Acetic Acid Export in America Falls Slightly in November 2022

U.S. Acetic Acid Exports

In November 2022, approximately 59K tons of acetic acid were exported from the United States; waning by -4.2% compared with the previous month. In general, exports showed a noticeable curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in July 2022 when exports increased by 83% month-to-month. The exports peaked at 85K tons in January 2022; however, from February 2022 to November 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, acetic acid exports fell to $38M (IndexBox estimates) in November 2022. Overall, exports showed a deep downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in July 2022 when exports increased by 65% against the previous month. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at 74K tons in January 2022; however, from February 2022 to November 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Mexico (27K tons), Belgium (22K tons) and Brazil (6.7K tons) were the main destinations of acetic acid exports from the United States, together comprising 95% of total exports.

From January 2022 to November 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Brazil (with a CAGR of +0.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, the largest markets for acetic acid exported from the United States were Mexico ($19M), Belgium ($10M) and Brazil ($5.8M), with a combined 91% share of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, Brazil, with a CAGR of +4.6%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Export Prices by Country

In November 2022, the acetic acid price stood at $648 per ton (FOB, US), which is down by -10.8% against the previous month. Overall, the export price continues to indicate a pronounced decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in August 2022 when the average export price increased by 18% m-o-m. The export price peaked at $967 per ton in March 2022; however, from April 2022 to November 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In November 2022, the country with the highest price was Canada ($1,164 per ton), while the average price for exports to Belgium ($458 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From January 2022 to November 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Brazil (+4.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Factors Affecting Acetic Acid Prices

Acetic acid is a clear, colorless liquid with a strong, sour smell. It is the main component of vinegar and is used in a wide variety of other products, including cleaning agents, food flavorings, and medical supplies. Several factors influence the price of acetic acid, including production costs, global demand, and geopolitical conditions.

Production costs are a major factor influencing the price of acetic acid. The raw materials used to make acetic acid, such as methanol and carbon monoxide, can fluctuate in price due to changes in the global markets for these commodities. In addition, energy costs can also impact the cost of production.

Global demand is another significant factor that influences the price of acetic acid. When demand is high, prices tend to increase as producers attempt to maximize their profits. Conversely, when demand is low, prices may decrease as producers compete for customers by offering lower prices.

Finally, geopolitical conditions can also have an effect on the price of acetic acid. For example, if there is unrest in a major producing region, this could lead to higher prices due to disruptions in the supply chain. Additionally, trade disputes between countries can also influence pricing by impacting the availability of imported acetic acid.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform