January 2026 US boron trifluoride market saw prices decline sharply as subdued downstream buying and import availability widened supply cushion. Freight easing reduced landed costs and inflows, while year-end inventories kept buyers reluctant. A disruption at a U.S. boron trifluoride supplier temporarily tightened flows but failed to generate durable buying interest. Weaker uptake from refining and fine-chemical users, along with export activity, set the tone and pressed the CFR Houston marker lower. Demand remained uneven across end markets: refining was soft with Gulf Coast turnarounds limiting alkylation catalyst orders; pharmaceutical and fine-chemical formulators deferred January call-offs after stocking up in December. Semiconductor segment provided limited support, with inquiries continuing but not translating into sizeable new BF3 contracts. Exports continued to ease amid trade uncertainty. Upstream and logistics factors created offsetting pressures: higher natural boron ore costs squeezed margins, while softer freight reduced landed costs. Near-term outlook is mixed, with inventories likely to cap upside, though upticks could occur if downstream demand firm.
