feedstock (calcium carbide) costs, downstream consumption remained limited, reflecting a conservative buying stance.
• The Acetylene Demand Outlook remains muted, with procurement driven mainly by essential needs.
• The Acetylene Production Cost Trend was relatively stable, though excess supply and weak offtake discouraged cost pass-throughs.
• The Acetylene Price Forecast suggests a cautiously bearish sentiment unless demand picks up in key downstream sectors.
Europe
• The Acetylene Price Index in Europe displayed a low price trend in April 2025, as construction and industrial activity remained sluggish across key economies like Germany, France, and Italy.
• Why did the price of Acetylene change in Europe during April 2025?: The Acetylene Spot Price stayed suppressed due to limited procurement from the adhesives, coatings, and solvents sectors, all impacted by project delays and high input costs.
• Manufacturers operated at cautious output levels to align with reduced offtake, but elevated inventories in storage hubs prevented any significant price recovery.
• Labour shortages, cost inflation, and fewer new construction projects contributed to a bearish Acetylene Demand Outlook.
• The Acetylene Production Cost Trend was affected by high energy prices, but with limited demand, producers avoided passing on additional costs.
• Weak downstream activity and subdued factory utilization continued to weigh on the market.
• The Acetylene Price Forecast remains bearish, with potential stabilization only if industrial demand or construction investments pick up in Q2.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
Throughout Q4 2024, the acetylene market in North America exhibited mixed trends, with prices slightly increasing in October before declining in November and December. In the USA, October's price rise was driven by improved demand from downstream PVC and acetylene applications. This demand uptick aligned with steady supply levels of feedstock calcium carbide, which offered sufficient cost support for acetylene production.
However, by November, the market faced a downturn as subdued housing starts, high mortgage rates, and reduced export opportunities dampened demand for acetylene. Industrial activity in the acetylene sector remained sluggish, leading to limited procurement and slower trading volumes.
In December, prices continued their decline, reflecting weak demand from PVC and acetylene applications and rising energy costs during the winter season, which added to production challenges. Manufacturers adopted aggressive destocking strategies to manage high inventory levels, further underscoring bearish market sentiment. The quarter closed with ongoing supply-demand imbalances and subdued downstream activity, highlighting the need for a rebound in construction and industrial applications to restore market stability.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the APAC acetylene market exhibited a downward trend, driven by weak downstream demand and abundant supply. In October, prices declined marginally as improved supply conditions alleviated earlier market tightness. Inventory levels remained sufficient, while feedstock calcium carbide prices provided minimal cost support. Demand from downstream sectors such as PVC and welding remained moderate, with post-monsoon construction activities in India failing to meet expectations. The Indian construction sector faced delays in infrastructure projects and cautious spending, which hindered demand recovery. November saw a steeper decline in acetylene prices as oversupply intensified and demand from the PVC, welding, and cutting sectors weakened further. Manufacturers turned to aggressive destocking strategies, offering discounts to manage excess inventory and stabilize cash flow. Subdued construction activities across the region and bearish market sentiment kept procurement restricted to essential requirements. Feedstock calcium carbide prices remained under pressure, exacerbating the market's challenges. By December, acetylene prices continued their decline, pressured by weak demand from the construction and industrial sectors, compounded by festival-related factory closures and cold weather. Seasonal slowdowns in construction and reduced activity in welding applications further constrained demand.
