North America

In Q4 2023, North American Acetylene prices followed a dynamic trajectory influenced by internal and external factors. The downward trend from Q3 continued, primarily due to weakened demand from key downstream industries, especially construction. Prices reached their lowest in October, showing a 20% decrease from the Q2 peak. Towards the quarter's end, a slight uptick occurred, likely driven by seasonality and anticipation of increased early 2024 demand.

Softening demand in construction, impacted by inflationary pressures and seasonal fluctuations, was a major driver of the price decline. Despite elevated calcium carbide prices, the key feedstock for acetylene, they stabilized in Q4, offering some relief to producers. Ample acetylene stocks and the broader economic slowdown in North America contributed to cautious buying behavior and lower demand. Regional price variations existed, with slightly higher prices in the Northeast and Midwest compared to the South and West. The outlook remains influenced by demand trends, feedstock costs, and economic conditions, with a cautious optimism for a potential rebound in early 2024.

APAC

The Acetylene market in the APAC region has witnessed various factors influencing the pricing dynamics during the fourth quarter of 2023. Firstly, the market has experienced limited inquiries from the downstream PVC industries, resulting in a decrease in demand and subsequently impacting the prices. Additionally, the availability of energy materials, such as Calcium Carbide, has played a significant role in pricing. The price of the feedstock was expected to increase, further impacting the manufacturing costs of Acetylene. Furthermore, global trade volumes and freight rates have also influenced the market, with fluctuations observed throughout the quarter. In terms of plant shutdowns, no specific details have been provided in the available information. Focusing on India, which has experienced the most significant changes in prices, the Acetylene market has witnessed a decrease in prices during the quarter. This decline can be attributed to the lacklustre inquiries from the downstream PVC industries and the stockpiling of the product in the domestic market. The availability of Acetylene has been reported to be sufficient to meet the demand from end-use industries. Additionally, the reduced buying interest in the area has led to a notable price decline. The latest price of Dissolved Acetylene Gas Ex-Kolkata in India for the current quarter has been USD 3843/MT.

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Europe

In Q4 2023, Acetylene prices in Europe underwent a volatile journey shaped by global and regional factors. The upward trend from Q3 continued at the start of Q4, driven by surging calcium carbide feedstock prices. Ongoing global supply chain disruptions posed challenges to material availability and affordability. Industrial demand for acetylene remained steady, while construction-related demand fluctuated. Geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in Ukraine, added complexity to the market, influencing energy costs and economic sentiment. Regionally, price movements varied across European countries, with generally higher prices in Western and Central Europe compared to Eastern European markets. The outlook for 2024 is uncertain, contingent on factors such as calcium carbide prices, global economic evolution, and geopolitical developments. The acetylene market in Europe faced a turbulent Q4, marked by high feedstock costs, volatile demand, and geopolitical uncertainties. Although prices moderated towards the quarter's end, they remain elevated compared to previous years. The future trajectory depends on a complex interplay of global and regional factors. Note that this review may not capture all nuances, and for up-to-date insights, consulting industry reports and expert analysis is recommended