For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Benzyl Chloride market in the U.S. moved soft-to-stable through Q2 2025, as subdued industrial demand and excess inventories weighed on early-quarter sentiment before agrochemical consumption and tighter global logistics modestly supported prices by June.
• In April, prices declined amid weak cost support from Asian feedstock toluene and limited downstream pull from U.S. plasticizer, stabilizer, and adhesive sectors. Although spring sowing stimulated moderate agrochemical offtake, most buyers stuck to short-term procurement amid persistent price softness and elevated inventories.
• May saw a sharp price drop as relaxed U.S.–China tariffs triggered import surges from Asia and Europe, causing oversupply despite favorable planting weather. Industrial demand remained weak due to affordability issues and low housing starts, while agricultural buying alone was insufficient to absorb rising stock.
• In June, prices edged up as crop protection demand during humid summer conditions provided moderate support, and rising Asian feedstock values, paired with Chinese port congestion, raised export offers and shipping costs. Still, construction-related applications stayed muted, limiting stronger price recovery.
Why did the price of Benzyl Chloride change in July 2025 in North America?
• In July, the Benzyl Chloride Price Index in North America increased as steady field activity and post-emergence pest control sustained agrochemical blending, supporting firm demand.
• The Benzyl Chloride Production Cost Trend stayed stable, but domestic buying strengthened as short-term restocking picked up following significant inventory drawdowns during May and June.
• Firm agrochemical-sector offtake and replenishment needs kept spot activity healthy, maintaining upward pressure on prices.
Asia
• The Benzyl Chloride market in Asia trended mostly soft through early Q2 2025 before rebounding in June, as weak feedstock toluene prices in China and ample inventories weighed on export offers, while subdued construction-linked demand across India curbed consumption until agrochemical buying revived late in the quarter.
• In April, prices eased as Indian buyers avoided bulk purchases amid falling Chinese export offers and elevated stock levels. Seasonal construction slowdowns and heatwave-related delays in housing and infrastructure projects further restrained demand, while pre-Kharif agrochemical activity stayed in its typical lull, keeping overall sentiment bearish.
• Through May, the downtrend persisted as construction consumption weakened further under high temperatures and labor shortages, while agrochemical buying remained limited despite early field preparation. Chinese exporters continued aggressive destocking, dragging regional prices lower despite stable logistics and steady port flows.
• By June, prices turned firmer as the Kharif sowing season accelerated, boosting agrochemical procurement and tightening local stock levels. Rising intra-Asia freight rates and stronger export offers from China, driven by higher domestic trading activity and firmer feedstock costs, added to bullish momentum despite ongoing weakness in construction-related end uses.
Why did the price of Benzyl Chloride change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July, the Benzyl Chloride Price Index in Asia increased as robust agrochemical demand, driven by peak monsoon crop cycles and heightened pest pressure, boosted procurement activity.
• The Benzyl Chloride Production Cost Trend remained stable, but accelerated orders from Indian buyers—aiming to avoid mid-season logistical delays—added to the bullish sentiment and supported firmer offers.
• Strong agrochemical-sector offtake and forward stocking by key buyers kept spot activity active, reinforcing the upward momentum in prices.
Europe
• The Benzyl Chloride market in Germany trended lower through Q2 2025, as weak cost support from soft toluene values—pressured by falling crude oil benchmarks and oversupply—combined with subdued downstream demand, driving prices steadily downward.
• In April, prices fell as demand from construction-linked segments, including adhesives, coatings, and plasticizers, remained weak, while modest agrochemical consumption tied to the spring sowing season was insufficient to offset the broader industrial slowdown. Export flows also suffered delays from persistent congestion at Hamburg.
• May extended the bearish momentum as soil dryness across Central and Northern Europe disrupted pesticide application, suppressing peak-season agrochemical demand. Falling feedstock costs further reduced production expenses, while logistics bottlenecks at Hamburg and Bremerhaven slowed exports, contributing to inventory buildup and a muted trading environment.
• By June, prices continued declining as agrochemical demand tapered post-spring season, while residential and commercial construction stagnation, coupled with new order declines, deepened weakness in construction chemicals, plasticizers, and adhesives, reinforcing bearish sentiment.
Why did the price of Benzyl Chloride change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July, the Benzyl Chloride Price Index in Europe increased as rising manufacturing activity supported stronger downstream consumption, particularly across coatings and plasticizers.
• The Benzyl Chloride Production Cost Trend remained steady, but improved procurement from industrial buyers and seasonal plasticizer demand reinforced a firmer market tone.
• Active purchasing across key end-use segments sustained spot trading momentum, keeping prices on an upward trajectory.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Throughout Q1 2025, the Benzyl Chloride market in North America displayed a mixed but ultimately weakening trend. January saw a slight price increase in US, supported by winter-related supply disruptions. Severe cold weather constrained chemical plant operations along the Gulf Coast, but downstream demand from the agrochemical sector remained muted due to seasonal factors.
In February, prices rose more firmly as inventory levels tightened and pre-spring agricultural demand picked up, especially for corn, soybeans, and wheat cultivation. Although procurement activity improved, high production costs and economic uncertainty tempered broader momentum. By March, the market reversed course, with prices declining amid heightened global competition, falling feedstock toluene costs, and softened freight rates. Adverse weather delayed field preparations, further limiting downstream pesticide and herbicide demand during the early planting season.
Meanwhile, persistent uncertainty around U.S. tariff measures weighed on forward buying sentiment. Amid adequate supply, cautious procurement, and subdued end-use demand, the North American Benzyl Chloride market closed the quarter under moderate downward pressure.
