For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Superabsorbent Polymer Prices in APAC
- In South Korea, the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index rose by 10.57% quarter-over-quarter, driven by exports.
- The average Superabsorbent Polymer price for the quarter was approximately USD 1426.33/MT with steady exports.
- Domestic inventories remained purposely tight, supporting the Superabsorbent Polymer Spot Price amid strong export allocations.
- The Superabsorbent Polymer Production Cost Trend showed upward movement due to naphtha-linked acrylic acid inflation.
- Export demand from China and Southeast Asia lifted the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index, tightening availability.
- Short-term Superabsorbent Polymer Price Forecast indicates modest firmness as feedstock volatility and compliance costs persist.
- The Superabsorbent Polymer Demand Outlook remains steady with adult-care growth and continued diaper segment procurement.
- Rising transport and insurance premiums amplified landed costs, further influencing the domestic Price Index movement.
Why did the price of Superabsorbent Polymer change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Naphtha and acrylic acid advances increased conversion costs, prompting suppliers to lift offers in March.
- Firm export enquiries reduced spot availability as Korean producers prioritized overseas shipments, tightening domestic supply.
- Geopolitical risks elevated freight and insurance premiums, extending lead times and increasing landed costs regionally.
Superabsorbent Polymer Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index rose by 9.92% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting higher freight.
- The average Superabsorbent Polymer price for the quarter was USD 1595.00/MT on CFR USGC basis.
- Export constraints and higher freight lifted the Superabsorbent Polymer Spot Price, tightening prompt import availability.
- Carriers and feedstock pressures prompted an upward Superabsorbent Polymer Price Forecast for April-July delivery period.
- Higher acrylic acid and propylene costs elevated the Superabsorbent Polymer Production Cost Trend, squeezing margins.
- Consistent hygiene orders supported the Superabsorbent Polymer Demand Outlook, diaper and adult segments sustaining consumption.
- Importer inventory discipline and steady terminals influenced the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index, limiting price swings.
- Import competition and producer operating rates with geopolitical risks will determine near-term Superabsorbent Polymer tightness.
Why did the price of Superabsorbent Polymer change in March 2026 in North America?
- Higher container freight from Asia to US Gulf raised landed costs, pushing import-related prices upward.
- Japanese and Korean maintenance reduced spot availability, limiting cargoes and tightening supply for US converters.
- Strong hygiene procurement outpaced arrivals as converters prioritized supply security, with sellers passing through costs.
Superabsorbent Polymer Prices in Europe
- In Europe, the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index remained stable to slightly firm quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply and cost-driven pricing.
- Superabsorbent Polymer Spot Price remained largely range-bound with a slight upward bias as controlled supply met steady hygiene demand.
- Superabsorbent Polymer Price Forecast suggests stable to mildly firm trends, driven by cost pressures and steady consumption.
- The Superabsorbent Polymer Production Cost Trend remained elevated due to high energy prices, acrylic acid costs, and regulatory compliance expenses.
- Superabsorbent Polymer Demand Outlook remained stable, supported by consistent demand from hygiene and medical product manufacturers.
- The Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index in March showed marginal improvement as cost-push factors offset cautious buying sentiment.
- Supply remained adequate, with imports and domestic production maintaining availability.
Why did the price of Superabsorbent Polymer change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Elevated energy and feedstock costs increased production expenses.
- Stable hygiene demand supported baseline consumption.
- Balanced supply and cautious procurement limited volatility, resulting in a slight increase in the Price Index.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index rose by 2.30% quarter-over-quarter, supported by firmer imports.
- The average Superabsorbent Polymer price for the quarter was approximately USD 1451.00/MT, reflecting import parity.
- Asian supply discipline lifted the Superabsorbent Polymer Spot Price, tightening landed parity and supporting Price Index.
- Near-term Superabsorbent Polymer Price Forecast shows modest oscillation, influenced by freight costs and balanced import availability.
- Stable acrylic acid reduced the Superabsorbent Polymer Production Cost Trend, easing pressure on domestic producers' margins.
- The Superabsorbent Polymer Demand Outlook remains constructive from hygiene sectors, especially diapers and adult incontinence products.
- Higher transpacific freight supported the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index uplift, constraining some low-priced cargo availability.
- Inventories at Gulf Coast remained balanced, while export demand intermittently supported the Superabsorbent Polymer Spot Price.
Why did the price of Superabsorbent Polymer change in December 2025 in North America?
- Rising transpacific freight and firmer Asian export offers increased landed costs, lifting December import parity.
- Supply remained adequate but selective, as limited low-priced cargoes and logistical delays constrained prompt availability.
