What Is Vinyl Acetate Monomer CAS 108-05-4?
Vinyl acetate monomer, abbreviated as VAM, is a colorless liquid organic compound with the CAS registry number 108-05-4. It is the precursor to polyvinyl acetate and an intermediate used in the manufacture of a number of industrial polymers and resins. These polymers are used to produce adhesives, coatings, paints, films and textiles, as well as wire and cable insulation.
Recent Vinyl Acetate Monomer Price Movements
In a recent quarter, the Vinyl Acetate Monomer Price Index in the United States rose by 3.42 percent quarter-on-quarter, driven by resilient demand for adhesives and a steady supply. The average price of vinyl acetate monomer for the quarter was approximately USD 966.33 per metric ton, supported by a stable supply and balanced demand.
In Japan, the price index rose by 0.829 percent quarter-on-quarter, reflecting stable demand and tight supply, with an average price of approximately USD 816.67 per metric ton. In Germany, the index rose by 2.86 percent, supported by balanced supply, and the average price reached approximately USD 1,165 per metric ton, reflecting market equilibrium. These figures illustrate how regional supply conditions create meaningful price differences between markets.
Factors That Drive VAM Pricing
Vinyl acetate monomer prices are influenced by the cost of upstream feedstocks such as acetic acid and ethylene, by regional supply and demand balance, and by freight and energy costs. Demand from the adhesives, paints and packaging industries is the main consumption driver, while planned maintenance at production plants can tighten availability and lift prices. Import duties, exchange rates and inventory levels also shape regional price differences, so buyers tracking monthly or quarterly index changes can time procurement more effectively.
Industrial Applications of Vinyl Acetate Monomer
VAM is polymerized into polyvinyl acetate, which is the basis of water-based adhesives used in woodworking, paper converting and packaging. Copolymers of vinyl acetate with ethylene and other monomers produce materials for paints and coatings, textile finishes, nonwoven binders, films and construction chemicals. Wire and cable insulation also rely on vinyl acetate-based copolymers for flexibility and durability, and the monomer is used in the production of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl butyral for downstream applications.
Quality, Compliance and Bulk Supply Considerations
High-volume buyers of vinyl acetate monomer typically look for producers with certified quality systems, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management, GMP compliance where required, and full hazardous chemical production permits. Documentation such as certificates of analysis, material safety data sheets, technical data sheets and third-party testing reports should accompany every shipment. European buyers usually require full compliance with REACH regulatory requirements. Flexible supply arrangements, such as 20 to 200 metric tons per batch with annual contract options, help manufacturers secure stable feedstock at predictable cost, and a proven export track record to Southeast Asia, South America, the Middle East and Africa indicates reliable logistics capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the CAS number of vinyl acetate monomer?
A: The CAS registry number of vinyl acetate monomer is 108-05-4.
Q: What is the recent price of vinyl acetate monomer?
A: In a recent quarter, average VAM prices were approximately USD 966.33 per metric ton in the United States, USD 816.67 per metric ton in Japan and USD 1,165 per metric ton in Germany.
Q: What drives vinyl acetate monomer prices?
A: Feedstock costs for acetic acid and ethylene, regional supply and demand balance, freight, energy costs, import duties and inventory levels are the main price drivers.
Q: What is vinyl acetate monomer used for?
A: VAM is used to make polyvinyl acetate and copolymers for adhesives, paints and coatings, films, textiles, nonwoven binders and wire and cable insulation.
Q: What documentation should accompany a VAM shipment?
A: Buyers should receive a certificate of analysis, material safety data sheet, technical data sheet and, where requested, third-party testing reports, plus confirmation of REACH compliance for European shipments.
Q: What batch sizes are typical for bulk VAM supply?
A: Flexible supply of 20 to 200 metric tons per batch with annual contract options is common in the merchant market.