For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Salicylic Acid Prices in APAC
- In China, the Salicylic Acid Price Index rose by 11.35% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting higher phenol costs.
- The average Salicylic Acid price this quarter was approximately USD 1390/MT; exporters offered competitive FOBs.
- Salicylic Acid Spot Price rose after inspections curtailed small-unit supply, while phenol costs climbed materially.
- Salicylic Acid Price Forecast points to firmness as exporters reclaim volumes and buyers replenish inventories.
- Salicylic Acid Production Cost Trend rose with phenol increases and electricity tariffs squeezing conversion margins.
- Salicylic Acid Demand Outlook improved as Indian and Southeast Asian formulators accelerated purchases ahead of spring.
- Inventory at coastal warehouses provided cover, but the Price Index remained sensitive to export demand.
- Major coastal producers ran to capture export netbacks, keeping spot volumes while margins endured compression.
Why did the price of Salicylic Acid change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Rapid phenol cost escalation increased conversion expenses, transmitting a strong cost-push to manufacturers' FOB offers.
- Targeted environmental inspections sidelined smaller Kolbe-Schmitt units, tightening spot availability significantly for immediate export shipments.
- Robust overseas demand, especially from India and Indonesia, absorbed cargoes and supported the bullish Price Index.
Salicylic Acid Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Salicylic Acid Price Index rose 2.49% quarter-over-quarter, driven by phenol cost inflation.
- The average Salicylic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 3021.67/MT, with limited seasonal variation.
- Import offers kept the Salicylic Acid Spot Price firm, supporting the Salicylic Acid Price Index.
- Near-term Salicylic Acid Price Forecast anticipates measured gains due to spring procurement and moderate restocking.
- Salicylic Acid Production Cost Trend reflected phenol-driven input inflation, pressuring ex-plant offers and CIF values.
- Salicylic Acid Demand Outlook remained steady in Germany's pharmaceutical and personal-care sectors, limiting price pressure.
- Inventory reports indicated seasonal coverage, while thin tank-wagon availability tightened short-term movement to inland hubs.
- Export demand remained balanced, with German buyers maintaining just-in-time procurement, limiting speculative buying and volatility.
Why did the price of Salicylic Acid change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Sharp phenol cost escalation raised producers' cost base, prompting uniform upward adjustments in import offers.
- Rail tank-wagon shortages around Antwerp tightened hinterland deliveries, reducing inventories and pressuring landed Hamburg values.
- Domestic demand remained steady; importers passed higher input and energy surcharges, sustaining March price gains.
Salicylic Acid Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Salicylic Acid Price Index rose by 1.6% quarter-over-quarter, driven by phenol.
- The average Salicylic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 3063.33/MT, reported from Houston.
- Salicylic Acid Spot Price firmed in March as exporters passed through phenol and freight costs.
- Salicylic Acid Price Forecast suggests near-term firmness as pharmaceutical restocking supports marginal import demand levels.
- Salicylic Acid Production Cost Trend reflects upward pressure from phenol and energy-linked feedstock inflation regionally.
- Salicylic Acid Demand Outlook remains stable as pharmaceutical and personal-care sectors sustain routine offtake levels.
- Salicylic Acid Price Index movements were muted by ample imports, inventories, and steady trans-Pacific logistics.
- Exporters maintained shipments with adequate availability, trimming offers selectively to protect volumes amid margin pressure.
Why did the price of Salicylic Acid change in March 2026 in North America?
- Higher phenol costs in Louisiana increased production baselines, enabling exporters to secure higher landed offers.
- Shanghai-Houston freight climbed in March, raising landed costs and supporting sellers' pass-through pricing actions.
- Steady pharmaceutical and personal-care demand reduced spot urgency, with importers accepting higher offers to secure supply.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Salicylic Acid Price Index rose by 0.56% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock and logistics.
- The average Salicylic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 3015.00/MT, reflecting stable imported supply conditions.
- Salicylic Acid Spot Price eased in December as lower China-US freight reduced landed costs and pressured offers.
