The global Acrylonitrile (ACN) market witnessed significant price volatility during 2025, characterised by strong pricing in the first quarter followed by a steady correction through the remainder of the year. The pricing movement was primarily driven by seasonal demand patterns, geopolitical uncertainties, and structural supply-side developments, particularly capacity additions in China.

Q1 2025: Firm Market Supported by Seasonal Demand
At the start of January 2025, Acrylonitrile prices across major benchmarks were elevated:

  • CFR Far East Asia: $1.267/kg
  • CFR Southeast Asia: $1.271/kg
  • CFR South Asia: $1.301/kg
  • Domestic India (Kandla): Bulk: $1.427/kg
  • FOB US Gulf: Export: $1.248/kg

During Q1, prices strengthened due to seasonal restocking and improved downstream operating rates in Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, acrylic fibre, and nitrile rubber. Demand from automotive components, textiles, appliances, and construction sectors supported higher procurement activity. Buyers built inventories in anticipation of strong summer demand, which supported firm CFR Asia and FOB US Gulf price levels.

By April 2025, benchmark prices corrected from Q1 highs and started trending downward:

  • CFR Far East Asia: declined to ~$1.24/kg
  • CFR Southeast Asia: declined to ~$1.24/kg
  • CFR South Asia: declined to ~$1.18/kg
  • Domestic India (Kandla): corrected toward ~$1.38–1.40/kg
  • FOB US Gulf: softened to ~$1.399/kg

Percentage Change (January to April 2025)

Strong US Market in Q1 2025
A notable trend in early 2025 was the strong performance of the US market compared to Asia. While Asian prices increased moderately, FOB US Gulf Acrylonitrile prices rose significantly due to supply constraints and rising operating costs.

Q2 2025 Onwards: Market Reversal
From May 2025 onward, the market shifted direction. Prices began correcting across all Incoterms:

  • Buyers completed seasonal restocking.
  • Downstream margins in ABS and synthetic rubber weakened.
  • Procurement shifted toward short-term, need-based buying.

The most critical structural factor was the addition of new Acrylonitrile capacities in China. Increased operating rates and export-oriented sales strategies significantly expanded regional supply.

H2 2025: Oversupply-Driven Decline
With new Asian capacity ramping up, the market moved into oversupply territory. Competitive export offers from China pressured CFR Southeast Asia and CFR South Asia benchmarks.

Prices By Q4 2025:

  • CFR Far East Asia: declined to ~$1.08/kg, -14.7 per cent
  • CFR Southeast Asia: declined to ~$1.08/kg, -15 per cent
  • CFR South Asia: declined to ~$1.05/kg, -19.2 per cent
  • FOB US Gulf: declined to ~$1.08/kg, -13.5 per cent

Weekly Insights–Acrylonitrile Market (February 2026)
The global Acrylonitrile market continued to witness a downward correction during the week ending 18 February 2026, with prices declining across all major regions compared to the previous week. The persistent bearish trend reflects weak downstream demand, aggressive export competition, and comfortable supply availability.

On a week-on-week basis, prices softened as follows:

  • CFR Far East Asia: declined from $1.09/kg to $1.05/kg, - 3.7 per cent
  • CFR Southeast Asia: decreased from $1.09/kg to $1.04/kg, - 4.6 per cent
  • CFR South Asia: eased from $1.06/kg to $1.04/kg, -1.9 per cent
  • FOB US Gulf: dropped from $1.07/kg to $1.03/kg, -3.7 per cent
  • FOB China: declined from $1.06/kg to $1.01/kg, -4.7 per cent

Market Outlook–Next 3 Months (2026)
The Acrylonitrile market is expected to remain bearish to stable, with limited price recovery anticipated as persistent oversupply, weak downstream margins, and cautious procurement strategies continue to weigh on sentiment. A meaningful price rebound is likely only in the event of unexpected supply disruptions, stronger-than-anticipated seasonal demand, or a significant increase in feedstock propylene costs.

Price Forecast

  • CFR Far East Asia: $0.98–1.04/kg
  • CFR Southeast Asia: $0.97–1.03/kg
  • CFR South Asia: $0.96–1.02/kg
  • FOB China: expected to remain under pressure
  • FOB US Gulf: likely to stabilise in the range of $0.96–1.0/kg