Ethyl Acetate
The major outlet for ethyl acetate (EAC) is coatings which account for 60% of demand. Process solvents, including pharmaceuticals and organic synthesis, account for 15% while printing inks are also estimated at 15%. Miscellaneous uses, including adhesives and cosmetics, account for a further 10% of demand.
The main method to manufacture EAC involves the esterification of ethanol with acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst, although some is produced by the catalytic condensation of acetaldehyde with alkoxides. EAC is an active solvent that is available in three grades: 85-88%, 99% and 99.5% (urethane grade). The most popular grade, 99%, is mainly used in industrial lacquers and enamels, for example, in the production of photographic film, adhesives and nail varnishes. It is also used as an extraction solvent in the production of pharmaceuticals and food and as a carrier solvent for herbicides. EA can be used to reduce pollution associated with wood pulping, while also improving economic viability.
EAC is a colourless, mobile, volatile liquid that is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. In a fire, flashback can occur, as its vapours are heavier than air. EA is moderately toxic by inhalation and vapours can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract.
ICIS pricing quotes ethyl acetate in the Europe, Asia-Pacific, the USA and India/Middle East (contained in SOLVENTS INDIA/MIDDLE EAST report – see separate entry)
Frequency:
Published weekly on Fridays in Europe and Asia-Pacific, and on Tuesdays in the USA, weekly on Wednesdays in India/Middle East.
Ethyl Acetate (EUROPE)
Ethyl acetate spot prices
- FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
Ethyl Acetate (ASIA-PACIFIC)
Ethyl acetate spot prices
- CFR S.E.Asia (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
- CFR N.E.Asia (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
- FOB China (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
Ethyl Acetate (USA)
Ethyl acetate list prices
- DEL CONSUMER monthly (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
Ethyl acetate contract prices
- DEL CONSUMER monthly (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
Ethyl acetate spot prices
- FOB USG EXP (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
General Information:
Assessment window: Price assessments are based on information supplied by market participants through the week up to close of business on Fridays at 1800 hours in London, Singapore and Houston.
Specifications: Molecular weight of 88, boiling point of 70ºC, and a relative density of 0.9.
Timing: Parcels are delivered four-six weeks from date of publication
Terms: 30-60 days after bill of lading date.
Standard cargo size: In Europe, a standard parcel represents a full truck load of 20-25 tonnes. In Asia-Pacific, usual parcel size ranges from 100-500 tonnes. The US contract price applies to customers purchasing 500,000-3,000,000 lb per year. Representative spot cargo size is 40-44,000 lbs per iso-container, or 72-76 drums.
Assessment Basis: In Europe, spot trades are usually delivered on trucks of typically 20-25tonnes, full load. European FD assessments reflect business done for the current month in the Benelux, France and Germany.
The quote covers the spot market on a weekly basis. If available, there will also be mentions of prices on an FCA basis in the market over the week. In the case of influx of material from other regions, in particular from Russia and Brazil, this will be mentioned in the text. UK prices and market trends are also covered in the text when applicable. Comments are made on downstream and upstream markets when applicable.
In Asia-Pacific, price assessments are based on information collected from market players throughout the week and take into consideration supply situations, plant operating rates and downstream derivative demand. The price ranges include deals done, bids and offers and notional discussions. The Asia text includes details on the Chinese domestic market.
In North America, the report tracks feedstock and downstream information on ethyl acetate. Distributor prices are given on a notation basis for delivered material prior to discount. Contract prices are negotiated quarterly.
In the US, EAC contracts cover monthly list prices or quarterly negotiated consumer contract prices. Spot prices represent weekly changes. Supply/demand patterns are identified in the body of the text. The USA report also carries trade US trade data, covering monthly imports and exports.
The USA report also carries trade data from the US department of commerce.
All regional reports offer market commentary that includes details of traced transactions, news on the supply/demand balance, export/import information news, contract price negotiations and general sentiment for price direction. Where applicable there is product information, comments on up and downstream market developments and general market intelligence. In EAC, this can cover industrial ethanol, ethylene and acetic acid.