I. Brief Introduction to Adipic Acid

Adipic Acid (AA) is a core chemical raw material, a white crystalline powder and a dicarboxylic acid. It features good stability and high compatibility, serving as a key intermediate for nylon and biodegradable plastics.

Core Applications

1. Nylon 66 (the largest downstream sector, accounting for around 60%), widely applied in chemical fibers, automobiles and engineering plastics.

2. Manufacture of polyurethane and polyester polyols for shoe soles, adhesives and TPU.

3. Synthesis of PBAT biodegradable plastics, plasticizers and lubricants.

4. Food‑grade grade can be used as an acidity regulator.

Industry Landscape: China ranks first globally in production capacity. Major international players include BASF, Invista, LANXESS and Ascend. Cyclohexane oxidation is the mainstream production process. Low‑carbon and bio‑based processes represent future development trends.

II. Latest International News (2025‑2026)

1. Final EU anti‑dumping ruling against Chinese adipic acidIn May 2026, the EU formally imposed anti‑dumping duties of 29.1%‑42.3% on Chinese adipic acid. Combined with the CBAM carbon border adjustment mechanism, export costs from China to the EU rose sharply, resulting in shrinking export volumes.

2. Tight European supply and successive price hikes by foreign enterprisesIn 2026, LANXESS raised its European quotation for adipic acid twice driven by rising energy and raw‑material costs. Equipment failure at Italy’s Radici triggered force majeure, tightening spot supply in Europe.

3. Global low‑carbon upgrade becomes mainstreamMultinational corporations such as BASF and Invista are revamping production lines to cut N₂O greenhouse‑gas emissions from adipic‑acid production and promote low‑carbon green adipic‑acid products. Bio‑based processes are a hot spot in global R&D.

4. Market impacted by raw‑material price volatilityThe price of upstream pure benzene fluctuates due to geopolitical tensions. Premiums prevail in overseas high‑end markets, and the global market is shifting toward low‑energy‑consumption, low‑carbon and compliant development.