The bentonite market in the US has recently remained stable, with the month of November 2025 exhibiting a balance of demand and supply. Mining and logistics were performed effectively due to lower energy prices and better rail capacity. There also appears to be a good amount of downstream activity for bentonite because of ongoing oilfield drilling, constant foundry production levels, and regular requests from private-label cat litter companies. Most of the product moved through domestic channels while export flows were steady over time. As we look forward, some moderate seasonal changes appear to be forthcoming. Periodic temporary oversupply or diminished drilling activity could create an effect on market attitudes towards bentonite; however, the perceived importance of preparing for winter drilling activity should be somewhat in favour of enhancing overall consumption levels of bentonite. Through the beginning of the next construction season in spring, the existing active pipeline/project construction and the remaining construction work should aid in fostering a continued feeling of stability for the market's gradual, consistent growth and development.
The US bentonite prices saw stability in November, as they have remained within their narrow trading band and exhibited stability in the face of global commodity price instability. In addition to this, the demand for high quality US bentonite within the industrial community is steady, but not exceptional, thus providing more consistency for US bentonite products from a manufacturing standpoint.
Prices for Sodium Bentonite from DEL Wyoming were USD 212 per metric ton in October, a relatively small increase (0.5%) from November. Open-pit mining continued as normal; with improved railcar movements for delivery, producers experienced little to no delays in shipping. Natural gas costs have decreased recently, thereby reducing drying costs further supporting upstream bentonite operations. Producers maintained steady inventory levels and avoided any significant maintenance downtime; therefore, they can maintain steady shipments of the product to their domestic customers throughout the entire month of December.
According to the demand statistics, a similar story of equilibrium arose. Foundries used bentonite at a stable pace due to the flatness of output from the automotive industry. Oilfield drilling remained range bound and did not create significant fluctuations in use of bentonite in drilling mud. Private label cat litter continues to provide a steady source of sales to manufacturers. Exporters also received a continual stream of inquiries regarding bentonite; however, the strong dollar continues to keep American bentonite trapped in the US market.
Market analysts anticipate minimal changes in bentonite pricing for the winter months. In addition to potential seasonal temporary increases in demand for bentonite from drilling preparation activities, the expected improvements in rail logistics may allow for effective management of expense for suppliers. On the downside, the potential for significantly reduced rig activity during the winter months and lingering inventory overhangs may put downward pressure on bentonite pricing until manufacturers begin restocking for the spring months. Following the commencement of the first quarter, modest price increases may begin to occur as manufacturers and users replenish their bentonite inventories for construction, drilling, and industrial usage.
As we approach spring, analysts predict that the stronger flow of materials upstream will create higher prices for bentonite, because they should expect limited new mining capacity, and if expectations regarding shipping and export channels are positive for the spring and beyond (both from domestic and international perspectives) then transportation costs may become (even) higher and, therefore, will alter the price structure for the product.
Analysing the trends in terms of the last year, the trend for the US Bentonite Market has been: predictable, calm & quietly strong; thus far, the performance of the bentonite has remained steady (without fluctuation), therefore due to balanced inventories and ongoing stability in the mining sector, traders expect that movements of prices will be controlled and moved incrementally rather than in larger, sharp jumps.