- Salicylic Acid Price Forecast indicates mild softness near term, with possible modest recovery on renewed procurement activity.
- Salicylic Acid Production Cost Trend remained muted as feedstock Phenol was sideways, limiting material cost pass-throughs.
- Salicylic Acid Demand Outlook stayed steady from pharmaceuticals and personal care, insufficient to tighten import-heavy supply balances.
- Inventory levels and smooth Gulf Coast logistics supported the Salicylic Acid Price Index, allowing distributors to resist higher bids.
- Exporters' hedging strategies and reduced fentanyl tariffs partially offset cost pressures, cushioning Salicylic Acid Price Index volatility.
Why did the price of Salicylic Acid change in December 2025 in North America?
- Lower China US container freight trimmed landed costs, directly reducing import-dependent Salicylic Acid offers.
- Phenol feedstock stayed sideways, limiting upstream cost push and preventing substantial CFR price increases overall.
- Importer inventories and steady pharmaceutical demand reduced urgency restock, keeping downward pressure on Salicylic Acid bids.
APAC
- In China, the Salicylic Acid Price Index rose by 0.94% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting feedstock and logistics.
- The average Salicylic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1248.33/MT, FOB Shanghai reports.
- Salicylic Acid Production Cost Trend showed inflation as phenol tightness and benzene pressures raised expenses.
- Salicylic Acid Spot Price remained stable amid comfortable Shanghai warehouse stocks and steady export allocations.
- Salicylic Acid Demand Outlook stays muted with pharmaceutical restocking offset by cosmetic and resin inquiries.
- Salicylic Acid Price Forecast indicates modest near-term volatility, on restocking patterns and export enquiry recovery.
- Salicylic Acid Price Index movement tracked producer discipline, stable tariffs, and no major plant turnarounds.
- Export demand softness and ample availability prompted mild seller discounts; strong throughput eased logistics pressures.
Why did the price of Salicylic Acid change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Phenol feedstock firming from maintenance-related tightness increased producer conversion costs, supporting FOB offers in December.
- Record Shanghai port throughput prevented congestion, enabling steady exports while CNY firmness limited currency-driven buying.
- Downstream buyers deferred cosmetic spot purchases after restocking, keeping demand subdued and limiting price upside.
Europe
- In Germany, the Salicylic Acid Price Index fell by 0.4% quarter-over-quarter, due to feedstock inflation.
- The average Salicylic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2948.33/MT, reflecting mixed volumes.
- Steady import flows kept Salicylic Acid Spot Price subdued despite origin increases and marginal pressure.
- Regional Salicylic Acid Price Forecast suggests limited upside as inventories stay adequate and buyers are cautious.
- Phenol-driven Salicylic Acid Production Cost Trend rose, compressing margins, though euro strength reduced landed impact.
- Stable domestic offtake underpins Salicylic Acid Demand Outlook with routine procurement and minimal year-end restocking.
- Hamburg and Antwerp inventories supported the Salicylic Acid Price Index, preventing shortages while limiting volatility.
- Exporter hedging and stable freight maintained orderly Salicylic Acid Price Index movements, capping pricing power.
Why did the price of Salicylic Acid change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Ample Asian arrivals met German demand, keeping spot availability comfortable and restraining upward price pressure.
- Phenol feedstock rose, increasing theoretical production costs, but euro strength partially offset landed cost effects.
