Glacial acetic acid, also known as anhydrous acetic acid, is a colorless liquid organic compound with the formula CH3COOH and CAS number 64-19-7. It is called glacial because it solidifies into ice-like crystals at 16.6°C. As one of the most important building blocks in the chemical industry, it is traded in large volumes worldwide, and buyers frequently ask what it costs per kilogram and why prices move so quickly.
What Is Glacial Acetic Acid?
Glacial acetic acid is the concentrated, essentially water-free form of acetic acid, typically containing at least 99.5 percent acetic acid by weight. Its key physical properties include a molecular weight of 60.05, a density of about 1.049 g/cm3 at 20°C, a boiling point of approximately 118°C, and a melting point of 16.6°C, which is why cold-weather storage and transport require special attention. Industrial production is dominated by methanol carbonylation, while acetaldehyde oxidation and biobased fermentation routes are also used. A large share of global capacity is concentrated in a small number of producing countries, led by China, and this geographic concentration makes the market sensitive to regional supply events.
Indicative Glacial Acetic Acid Prices per kg
Export transaction data show a wide price range for glacial acetic acid. In 2023, indicative export prices ranged from USD 1.11 to 4.12 per kg; in 2024 the range moved to USD 2.57 to 13.59 per kg. The width of these ranges is normal for a commodity traded across many grades, destinations, and shipment sizes. A container load of industrial-grade material bought under an annual contract sits at a different price point than a small drum order of pharmaceutical-grade acid with full documentation. Buyers should therefore compare like for like: the same grade, the same incoterm, the same packaging, and the same delivery point.
Market prices are usually discussed in two ways. Spot prices reflect immediate availability in a specific region, while contract prices are fixed for a month or a quarter. Regional prices in Asia, Europe, and the Americas can diverge significantly because of freight costs and import duties, so a single global number rarely reflects what a particular buyer will actually pay.
Key Factors That Drive the Price of Glacial Acetic Acid
Purity and grade. Industrial, food, and pharmaceutical grades carry different production and testing costs. Higher purity and stricter quality control increase the unit price.
Raw material costs. Methanol and natural gas are the main feedstocks for methanol carbonylation. Changes in methanol prices and energy costs move directly into the cost structure of acetic acid.
Demand from downstream sectors. Vinyl acetate monomer, purified terephthalic acid, acetate esters, and acetic anhydride consume the majority of global output. Seasonal and cyclical demand changes create short-term price swings.
Supply and plant operations. Planned maintenance, unplanned outages, and new capacity additions in major producing regions shift the balance between supply and demand.
Logistics and export costs. Ocean freight, packaging, port handling, and import duties can add a meaningful share to the delivered per-kg price for international buyers.
Currency and payment terms. Exchange rate movements and credit terms affect the final cost for importers paying in a different currency.
How to Compare Quotes and Avoid Hidden Costs
When evaluating supplier quotations, look beyond the unit price. Confirm the exact specification against the applicable standard. In China, industrial glacial acetic acid is commonly specified against GB/T 1628, while food-grade material must comply with the food additive standard GB 1886.10 in addition to meeting purity requirements. Request a certificate of analysis for each lot and verify assay, water content, and appearance before shipment.
Define the incoterm clearly. FOB and CIF or DAP prices can differ by hundreds of dollars per ton because of freight.
Check packaging options. The 30 kg drum, 200 kg drum, IBC tote, and ISO tank container each have different unit costs and minimum order quantities.
Confirm the freezing-point risk. Glacial acetic acid solidifies at 16.6°C, so winter shipments to cold regions need heated or insulated containers.
Ask about storage stability and shelf life, and confirm the policy for off-spec material before committing to a purchase order.
Matching the Grade to the Application
Grade selection is the most direct way to control cost. Industrial-grade glacial acetic acid is suitable for most manufacturing uses, such as the production of acetate esters, dyes, rubber, and textile auxiliaries. Food-grade material is used as an acidity regulator and preservative and must meet food additive regulations. Pharmaceutical-grade acid supports the synthesis of active ingredients and demands stricter impurity limits. Buying the highest possible purity when a lower grade meets the process requirement only adds cost without adding value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the reported price range for glacial acetic acid so wide?
The range reflects different grades, order volumes, regions, and shipping terms. Reported export prices aggregate everything from small drum shipments to full ISO tank loads, so the low and high ends of the range are not directly comparable. Always compare quotations on the same specification and delivery basis.
What is the difference between glacial acetic acid and diluted acetic acid?
Glacial acetic acid contains at least 99.5 percent acetic acid with almost no water, while diluted acetic acid is a solution of acetic acid in water, such as the 5 percent vinegar used in food. Handling requirements differ because the concentrated form is corrosive and must be stored in compatible containers.
Which grade of glacial acetic acid should I buy for food use?
Food-grade glacial acetic acid must meet national food additive standards, such as GB 1886.10 in China, and should come with a certificate of analysis confirming purity and impurity limits. Industrial grade must not be substituted for food applications.
How is glacial acetic acid normally packed and transported?
Common packages are 30 kg and 200 kg drums, IBC totes, and ISO tank containers for bulk orders. Because the product freezes at 16.6°C, insulated or heated equipment is required for transport and storage in cold climates.
How can I stabilize my procurement cost?
Annual or quarterly contracts with fixed pricing, combined with visibility on methanol and natural gas markets, reduce exposure to spot volatility. Larger, consolidated orders also lower the logistics cost per kilogram.
Is industrial-grade glacial acetic acid safe for food contact applications?
No. Industrial grade is not tested or certified against food additive regulations and may contain impurities that are not permitted in food. Use only certified food-grade material for any food contact or food preservation application.