Why Is Acrylic So Expensive Now?

Breaking Down the Resin Price Surge in 2024–2025

Introduction: Sticker Shock in the Sheet Aisle

Hook: If you’ve recently priced out acrylic for a project or display, you’ve probably asked the same thing everyone else has—why is it suddenly so expensive?

Core Question: What’s behind the sharp increase in acrylic prices, and when might things return to normal?

Teaser: From resin shortages to rising energy costs, we’re breaking down every major factor driving the current spike in acrylic prices—and what it means for buyers, builders, and brands.

1. Raw Material Shortages and Supply Constraints

Acrylic is primarily made from methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin, which is currently facing varying degrees of global supply shortages. The main reason is the overwhelming demand—manufacturers are struggling to keep up, resulting in demand significantly outpacing supply. Many producers have now imposed purchasing limits, meaning that regardless of how high the demand is, buyers are restricted to a set amount of resin.

What’s even more concerning is the shortage of key additives—such as brighteners that give acrylic its clarity and UV resistance. To continue production, manufacturers are often forced to turn to more expensive imported alternatives, which has inevitably driven up production costs considerably.

➡️ Result: Supply bottlenecks push base prices higher and make availability more unpredictable across regions.

2. Global Demand Surge—Especially from China

At the same time, global demand for acrylic is booming. China, with its massive industrial and manufacturing infrastructure, is consuming acrylic resin at an unprecedented pace—for everything from electronics to medical supplies to display panels.

However, while demand for acrylic has surged, production capacity has consistently lagged behind. This mismatch has created a classic case of supply and demand imbalance — but the rising prices aren’t solely due to raw material shortages.

➡️ Result: Even supply chains that are functioning well can’t meet demand—causing global price inflation.

3. Plant Shutdowns and Production Delays

Even under normal circumstances, supply chains for plastic-based materials like acrylic are delicate. But recent plant shutdowns, ERP (enterprise resource planning) system issues, and maintenance delays have created extra stress on the system.

For example, Sabic, one of the largest global producers of plastic resin, has faced extended delays due to technical disruptions following an ERP overhaul—slowing distribution, especially in North America.

➡️ Result: Fewer raw materials = fewer finished acrylic sheets = higher cost per unit.

4. Energy Prices Keep Climbing

Producing acrylic sheets is an energy-intensive process, requiring significant heat and power—especially when transforming raw MMA resin into smooth, clear panels.

With fuel and electricity prices climbing—due in large part to geopolitical tensions, supply instability, and inflation across global energy markets—manufacturing costs have surged.

Even when materials are available, higher energy bills push up the cost of each production cycle. Manufacturers naturally pass these expenses downstream to distributors and consumers.

➡️ Result: Even if supply improves, high production costs keep acrylic prices elevated.

5. Ongoing Supply Chain and Geopolitical Disruptions

Though the world has largely reopened after COVID-19, the aftershocks still ripple through global logistics:

• Shipping delays due to port congestion and container shortages

• Trade restrictions and tariffs between major resin-producing and importing countries

• Geopolitical tensions impacting fuel, raw materials, and freight routes

Now, the import of acrylic faces numerous challenges — including longer lead times, higher shipping costs, and increased regulatory hurdles, especially in countries with limited production capacity and a heavy reliance on imports.

➡️ Result: Even when acrylic is produced, getting it delivered is slower and costlier—leading to price spikes and unpredictable stock levels.

6. Market Impact and Price Trends

Acrylic sheet prices have swung wildly in recent years:

• ✅ Pre-pandemic pricing: ~$6.00–$9.00/m²

• 🚨 During shortages: $8.00–$12.00+/m² in many markets

And while some regional stabilization is expected as logistics improve and plant operations normalize, the balance between demand and supply remains fragile.

➡️ Long-Term Outlook: Prices are expected to remain elevated throughout 2025 and 2026, consistently above historical averages — particularly for specialised or imported acrylic resins.

7. Summary Table: Key Factors Affecting Acrylic Prices