News Release: July 28, 2025
Ethyl Thioacetate Price Trend in Past Five Years and Factors Impacting Price Movements (2019–2024)
Between 2019 and 2024, the global ethyl thioacetate market has seen substantial fluctuations in prices, primarily driven by changes in raw material availability, environmental regulations, and demand-supply imbalances across different regions. The price of ethyl thioacetate in 2019 averaged around $2,650/MT, supported by steady demand from the agrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors, which rely on it as an intermediate.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains, resulting in reduced production capacities. Prices remained relatively stable around $2,600/MT in the first half but fell to $2,450/MT by the end of the year due to reduced industrial activities and lower global demand. Ethyl thioacetate production was halted in several Asian countries due to lockdowns and logistics bottlenecks, which influenced market sentiment.
The year 2021 marked a recovery phase with prices rebounding to $2,800/MT as economies reopened and manufacturing activities resumed. However, the raw material costs, especially ethanol and thioacetic acid, increased due to supply constraints, pushing prices further upwards. Additionally, environmental regulatory pressures in China led to reduced plant utilization rates, affecting ethyl thioacetate production and tightening the supply.
In 2022, the price reached $3,100/MT by mid-year due to surging demand in India and Southeast Asia. This year also witnessed some restructuring in the supply chain, with new players entering the market, particularly in Eastern Europe. However, logistical challenges such as container shortages and high freight rates kept overall prices elevated.
The highest peak was observed in early 2023 when prices touched $3,450/MT. This spike was attributed to a temporary shutdown of two major production facilities in China and Germany for maintenance and upgrades. Moreover, a rise in crude oil prices affected the upstream chemical costs, directly impacting the ethyl thioacetate price trend.
By the end of 2023, the price gradually softened to $3,200/MT as global supply normalized and demand from certain sectors, particularly agriculture, plateaued. In 2024, the ethyl thioacetate price trend was largely downward, with an average price of $3,050/MT. This was primarily due to increased production capacities in India and Brazil and stabilization in raw material prices. Additionally, enhanced efficiency in logistics and transport costs further helped stabilize prices.
Ethyl thioacetate price trend and production News
The key factors impacting the ethyl thioacetate price trend over the last five years include:
- Availability and cost of raw materials like ethanol and acetic acid derivatives.
- Stringent environmental regulations in production-heavy regions.
- Plant shutdowns due to maintenance or compliance upgrades.
- Shifts in demand from the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and chemical synthesis sectors.
- Geopolitical tensions and pandemic-related supply chain disruptions.
- Emergence of low-cost manufacturers in developing markets.
Despite the challenges, the ethyl thioacetate market has shown resilience, with industry participants increasingly focusing on optimizing production processes to counter price volatility. As global markets stabilize post-pandemic and logistics become more streamlined, future pricing is expected to remain more predictable.
Ethyl Thioacetate Price Trend Quarterly Update in $/MT (2025 Forecast)
- Q1 2025: $3,100/MT
The first quarter of 2025 saw a slight rebound in prices as demand picked up in the European pharmaceutical industry. Increased regulatory approvals for new formulations involving ethyl thioacetate created a short-term supply gap.
- Q2 2025: $3,050/MT
Production stabilized across Asian countries, particularly India and South Korea, leading to an increase in global supply. The ethyl thioacetate price trend remained slightly downward due to reduced procurement from agrochemical sectors post seasonal demand.
- Q3 2025: $3,000/MT
Further price softening occurred due to expanded production capacities in Southeast Asia and improved transportation networks. Ethyl thioacetate sales volume remained moderate, aligning with seasonal agricultural cycles and reduced industrial synthesis demand.
- Q4 2025 (Forecasted): $2,980/MT
A minor price correction is expected due to surplus inventory built during earlier quarters. While demand from chemical intermediates may offer some support, the price is likely to remain under pressure heading into 2026 unless new applications or markets emerge.
Global Ethyl Thioacetate Import-Export Business Overview
The international ethyl thioacetate market has evolved considerably in the past few years, with global trade patterns shifting in response to both economic factors and strategic industrial expansions. Ethyl thioacetate sales volume has seen a compound annual growth rate of approximately 4.2% since 2020, largely due to consistent demand in key application industries.
China remains a dominant player in both production and export of ethyl thioacetate. In 2023, China accounted for over 45% of global exports, supplying primarily to Southeast Asia, North America, and parts of Europe. The country leveraged its integrated supply chains, lower labor costs, and regulatory reforms to increase ethyl thioacetate production, making it a cost-competitive exporter.