Europe
Throughout Q4 2024, the acetylene market in Europe exhibited varying trends, with prices increasing in October but declining through November and stabilizing in December. In Germany, the market experienced significant price changes, driven initially by improved demand from downstream PVC and chemical industries in October. The price rise was supported by stable feedstock calcium carbide costs and steady supply levels, as producers capitalized on increased trading volumes to recover margins. However, in November, the market faced a downturn as weak demand from PVC manufacturers and the struggling construction sector, coupled with rising inventories, applied downward pressure on prices. Subdued procurement activity and bearish market sentiment further exacerbated the decline. By December, prices stabilized amid ample supply and cautious buying behavior, as downstream industries contended with seasonal slowdowns and ongoing economic pressures. Elevated construction costs and high interest rates continued to suppress activity in the Eurozone’s construction sector, limiting demand for acetylene. The market ended the quarter reflecting challenges with oversupply and tepid downstream consumption, highlighting the need for a recovery in industrial and construction activities to balance market dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, Acetylene prices in North America continued their upward trajectory, driven by strong demand from downstream industries such as PVC. The USA saw a notable price increase compared to the Q3 2023, highlighting the robustness of the market. Prices rose by approximately 7% from the previous quarter, largely due to higher feedstock calcium carbide costs and heightened export activity.
Market resilience was evident as disruptions from hurricanes and strikes affected the U.S. industrial base, further supporting price stability. Limited export availability and expectations of future price hikes, fueled by strong domestic demand, contributed to the bullish sentiment. Additionally, rising freight rates and vessel shortages reduced the competitiveness of Asian PVC, enhancing U.S. export appeal in key markets.
By the end of the quarter, acetylene prices in the U.S. remained significantly elevated, reinforcing the overall positive pricing environment. The combination of external supply chain challenges and strategic export moves underscored the continued strength of the North American acetylene market.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the Acetylene market across the APAC region witnessed a notable price uptrend, fueled by a combination of factors. Robust demand from key sectors such as automotive, steel manufacturing, and other end-use industries significantly contributed to the rise in prices. Supply disruptions, including plant shutdowns, further tightened market availability, amplifying the upward price momentum. Additionally, rising ocean freight costs and geopolitical uncertainties exerted further pressure, pushing prices even higher. India experienced the sharpest price movements in the region, with consistent price increases throughout the quarter. The strong demand-supply imbalance led to a 7% rise in prices compared to the previous quarter and a 6.6% increase year-on-year. A 3% variation was observed between the first and second halves of the quarter, reflecting persistent market activity. Overall, moderate demand and sufficient inventories prompted manufacturers to maintain low operating rates, avoiding any drastic price escalations. The quarter-ending price for Dissolved Acetylene Gas Ex-Kolkata stood at USD 4228/MT, showcasing the prevailing bullish sentiment in the Indian market.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European Acetylene market maintained stable pricing, continuing the positive trend from previous quarters. Germany witnessed the most significant fluctuations, driven by stable market conditions. Pricing was largely influenced by factors such as consistent feedstock calcium carbide costs, steady demand from key sectors like PVC, and elevated natural gas prices that raised production costs. The market recorded a 12% price increase compared to Q3 2023, with a slight rise from Q2 2024, signaling a sustained positive trend. Price variation between the first and second halves of the quarter was minimal, reflecting steady pricing throughout the period. Strong export demand played a key role in maintaining healthy price levels, further bolstering market sentiment in the European market. With market demand and supply dynamics well-balanced, pricing stability was achieved, highlighting the resilience of the European Acetylene market. The overall sentiment remained positive as consistent conditions supported the pricing environment, demonstrating the sustained equilibrium in the market during this quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• What is the current price of Acetylene?
Acetylene prices have firmed slightly across most regions, supported by higher energy prices and feedstock calcium carbide costs, despite sluggish PVC-driven consumption.
• Who are the top Acetylene producers globally?
Key producers include Linde, Air Products, Praxair, BASF, and Chengdu Xinjin, which supply major industrial hubs across Asia, Europe, and North America.
• What is the Acetylene Price Forecast for August 2025?
Prices are expected to remain firm, with elevated energy and feedstock costs supporting offers, even as seasonal construction slowdowns continue to weigh on PVC-related demand.
• What sectors are driving Acetylene demand?
The primary demand stems from PVC production, while smaller volumes serve metal fabrication, welding, and chemical synthesis.