- Normal Hamburg throughput and steady freight avoided logistical bottlenecks, leaving market sentiment neutral for December.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Salicylic Acid Price Index fell by 1.15% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting muted import activity
- The average Salicylic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2998.33/MT. reported by sources
- Salicylic Acid Spot Price firmed modestly as frontloading and port delays tightened availability, supporting premiums
- Salicylic Acid Price Forecast expects gains in Q4 as procurement ahead of holidays offsets demand
- Salicylic Acid Production Cost Trend shows pressure from higher feedstock and freight, supporting pricing discipline
- Salicylic Acid Demand Outlook mixed; seasonal skincare demand supports volumes while procurement caution limits restocking
- Salicylic Acid Price Index volatility somewhat subdued as frontloading offset shipment delays and oversupply pressures
- Inventory levels at distributors remained elevated from frontloading, moderating spot tightness and limiting upward momentum
Why did the price of Salicylic Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
- Frontloading and increased early imports tightened short-term flows while later oversupply somewhat eased market pressure
- Port congestion and higher freight costs increased landed costs, contributing to price support in September
- Buyer caution over tariff uncertainty reduced aggressive procurement, limiting sustained upward movement despite seasonal demand
APAC
- In China, the Salicylic Acid Price Index fell by 0.81% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak export demand.
- The average Salicylic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2853.33/MT FOB Shanghai level.
- Salicylic Acid Spot Price softened as exporters increased offers to clear excess inventories across hubs.
- Salicylic Acid Price Forecast points to gradual recovery as restocking and seasonal factors support demand.
- Salicylic Acid Production Cost Trend eased with lower phenol feedstock and reduced container freight rates.
- Salicylic Acid Demand Outlook remains cautious as international buyers consume inventories and delay procurement decisions.
- Price Index weakness mirrored steady manufacturing, declining shipping costs, and intensified export competition compressing margins.
- Rising inventories and fewer transpacific sailings reduced export demand, influencing Salicylic Acid spot pricing dynamics.
Why did the price of Salicylic Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Oversupply from steady domestic production and accumulated stocks pressured selling prices during September's end quarter.
- Reduced international procurement and cautious buyers consuming inventories decreased near-term demand, intensifying downward price pressure.
- Lower freight rates and easing feedstock costs provided buyers leverage, contributing to softer FOB pricing.
Europe
- In Germany, the Salicylic Acid Price Index fell by 0.45% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting elevated inventories, temporarily.
- The average Salicylic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2960/MT CFR Hamburg reported.
- Salicylic Acid Spot Price showed limited movement, constrained by imports and export offers from Asia.
- Salicylic Acid Price Forecast anticipates recovery as postponed PSS activates and downstream restocking supports demand.
- Salicylic Acid Production Cost Trend remains stable, freight and feedstock impacts modestly lift landed costs.
- Salicylic Acid Demand Outlook shows cautious replenishment by healthcare buyers, paced by inventory management needs.
- The Salicylic Acid Price Index remained flat this quarter amid balanced supply and muted buying.
- Inventory overhang and selective distributor discounts pressured spot liquidity, while export windows offered purchasing opportunities.
Why did the price of Salicylic Acid change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Elevated domestic inventories reduced buying urgency, lowering short-term demand despite stable global availability and offers.
- Deferred Peak Season Surcharges and port congestion influenced landed cost expectations, creating cautious procurement timing.
- Competitive export offers amid Chinese maintenance and geopolitical shipping risks pressured domestic prices during quarter end.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- The Salicylic Acid Price Index in the USA declined by 1.63% in April 2025, followed by mild increases of 0.33% in May and 0.66% in June, with spot prices rising from USD 3020/MT to USD 3050/MT by quarter-end.
- In April, high inventory levels among U.S. importers—driven by frontloaded shipments ahead of a 145% tariff imposition—suppressed demand and pulled down the product spot price, despite steep import duties.
- April’s product demand outlook was weak, as downstream buyers reduced procurement due to overstocking and uncertainty around trade policy, prompting suppliers to cut prices to clear excess inventories.
- The product production cost trend in April remained partially mitigated as supply chain players absorbed part of the cost burden, avoiding full tariff pass-through to end users.
- May saw a slight uptick in the Salicylic Acid Price Index, driven by a 90-day suspension of Chinese pharma tariffs. This led to intensified frontloading and logistical disruptions, especially at the Los Angeles and New York ports.
- A 300% surge in booking volumes from China, coupled with container shortages and new Peak Season Surcharges, significantly elevated the landed cost of Salicylic acid in May.
- Product demand outlook improved in May, as buyers rushed to secure inventory before the tariff suspension expired. The U.S. inflation rate of just 0.1% supported procurement confidence and restocking.