- Downstream procurement was steady rather than aggressive, with hygiene sector restocking supporting near-term price resilience.
APAC
- In South Korea, the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index rose by 1.71% quarter-over-quarter, due to costs.
- The average Superabsorbent Polymer price for the quarter was approximately USD 1290.00/MT, measured FOB Busan.
- Supply discipline and port delays supported the Superabsorbent Polymer Spot Price, tightening availability, supporting offers.
- Competitive imports limited upside despite Acrylic Acid-driven Superabsorbent Polymer Production Cost Trend pressuring export offers.
- Freight rate increases and improved overseas orders strengthened the Superabsorbent Polymer Demand Outlook, supporting gains.
- Inventory levels remained balanced; the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Forecast indicated limited upside amid downstream consumption.
- Producer operating rates stayed subdued, keeping the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index firm despite manufacturing normalization.
- Buyers showed cautious procurement, buffering short-term demand and moderating pressure on export offers and margins.
Why did the price of Superabsorbent Polymer change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Stronger international orders and restarting export flows increased demand, tightening prompt availability and supporting prices.
- Higher overseas freight and rising Acrylic Acid feedstock costs raised delivered costs, pressuring exporters' margins.
- Port delays at Busan constrained shipments while producers maintained controlled operating rates, sustaining price firmness.
Europe
- The European Price Index for Superabsorbent Polymer remained largely stable to mildly bearish during Q4 2025, as adequate supply availability and cautious procurement strategies capped upward price movement.
- The Production Cost Trend eased slightly toward the end of the quarter, supported by softer acrylic acid feedstock prices and relatively stable energy costs, reducing cost-side pressure on producers.
- The Demand Outlook stayed steady, driven by consistent consumption from the hygiene sector, including diapers and adult incontinence products, though demand growth remained limited due to mature market conditions in Europe.
Why did the price of superabsorbent Polymer change in December 2025 in Europe?
- The Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index declined marginally in December 2025 due to year-end inventory clearance by suppliers, subdued spot buying activity, and the absence of strong cost-push pressure from upstream raw materials.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index fell by 3.78% quarter-over-quarter, due to imports.
- The average Superabsorbent Polymer price for the quarter was approximately USD 1418.33/MT, reported by statistics.
- Logistical bottlenecks earlier temporarily pushed the Superabsorbent Polymer Spot Price, extending lead times for buyers.
- Data suggest the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Forecast shows modest recovery as freight and offers stabilize.
- Lower freight and feedstock moderation influenced the Superabsorbent Polymer Production Cost Trend, easing cost pressures.
- Consistent hygiene sector consumption underpins the Superabsorbent Polymer Demand Outlook, maintaining steady offtake and procurement.
- Ample Asian shipments pressured the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index, reducing seller leverage and softening pricing.
- Improving port throughput, tariff changes altered export dynamics, shifting supplier srouting and US import patterns.
Why did the price of Superabsorbent Polymer change in September 2025 in North America?
- Improved freight and abundant Asian shipments reduced landed costs, increasing availability across USGC import channels.
- Tariff suspension on Chinese cargoes encouraged competitive offers, weakening domestic pricing power and reducing margins.
- Steady hygiene demand could not absorb surplus imports, keeping markets balanced and upward pressure muted.
APAC
- In South Korea, the Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index rose by 0.26% quarter-over-quarter, driven by demand and port constraints.
- The average Superabsorbent Polymer price for the quarter was approximately USD 1268.33/MT on FOB Busan supporting seller margins.
- South Korea's Superabsorbent Polymer Spot Price was firm as acrylic acid costs eased, port congestion limited supply.
- The Superabsorbent Polymer Price Forecast indicates upside risk in Q4 with seasonal hygiene restocking supporting availability.
- Superabsorbent Polymer Production Cost Trend reflects lower acrylic acid prices, offset by higher logistics and export handling.
- Superabsorbent Polymer Demand Outlook remains mixed with strong export bids but muted domestic consumption activity.
- Inventory draws at producers tightened supply, leaving Superabsorbent Polymer Price Index resilient despite subdued orders.
- Export recovery and seasonal restocking likely support FOB Busan margins while inventories gradually normalize into year-end.
Why did the price of Superabsorbent Polymer change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Strong export demand, particularly from India, tightened available volumes amid lingering Busan port logistical bottlenecks.
- Acrylic acid feedstock eased, reducing production cost pressures, but higher shipping and handling kept margins constrained.
- Export tariffs and weaker overseas orders intermittently suppressed demand, leading producers to moderate output and inventories.
