At the beginning of Qx, the Asian boric acid market entered a bearish phase with prices declining across major economies like Japan and India. The downturn is primarily driven by the combination of weakening upstream feedstock values and logistical disruptions, particularly in Japan where nationwide port strikes are compounding the issue. Boric acid is a vital chemical intermediate widely utilized across several downstream industries due to its versatile properties. Its applications span agriculture (as a micronutrient fertilizer), pharmaceuticals (as an antiseptic and antifungal agent), flame retardants, wood preservatives, and industrial processes such as the production of borate salts, boron-based compounds, and fibreglass.
In Japan, boric acid prices have settled at USD xxxx/tonne marking a noticeable drop from earlier levels. A parallel decline in sulphuric acid prices which is a key feedstock in boric acid manufacturing is contributing to the soft market....