- In June, product spot prices edged up slightly due to extended tariff reprieve and early stockpiling by importers, especially for seasonal skincare applications.
- June’s product demand outlook remained robust as summer demand from the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors boosted forward buying, aided by inflation concerns and steady economic sentiment.
- Salicylic Acid prices are likely to increase in July 2025, driven by continued frontloading behavior, tariff-related uncertainties, and moderate port congestion due to early movement of holiday-season goods.
APAC
- The Salicylic Acid Price Index in China rose from USD 2880/MT in April to USD 2900/MT in May before falling in June, marking a Q2 fluctuation of +0.70% in April, +0.69% in May, and a notable -1.72% in June.
- In April, the salicylic acid spot price surged due to active stockpiling by pharmaceutical players, tight domestic supply, and accelerated foreign procurement ahead of the U.S. 145% tariff deadline on April 10, supporting a firm product demand outlook.
- Domestic demand in April was boosted by seasonal restocking and inventory planning, while product spot price gains were also driven by U.S. buyers front-loading shipments ahead of summer maintenance shutdowns in China.
- Despite China's manufacturing PMI dropping to 49.0 in April, logistics congestion and tariff-induced outbound order surges led to inventory strain and high product production cost trend pressures.
- In May, the Salicylic Acid Price Index declined as external demand weakened amid U.S. tariffs, and Chinese exporters faced rising unsold inventories due to reduced foreign offtake and slower domestic sales.
- Lower phenol feedstock prices and a weak export environment pushed manufacturers to cut prices to clear backlogs, indicating a deflationary product production cost trend in May.
- The product demand outlook worsened in May due to tariff barriers, buyer hesitation, and the extended Labor Day holiday (May 1–5), which dampened trade activity and slowed international orders.
- By June, the Salicylic Acid Price Index dipped again, impacted by continued sluggish demand and heightened supply-side competition, with overseas customers holding back from new purchases due to sufficient stocks and falling freight rates.
- Declining logistics costs and a 3.6% YoY fall in China’s PPI reduced the pricing leverage of Chinese exporters, weakening the product spot price further in global markets.
- Price forecast for July 2025: A short-term rise in salicylic acid spot price is likely, driven by replenishment buying from international markets post-June dip. However, persistent inventory pressure and steady production may limit the upside.
Europe
- The Salicylic Acid Price Index in Germany edged up in April and May—rising from USD 2970/MT in April to USD 2990/MT in May—before retreating slightly in June, indicating a quarterly shift of +0.34% in April, +0.67% in May, and -1.00% in June.
- In April 2025, the salicylic acid spot price increased moderately due to seasonal logistics disruptions such as Easter holiday delays, port congestion at Hamburg and Antwerp, and rerouted global shipments, which squeezed local availability.
- The product demand outlook was supported by improved consumer sentiment amid easing inflation (CPI at 2.1%), leading to preemptive restocking across the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, reinforcing firm pricing.
- May 2025 witnessed another marginal rise in the Price Index, supported by severe congestion at North European ports and a pre-GRI (General Rate Increase) rush in bookings, tightening the supply chain and limiting import volumes.
- Shipping space constraints and high yard utilization encouraged sellers to revise offers upward, while forward-booking behavior by wholesalers intensified spot market demand in May.
- By June 2025, the salicylic acid price index declined slightly, as inventory liquidation ahead of H2, and cautious procurement patterns amid PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) deferral softened market momentum.
- Despite persistent port congestion in June, the delay in freight surcharges meant product production cost trend remained steady, allowing buyers to hold off on forward orders, creating mild downward pressure on prices.
- Demand slowed in June as downstream sectors paused procurement, relying on earlier stockpiles, reflecting a conservative approach before potential freight hikes in July.
- Looking ahead to July 2025, prices are likely to increase, driven by a moderate revival in restocking activities following Q2 inventory drawdowns and implementation of postponed PSS, which will raise landed costs of imports.
