Core Viewpoint - The global methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acrylate market is expected to remain under pressure due to weak demand, increasing capacity, and cautious purchasing attitudes, limiting recovery potential into the second half of 2025 [1] European Market: Weak Demand and Oversupply - European MMA producers are facing persistent weak demand and oversupply, with no significant improvement expected in the market conditions for the second half of the year [2] - The core driver of prices remains demand, with little hope for market recovery aside from potential restocking demand at the end of summer [2] - European producers are closely monitoring the new MMA plant by Rohm in Texas, which may reduce exports to Europe, while U.S. sellers might increase exports to Europe due to weak domestic demand [2] - Downstream PMMA companies in Europe anticipate aggressive pricing strategies from Chinese and Korean producers aiming to capture larger market shares [2] European Acrylate Market Outlook - The European acrylate market, particularly butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, is expected to maintain a bearish outlook due to continued low demand from core downstream customers [3] - Buyers are negotiating contracts to lower prices to align with current spot market levels, which may slightly boost spot demand but overall market activity remains low [3] U.S. Market: New Capacity Release - The U.S. MMA market is also focused on the market share changes due to Rohm's new 250,000 tons/year plant, which will continue to release capacity [4] - Demand for MMA in the U.S. is slightly better compared to other regions, but high prices are suppressing exports [4] - The overall consensus is that consumer spending is declining, influenced by macroeconomic factors such as high interest rates and unstable employment [4] Asian Market: Demand Challenges - The Asian MMA and PMMA markets are unlikely to see recovery in demand in the second half of 2025, following a period of weak demand and low pricing [5] - In India, demand remains low, particularly in the coatings sector, with buyers adopting a wait-and-see approach [5] - New domestic capacity in India, including a 150,000 tons/year butyl acrylate plant expected to start in July, is anticipated to keep profits under pressure [5]