India emerged as a strong contender in 2024 and continues to expand its manufacturing capacity in 2025. The Indian government’s production-linked incentives and focus on domestic chemical industry revival have made the country an attractive destination for global buyers. Ethyl thioacetate sales volume from India increased by 11% in 2024 and is projected to grow further in 2025 due to strategic agreements with pharmaceutical firms in the EU and the U.S.
The United States primarily imports ethyl thioacetate for use in pharmaceuticals and advanced chemical synthesis. While domestic production exists, high production costs and environmental compliance issues have limited its competitiveness. Imports from China, India, and Germany make up the bulk of U.S. consumption. In 2025, U.S. import volumes are expected to remain steady, though sourcing diversification may lead to increased imports from Latin America.
Europe, especially Germany and the Netherlands, acts as both an importer and secondary exporter. Ethyl thioacetate imported from Asia is often reprocessed and exported within the EU or to North Africa. Regulatory harmonization within the EU has helped streamline cross-border trade, though REACH compliance remains a barrier for newer exporters.
On the export side, Germany and Japan have maintained their reputation for high-purity ethyl thioacetate, primarily serving specialty chemical markets. However, due to higher production costs, their global market share has seen a gradual decline, with newer low-cost producers gaining ground.
Brazil has recently entered the export scene with small-scale but growing ethyl thioacetate production. Supported by increasing regional demand in Latin America and favorable trade agreements, Brazil’s exports are expected to rise modestly in 2025.
Challenges facing the global ethyl thioacetate trade include:
- Currency fluctuations affecting trade profitability.
- Non-tariff barriers and differing safety regulations across regions.
- Port congestion and increased shipping costs.
- Political instability in key supplier regions.
- Environmental scrutiny impacting production practices.
On the brighter side, digitalization of supply chains, advanced logistics platforms, and trade facilitation reforms in emerging economies have helped improve global trade efficiency. Companies are increasingly leveraging data analytics to manage inventory and optimize sourcing strategies, which is expected to improve ethyl thioacetate sales volume globally.
Future growth in the ethyl thioacetate market will likely be driven by:
- Expanding applications in green chemistry and sustainable formulations.
- Increased usage in intermediate synthesis for biologically active molecules.
- Partnerships between manufacturers and contract development organizations (CDMOs).
- Localization of production in developing countries to reduce dependency on imports.
As global production centers adapt to modern technologies and cost-efficient methodologies, the ethyl thioacetate price news and trade environment are likely to remain dynamic. Ongoing investments in process improvements and regional trade pacts will further shape the global supply chain in 2025 and beyond.
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Ethyl Thioacetate Production Trends by Geography
Ethyl thioacetate production is globally dispersed but concentrated in regions with established chemical manufacturing infrastructure and access to key raw materials. In 2025, production trends have shown strategic regional shifts, capacity expansions, and process optimization to meet rising global demand. Leading geographies such as China, India, Germany, the United States, and South Korea are central to this evolving landscape.
China
China remains the largest producer of ethyl thioacetate, accounting for a significant share of global capacity. The country’s competitive advantage stems from integrated supply chains, access to raw materials like ethanol and acetic acid, and government-supported industrial parks. In recent years, Chinese producers have upgraded facilities to meet stricter environmental compliance while improving output efficiency. The coastal regions, particularly Jiangsu and Shandong provinces, are home to major production plants. Despite regulatory pressures, Chinese manufacturers continue to dominate the export market due to scale and cost efficiency.
India
India has emerged as a fast-growing ethyl thioacetate production hub. The government’s push for self-reliance in chemical intermediates has led to capacity expansion in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Indian manufacturers have increasingly adopted greener production technologies and formed partnerships with multinational companies. Domestic demand from the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors is a strong driver, but the country also aims to position itself as a global exporter. In 2025, India’s output has significantly increased due to new plant commissioning and improved backward integration of raw materials.
Germany
Germany plays a vital role in producing high-purity ethyl thioacetate, primarily for pharmaceutical and specialty chemical applications. While the country’s overall production volume is lower than that of China and India, its value-added focus enables it to command premium prices. German firms are known for stringent quality control, advanced automation, and sustainable manufacturing practices. The industry benefits from strong R&D and proximity to major European buyers. However, higher production costs and regulatory complexities limit the scalability of output.
United States
The United States produces ethyl thioacetate primarily for domestic consumption, especially in pharmaceutical research and advanced chemical synthesis. Most facilities are located in Texas and Louisiana, leveraging proximity to the petrochemical sector. However, rising labor costs, regulatory restrictions, and competition from low-cost producers have restrained production growth. Still, the U.S. remains a key player in innovation, with several niche applications of ethyl thioacetate developed in research facilities and pilot plants.
