Acrylic acid-Acrylate esters

Following seasonally soft demand at the beginning of the year, consumption levels are expected to pick up in March and April, in line with increased activity in the construction sector in spring. It is not yet clear how much of an improvement in demand the market will see, as buying interest is largely dependent on the strength of the economy and warm weather conditions.

Supply and demand are likely to remain balanced in the coming months.

Feedstock cost pressure from the propylene industry, as well as a need for producers to regain margin, is expected to put upward price pressure on the market. However, there are concerns that demand will be lacklustre, or sporadic at best, and this is likely to temper any significant price hikes in the short term.

Spot prices have firmed since January and are on an uptrend, as sellers continue to seek higher prices to recover margins.

Updated to mid-February 2013