Polyacrylamide Market in China Continues to Rise in March
09-04-2026
Polyacrylamide Market in China Continues to Rise in March
Market Trend: According to the commodity market analysis system, the mainstream domestic price of polyacrylamide (CPAM, cationic, molecular weight 12 million, ionic degree 10–30) increased in March. On March 30, the mainstream market price was around 13,660 RMB/ton, up 5.4% from 12,960 RMB/ton at the beginning of the month.
The sharp rise in the price of acrylonitrile, a key raw material, and the continuous increase in costs became the core drivers of this price increase, forcing manufacturers to raise product prices multiple times and pushing the mainstream PAM market price higher throughout the month.
The production of polyacrylamide heavily relies on upstream raw materials such as acrylonitrile. Acrylonitrile prices surged in March. As of March 30, the average acrylonitrile price was 11,366.67 RMB/ton, a 60.09% increase from 7,100 RMB/ton on March 1.
Geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and increased navigation risks have raised market concerns over energy supply. Propylene, the core feedstock for acrylonitrile, also saw higher costs. Coupled with worries over Middle East propane supply and rising logistics expenses, the raw material side provided strong rigid support for acrylonitrile prices.Amid the sharp rise in acrylonitrile prices and improved profit margins, some acrylonitrile plants have postponed maintenance and increased output. However, some downstream acrylic fiber and ABS producers have reduced operating rates recently.
On the demand side, with the implementation of spring municipal wastewater treatment upgrading projects and stricter industrial wastewater discharge standards, rigid demand for high-molecular-weight, high-ionic-degree polyacrylamide in municipal sludge dewatering, papermaking, chemical industry and other sectors has grown.Wastewater treatment plants and traders have concentrated their restocking demand, creating a tight balance of rising demand + tightening supply, which further supported PAM price increases.
Outlook: Jilin Petrochemical’s 684,000 tpy acrylonitrile unit is scheduled for turnaround from mid-April to mid-May, with operating rates expected to drop to 60–70%, which may reduce acrylonitrile supply.Meanwhile, the energy supply crisis caused by short-term geopolitical conflicts is unlikely to ease. Therefore, polyacrylamide prices are expected to continue rising in April.