In September 2025, the U.S. Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC) market saw steady gains, led mainly by stable imports from China, its largest supplier. Downstream demand from major industries like disinfectants, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products was stable, maintaining the market in a stable position without a sudden change. Prices saw moderate increases at the beginning of the month corresponding to a stable supply situation as U.S. buyers followed a conservative procurement policy, purchasing only what they needed immediately. During mid-month, the market remained firm based on steady Chinese plant production and continued downstream demand. BAC prices did weaken somewhat by late September as stocks were adequately supplied and forward buying decreased. In the future, the market will probably sense potential supply tightness in October. China's Oct 1-8 Golden Week holiday will temper production and distribution, and residual impacts from Super Typhoon Ragasa, which hit key export centers last month, could stretch shipping delays even longer. American buyers will expect longer lead times and potential pricing adjustments over the next month.
Key Highlights:
The U.S. Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC) market in September 2025 experienced a steady upward momentum cumulating 2.3% increase on a monthly basis, supported by consistent imports from China, the country’s primary supplier. Downstream BAC demand from major industries like disinfectants, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products was stable, enabling the market to stay in balance without maniacal fluctuation in sentiment.
At the beginning of the month, the US market followed modest advances in BAC prices as Chinese suppliers remained consistent in meeting foreign demand without significant interruptions. US consumers were cautious in buying, covering adequate volumes of BAC for the short term only without aggressively stockpiling. This measured approach reflected confidence in the steady supply environment.
As the month progressed, the upward trend continued at a gradual pace. Mid-September saw additional firmness in values, supported by consistent operating rates at Chinese plants and steady BAC downstream consumption in the U.S. Disinfectants, cleaning formulations, and personal care products were the most resilient application segments, providing steady draw on demand. Logistics were extremely smooth at this stage, which enabled US buyers to keep their plans for procurement intact.
By the end of September, however, the market started correcting. In spite of ongoing demand, BAC prices fell back as U.S. inventories moved into comfortable supply and buyers tempered buying for fear of projected October disruption. The late-month decline indicated a market backpedaling against available stock wise forward buying, and implied that short-term consumer supply pressure was easing off.
Two key developments in China are expected to shape the October BAC outlook. One is the upcoming Golden Week holiday next week, Oct. 1-8, when China's manufacturing and logistical work practically comes to a standstill. The annual disruption always causes international shipments to be delayed, and U.S. importers already are getting used to the prospect of even tighter availability in the first half of October.
Adding to this was the effect of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which hit southern China on September 23. The typhoon left widespread dislocation in key exporting terminals such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, and Xiamen. These are major entry points for importing chemicals, and the typhoon had triggered substantial congestion and delay in shipments, which will likely extend well into October. This could impact even cargoes already lined up for departure, and longer lead times for U.S. consumers can result
Overall, September was marked by slight increases and continuing volumes of imports that kept the U.S. BAC market adequately supplied. In the future, though, the combined effect of the Golden Week slowdown as well as residual logistical issues resulting from the typhoon will be poised to put supply-side pressures on producers. U.S. purchasers likely anticipate protracted delivery timelines and potential increases in BAC prices as the new month continues.
