ChemAnalyst

The market for Acrylonitrile has been depicting contrasting trends at different latitudes on account of distinct upstream cost and downstream demand in different territories. Acrylonitrile, produced from ammoxidation of propylene, is the upstream for ABS and Acrylic fibres. Hence, the fluctuations in the demand or prices of propylene and ABS majorly influence the market for Acrylonitrile. The Asian countries are witnessing a complete turnaround of Acrylonitrile prices from the other parts of the world, making them an exception. In Asian countries, the price of Acrylonitrile is falling, owing to the ample supply of upstream propylene. The stable to marginally lower demand for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) has also supported the price drop of Acrylonitrile in Asia. The numerical data from the continuing week confirmed the reports about this price dip. The evaluated price value implied a decrement of USD 5/MT from Monday to Tuesday in the ongoing week at FOB Korea and CFR China...

Acrylonitrile prices rose in Asian market last week, owing to surging upstream Propylene. Players witnessed a market scenario in which product supply tightened, while a series of planned regional plant turnarounds helped improve the buying sentiments. The price rise was attributed to firmer upstream energy values and protracted tight product avails within the region. The Acrylonitrile market is probably going to trend higher within the week as global shortage woes lend support. In South Asia, Acrylonitrile prices rose by USD30/MT, hitting a new 20-month high during the start of February. The Chinese propylene market is expected to rise this week, owing to disruptions in Deepsea shipments from the US due to bad weather and restocking demands following the Lunar New Year vacations. China has a scarcity of supplies. Shandong Shida Shenghua Chemical produces 70,000 t/yr. of petrochemicals. The plant is prepared for shutdown and is currently operating at about 70% capacity. These factors...