Europe
European SAP saw mild upward pressure in Q3 2025; the regional Price Index showed stability to slight gains driven by steady hygiene demand and constrained imports.
Imports from Asia and regional production together met demand, but occasional shipment delays and constrained spot volumes tightened short-term availability. Producers optimized allocations to hygiene grade buyers, reducing excess spot selling and supporting the SAP Spot Price.
Near-term outlook points to modest price stability or small upside into Q4 2025 if logistics remain constrained and hygiene demand holds.
Why did the price of Superabsorbent Polymer change in September 2025 in Europe?
Prices increased modestly in September because sustained demand from personal-hygiene manufacturers met with tighter spot availability and logistical friction from Asian export hubs, lifting short-term landed costs.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- Throughout Q2 2025, the price of imported Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) in the U.S. showed a mixed trend, influenced by import tariffs, supply constraints in overseas markets, and persistent port congestion issues.
- In April, U.S. containerized import volumes remained high at 2.41M TEUs (+1.2% MoM), with record-low transit delays at U.S. ports. However, near the end of April, Chinese shipments declined significantly (~35% fewer arrivals at the Port of Los Angeles) due to looming tariffs, tightening short-term supply.
- Other Asia-Pacific suppliers, notably South Korea—the world’s largest SAP exporter—and India, helped fill the supply gap. Freight costs eased slightly with Shanghai–LA freight rates down 2%, but recent Peak Season Surcharge hikes by Asia-U.S. carriers added volatility to shipping costs.
- In May, supply remained stable with consistent shipments from Japan, Germany, France, and China, enabling a gradual inventory buildup amid limited drawdowns. Smooth logistics helped keep production costs steady, supporting a stable Superabsorbent polymer Production Cost Trend.
- In June, supply tightened significantly due to congestion at South Korea’s Busan port, delaying shipments and restricting SAP availability to U.S. buyers. This disruption contributed to increased freight costs and extended lead times, directly impacting the Price Index upwards.
Why did the Superabsorbent Polymer Price change in July 2025 in the US?
- The Price Index rose in July 2025 primarily because of export delays and port congestions, notably at critical Asian shipping hubs, restricting supply to the U.S. market. These disruptions increased scarcity, driving prices upward despite steady domestic demand.
- The Demand Outlook remains steady with consistent consumption across key end-use sectors such as detergents, water treatment, and construction materials.
- Given ongoing logistical constraints and cautious market restocking behavior, the Price Forecast for Sodium Silicate points to a continued moderate upward trend through the next quarter. Freight and tariff uncertainties may sustain price volatility in the near term.
Asia
- April 2025: The SAP Price Index in China increased, driven by higher feedstock prices—particularly acrylic acid and sodium hydroxide—which raised overall production costs.
- May 2025: The SAP Price Index declined by 1.42%, reaching approximately USD 1,320/MT FOB Qingdao, as improved supply and increased manufacturing output eased price pressures.
- June 2025: The SAP Price Index edged up by 0.4%, supported by steady downstream demand and strict pricing discipline maintained by producers despite easing feedstock costs.
Why did the Price of Superabsorbent Polymer change in July 2025?
- The SAP Price Index increased in July 2025 as rising feedstock prices and ongoing logistics challenges limited supply growth. Additionally, cautious but steady procurement from downstream users in hygiene and healthcare supported price stability and slight gains despite global trade uncertainties.
- The price forecast for SAP in Asia indicates a stable to slightly bullish trajectory for the coming months, assuming feedstock cost pressures persist, and logistical constraints continue to restrict supply flexibility.
- Production costs for SAP rose through Q2 2025, mainly due to increased costs of acrylic acid and sodium hydroxide. Despite some feedstock price easing by June, transportation and logistics challenges sustained elevated production costs into July.
Europe
- The SAP Price Index in Europe rose in April 2025 and then remained relatively stable over the following months, buoyed by feedstock (especially acrylic acid) inflation and steady downstream demand.
Why did the Price Index change in July 2025?
- In July 2025, the SAP Price Index increased slightly due to persistent feedstock costs and firm consumer and industrial demand, despite moderate logistical improvements.
- Production costs climbed in April and stayed elevated through Q2, primarily due to high acrylic acid prices, fixed energy costs, and moderate freight rate increases impacting producers across Europe.
- Price forecasts for the remainder of Q3 2025 anticipate mild upward pressure, driven by unchanged upstream feedstock costs and ongoing demand from hygiene, medical, and agricultural sectors.
- Demand outlook remains firm across Europe, supported by the hygiene industry (childcare and adult incontinence products), medical uses, and incremental interest in agricultural applications; momentum is expected to continue into late Q3.
