US tall oil rosin prices softened in January 2026 as seasonal demand pauses coincided with ample Scandinavian export arrivals, softening sentiment. Early shipments from Nordic distillers replenished U.S. terminal stocks, while year-end maintenance turnarounds curtailed liftings from major downstream users. Mid-month, softer domestic demand, notably from adhesives and corrugated-packaging, left distributors well supplied and prompted discounting. The market mood shifted from cautious to defensive as buyers delayed fresh nominations, leaving the sector weaker into February. Demand remained uneven across end-use sectors, reinforcing downside pressure on the DEL Houston reference. Adhesives and sealants, which account for a large share of tall oil rosin usage, ran reduced schedules and softened spot inquiries, while corrugated packaging and graphic-inks formulators drew on inventories rather than placing new import nominations. In contrast, resin blenders for road-marking and chewing-gum maintained steady intake, and rubber compounding and coatings provided modest support. The near-term outlook is mixed, with potential upticks offset by inventory and freight dynamics, signaling continued volatility.
