The monochloroacetic acid market remained stable in October 2025 after a significant price increase in September. Exports from Germany remain stable at approximately 4,043 MT, thanks to moderate demand and stronger consumption from the industrial sectors of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, despite well-publicized financial struggles faced by their major producer, CABB. Demand for monochloroacetic acid from other European markets was comparable to Germany, as inflation eases and GDP ticks up slightly at 1.1%. Export volumes from January to August 2025 ranged from 3,416.58 MT to 4,622.94 MT in April; July through August, demand continued to recover and remained hedged between capacity and advancing demand. ChemAnalyst anticipate prices will remain stable; procurement is expected to increase in advance of holidays, though price increases are not expected. Historical market trends indicate that demand for monochloroacetic acid increases in November through the holiday season for restocked construction and industrial activity. Balanced trading sentiment without tighter supply management suggests a continued healthy close to 2025, to start with a positive outlook for January 2026 moving forward.
The monochloroacetic acid market kept prices unchanged through October 2025, after a significant jump in September changed the trading pattern in Germany and the rest of Europe. While the ongoing economic stagnation in Germany may have shifted, demand for monochloroacetic acid remained firm, despite prices increasing, due in part to stable consumption in the industrial sector from pharmaceutical and agrochemical, and specialty chemical sectors. Export quantities of monochloroacetic acid began to stabilize around 4,043 MT, which continued to support stability in the market.
Top producers of monochloroacetic acid such as CABB Chemicals faced financial challenges as part of the larger European economic situation. The monochloroacetic acid market appeared to be returning to balance as supply was closely aligned with demand. Despite Germany's structural issues, including an aging labor force, high energy costs, and decreased competitiveness as an exporter, the chemical sector was not adversely affected in its core business. Consequently, monochloroacetic acid consumption remained stable.
Demand for monochloroacetic acid in Europe reflected the stability seen in Germany, supported by easing inflation and modest growth of 1.1% in GDP. While the perception of risks related to global trade tensions and competition with the US and China, investments associated with the green and digital transitions have all contributed to this. In addition, the EU recovery funds supported confidence in manufacturing, leading to continued use of monochloroacetic acid in important downstream applications.
From January through August 2025, Germany’s export numbers fell within a tight range, with the lowest total being 3,416.58 MT and the highest being 4,622.94 MT during the review period. Exports peaked in April at 4,166.97 MT, which was a 14.6 percent increase compared to January. However, June posted the lowest total at 3,524.71 MT, which was a 15.3 percent drop from April’s high. The July and August total capacity of 4,043.58 MT indicated that exports had stabilized after the earlier dips and reflected the firm market sentiment heading into October.
The stability of the export level indicates that Germany’s chemical industry has continued to adjust to the current market conditions for both domestic and global demand. The monochloroacetic acid market benefited from consumption strength in North America and neighboring portions of Europe, which counterbalanced some domestic economic weakness. The ability of the sector to maintain price stability as consumption patterns changed has largely been its ability to adapt supply to demand shifts.
According to the ChemAnalyst database, it is anticipated that the price of monochloroacetic acid will stabilize in the coming weeks, as the sharp rise that occurred in September has abated and trading sentiment has returned to normal. While some procurement will be picked up as the holidays approach, any significaant price increases are expected. Historically, demand has increased in November–December, thus the market may be positioned for a strong finish to 2025 as well as a strong start to 2026.
