In September 2026, the domestic acetone market experienced a strong upward trend, showing an overall trend of “recovery from low levels at the beginning of the month and fine-tuning from high levels at the end of the month”. The overall market growth was considerable, reaching a new high for the year. Data shows that the benchmark price of acetone in the domestic market was about 7225 yuan/ton at the beginning of this month, and the price continued to rise throughout the month. The mainstream market price in East China once soared to 9300-9350 yuan/ton, breaking the five-year high. At the end of the month, the market slightly fell and adjusted, and the mainstream quotation remained stable in the range of 8750-8800 yuan/ton, with an overall increase of over 20% throughout the month. The market trading atmosphere was generally warm.
The acetone market has seen a significant increase this month, driven by multiple resonances of tight supply, recovering demand, and cost support. The supply side is the core factor driving price increases. In September, several phenol ketone plants in China underwent phased maintenance and reduced load operation. Some major plants in Shandong, North China, and other regions suspended exports, resulting in a significant contraction in domestic spot circulation. Market spot inventory is at a low level, and the tight supply pattern continues to support market prices. At the same time, the arrival volume of imported cargo at the port this month is relatively low, and external sources of supply are limited, further exacerbating the tight domestic supply situation.
The synchronous recovery of demand side provides solid impetus for the upward trend of the market. The peak season effect of the traditional “Golden Nine” chemical industry is prominent, and the operating rates of downstream industries such as bisphenol A, MMA, and solvents are steadily increasing. Terminal factories are concentrating on replenishing inventory, and there is a surge in demand for essential purchases. The demand for goods preparation before the Mid Autumn Festival was released in a centralized manner, the market trading activity was significantly increased, the traders had a strong attitude of price fixing, and the spot transaction price was steadily rising, driving the overall market focus to continue moving upward. In terms of cost, the international crude oil and pure benzene prices fluctuated strongly during the month, providing basic cost support for the acetone market. Coupled with the long-term losses of phenol and ketone enterprises, manufacturers have a strong willingness to raise prices, effectively limiting the market’s downward space.
As we enter the end of the month, the market situation gradually cools down, and signs of high-level correction are emerging. The long short game intensifies, and the overall market will show a stable and slightly adjusted pattern in the future. The pressure on the supply side is gradually rising, and the phenol ketone units that were previously repaired have resumed production one after another. The export supply is steadily increasing, and coupled with the concentration of imported cargo at the port after the holiday, the domestic market supply will gradually ease, easing the tight supply situation in the early stage. The cost side benefits have weakened, and there are downward expectations in the crude oil market. The support for raw materials is gradually weakening, which will exert a certain pressure on acetone prices.
From the demand side, after the holiday, the end market’s stocking demand has come to an end, and downstream factories mainly purchase according to demand. The trend of centralized replenishment has subsided, and the support for essential needs has slowed down, making it difficult to support sustained high price increases. Overall, the short-term acetone market lacks sustained upward momentum, and companies still have the willingness to raise prices, with limited room for significant decline. It is expected that the market will mainly consolidate at a high level and experience a slight correction after the holiday, with mainstream prices likely fluctuating around the range of 8500-8900 yuan/ton.