South Korea
South Korea has developed as a niche producer, focusing on high-quality ethyl thioacetate for domestic and regional markets. The country’s strategic investment in fine chemicals, particularly for electronics and biotechnology sectors, has created demand for intermediates like ethyl thioacetate. Production is mainly concentrated in the southern industrial zones, supported by robust logistics and advanced processing facilities. South Korean manufacturers emphasize eco-friendly production, which enhances their position in environmentally conscious markets.
Other Regions
Countries such as Brazil, Japan, and Taiwan also maintain small but growing ethyl thioacetate production. Brazil’s development is driven by regional demand in Latin America, while Japan continues to produce for high-value niche markets. Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Thailand, has started investing in chemical manufacturing, but capacity is still in its early stages. Middle Eastern countries, despite strong petrochemical infrastructure, have limited involvement in ethyl thioacetate production due to low domestic demand.
In conclusion, the global production landscape of ethyl thioacetate is becoming more diversified. While China remains dominant, other regions like India and Germany are shaping specialized roles. Strategic investments in technology, raw material integration, and export positioning will continue to define production trends in 2025 and beyond.
Ethyl Thioacetate Market Segmentation
Segments:
- By Application
- Pharmaceuticals
- Agrochemicals
- Chemical Intermediates
- Fragrance and Flavor Industry
- Research and Development
- By End-User Industry
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Chemicals
- Food and Beverages
- Academic and Scientific Institutes
- By Purity Level
- Above 98%
- 95–98%
- Below 95%
- By Region
- Asia Pacific
- North America
- Europe
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Explanation of Leading Segments:
The ethyl thioacetate market is segmented based on application, end-user industry, purity level, and region. Among these, application-based and industry-based segmentation provide the clearest insight into market dynamics.
Pharmaceuticals as a Leading Application Segment
The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most dominant segments driving ethyl thioacetate demand. The compound is frequently used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various drug molecules, especially those containing sulfur-based functional groups. In 2025, increased global investment in drug development, especially post-COVID, continues to boost demand. Contract manufacturing organizations and pharmaceutical R&D centers have scaled up usage, making this the highest growth segment in terms of ethyl thioacetate sales volume.
Agrochemicals Segment Driving Stable Demand
Ethyl thioacetate is a key intermediate in the production of pesticides and herbicides. With increasing emphasis on crop protection and food security, demand from the agricultural sector remains steady. Asia Pacific and Latin America are key regions where agrochemical usage continues to rise. The seasonal nature of agricultural cycles influences procurement, leading to periodic spikes in demand, especially in Q1 and Q3 each year.
Chemical Intermediates Segment Witnessing Diversification
Chemical synthesis accounts for a diverse and growing application base for ethyl thioacetate. It is used in laboratories, pilot plants, and manufacturing setups to develop sulfur-containing compounds and fine chemicals. The versatility of ethyl thioacetate in forming thioesters and related compounds makes it suitable for a range of industrial uses. The demand in this segment is expanding, particularly in academic and commercial research institutions across North America and Europe.
Healthcare as a Key End-User Industry
Beyond pharmaceuticals, the broader healthcare industry uses ethyl thioacetate in developing bioactive compounds, diagnostic agents, and other specialized chemical entities. This includes hospitals, research labs, and CROs. The expansion of healthcare infrastructure in emerging economies has amplified this segment’s growth.
Agriculture as an Expanding End-User
Farmers and agrochemical manufacturers rely on ethyl thioacetate-derived products for pest control and crop yield improvement. The growing need for food due to population growth has led governments in India, China, and Brazil to increase support for agrochemical adoption, indirectly driving ethyl thioacetate demand.
Purity Level Segment Insights
Purity levels determine the suitability of ethyl thioacetate for specific applications. Products with above 98% purity are predominantly used in pharmaceuticals and research, where consistency and safety are critical. Medium-purity products (95–98%) serve agrochemicals and industrial uses. Lower-purity materials are often utilized in initial synthesis steps or where downstream purification is expected.
Regional Segment Overview
Asia Pacific leads the global market due to its strong production base and consumption in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. China and India are the two dominant markets in this region. North America follows, driven by pharmaceutical R&D and chemical innovation. Europe, with its regulatory focus, primarily demands high-purity grades for specialized applications. Latin America is an emerging market, primarily in agriculture, while the Middle East and Africa contribute minimally due to limited industrial base.
In conclusion, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and research applications represent the primary drivers of ethyl thioacetate market demand. The market is becoming increasingly segmented based on purity requirements and specialized use cases. With regional dynamics and industry-specific growth patterns evolving, segmentation analysis will continue to guide strategic decisions for manufacturers and investors.