Acrylic Acid is a key petrochemical derivative primarily produced from propylene through catalytic oxidation. It serves as a crucial building block for superabsorbent polymers, acrylate esters, water treatment chemicals, adhesives, coatings, textiles, and construction materials. Due to its strong linkage with propylene feedstock and wide downstream application base, the Acrylic Acid market is highly sensitive to fluctuations in raw material prices and demand conditions across multiple end-use industries.

Between mid-2025 and early-2026, the Acrylic Acid market experienced notable volatility, driven by changing propylene cost dynamics, demand slowdown in key sectors, and subsequent restocking activities.

Price Trend Analysis
In July 2025, prices increased sharply to around $1457 per metric ton, supported by supply tightness and improved procurement from downstream industries. However, this upward momentum was temporary.

From July 2025 onward, the market entered a downward phase, primarily due to weaker demand across key downstream sectors and cautious buying sentiment among market participants. Adequate inventory levels and limited fresh inquiries further pressured prices. In addition, the decline in raw material propylene prices reduced production cost support, enabling suppliers to offer competitive pricing and accelerating the bearish trend. As a result, by mid-November 2025, Acrylic Acid prices declined to nearly $1290 per metric ton, marking the lowest level during the period.

In December 2025, the market began recovering, with prices rebounding to approximately $1310 per metric ton. The improvement was largely driven by positive market sentiment, as participants anticipated higher upcoming production costs amid strengthening propylene prices. Buyers increased procurement to hedge against expected cost escalation.

The recovery strengthened in January 2026, when prices rose to around $1370 per metric ton. This surge was primarily supported by propylene prices reaching approximately $983 per metric ton, significantly increasing production costs. Additionally, seasonal restocking and improved demand from superabsorbent polymer and coatings sectors contributed to the upward movement.

By February 2026, prices stabilised near $1330 per metric ton, as the market entered a consolidation phase following the January surge. Buyers reassessed inventories, and resistance at higher levels limited further gains.

End-Use Industry Analysis
Acrylic Acid demand is diversified across several downstream industries:

  • Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP)
  • Paints and Coatings
  • Adhesives and Sealants
  • Water Treatment Chemicals
  • Textiles and Nonwovens

Overall, while demand was weak in Q3-Q4 2025, gradual improvement in raw material and end use sectors supported recovery in early 2026.

Market Outlook
Looking ahead, the Acrylic Acid market is expected to remain influenced primarily by:

  • Propylene price movements
  • Energy cost fluctuations
  • Operating rates of downstream SAP and coatings manufacturers
  • Construction and automotive sector recovery

If feedstock prices remain firm and downstream demand rise, the market is likely to maintain stable-to-firm fundamentals in the near term. However, cautious procurement strategies may limit excessive price volatility.