APAC
Throughout Q1 2025, the Benzyl Chloride market in APAC displayed a mixed and volatile trend. January began with price declines, driven by soft downstream demand from agrochemicals and dyes sectors and cautious procurement strategies amid high inventory levels. Despite some seasonal agricultural activity supporting pesticide formulations, weak industrial sentiment and limited bulk buying weighed heavily on market momentum. In February, prices improved moderately as seasonal agrochemical demand picked up, with higher procurement for herbicide intermediates and pesticide formulations ahead of spring planting. Domestic manufacturing activity strengthened, and stable supply conditions further supported modest price recovery, although buyers remained price sensitive. However, in March, the market reversed course again, with prices falling sharply due to heightened competition among the exporters in the region. Downstream agrochemical demand softened after early restocking, while uncertainty in global trade—especially U.S. tariff moves on chemical imports—dampened sentiment. With sufficient inventory levels, cautious downstream procurement, and subdued export opportunities, the APAC Benzyl Chloride market closed Q1 2025 under renewed downward pressure.
Europe
Throughout Q1 2025, the Benzyl Chloride market in Europe exhibited a fluctuating but restrained trend. January saw a modest price increase, supported by rising feedstock toluene costs and initial seasonal restocking in the agrochemical sector. However, weak construction-linked demand and logistical disruptions from Storm Éowyn capped broader momentum. In February, prices rose slightly again, driven by stronger agrochemical activity across Europe as spring planting preparations accelerated, particularly for wheat and barley crops. Improved demand fundamentals provided some optimism, although persistent high energy costs and cautious buyer behavior limited significant gains. By March, the market reversed course, with prices declining amid ample inventory levels and weakening downstream consumption. Although spring sowing season supported localized agrochemical demand, broader offtake from construction-linked industries such as coatings and resins remained muted, reflecting the Eurozone’s contracting construction sector. Export challenges linked to congestion at Antwerp port and wider trade tensions further restrained market confidence. Amid subdued industrial demand and balanced supply, the European Benzyl Chloride market closed the quarter with softening sentiment.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The benzyl chloride market in North America experienced a steady decline throughout Q4 2024, marked by reduced import prices, oversupply, and subdued demand from downstream sectors. In October, prices decreased due to weak agrochemical demand and cheaper imports, as buyers adopted a cautious procurement strategy ahead of the spring application season. Seasonal factors and dry conditions further limited market activity. Despite stable domestic production, high inventories and global supply increases from APAC producers added to the bearish market sentiment.
In November, prices declined sharply, reflecting significant pressure from elevated stock levels, weak downstream consumption, and low feedstock toluene costs. Agrochemical demand was minimal, with fertilizer consumption slowing post-harvest, and the polymer sector also faced reduced demand due to soft construction activity and limited industrial investments. Manufacturers focused on destocking efforts, offering aggressive discounts to manage excess inventories, but market transactions remained limited.
By December, benzyl chloride prices in the USA declined further, settling at USD 1,394/MT CFR Houston. Oversupply, weak agrochemical and polymer demand, and stagnant feedstock costs contributed to the drop. Seasonal slowdowns in construction and agriculture constrained buying momentum.
APAC
The benzyl chloride market in APAC faced a bearish trend throughout Q4 2024, driven by persistent oversupply and weak downstream demand. In October, prices declined due to reduced feedstock toluene costs, low import prices, and subdued demand from agrochemical and polymer sectors. Oversupply challenges and cautious procurement strategies by traders further weighed on the market, while downstream consumption in agrochemical intermediates and fertilizers remained weak, exacerbating the sluggish market conditions. November saw sharper declines as inventory levels remained high across the region and downstream demand continued to falter. Competitive imports from China and other exporting nations, coupled with lower feedstock costs, suppressed any price recovery. Producers intensified destocking efforts by offering discounts to improve cash flow, but market transactions stayed limited amid subdued trading activity. By December, benzyl chloride prices in India dropped further, settling at INR 86,800/MT CFR JNPT, as weak demand persisted in key downstream sectors such as agrochemicals and polymers. High inventory levels and conservative procurement strategies by buyers, coupled with reduced agricultural activity during the winter season, kept the market subdued.
Europe
The Benzyl chloride market in Europe experienced a consistent decline throughout Q4 2024, driven by weak downstream demand, oversupply, and low feedstock toluene prices. In October, prices dropped moderately as demand from the agrochemical sector weakened due to delayed harvests and winter planting. Limited procurement activity and high inventory levels further pressured the market. Production rates remained stable, but disruptions in fertilizer shipments added to logistical challenges. Buyers adopted a cautious approach, focusing on incremental purchases.
In November, the bearish trend intensified, with prices falling as downstream consumption in agrochemicals and polymers stagnated. Elevated inventories, low toluene costs, and subdued trading activity kept market sentiment weak. Manufacturers intensified destocking efforts, offering discounts to manage excess stock, but the market remained oversupplied. Seasonal slowdowns in agriculture and cautious procurement strategies reflected broader challenges across the value chain.
By December, benzyl chloride prices in Belgium declined significantly, settling at USD 1,019/MT FOB Antwerp, driven by reduced demand and aggressive inventory management. The agrochemical sector faced limited buying momentum during the winter season, while subdued construction activity impacted polymer consumption.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North America region witnessed a significant surge in Benzyl Chloride prices, with the USA experiencing the most pronounced price changes. Various factors contributed to this uptrend, including robust demand from key sectors like agrochemicals, low inventory levels, and supply chain disruptions from plant shutdowns such as those at Hubei Greenhome Materials Technology Inc. and Jiangsu Wanlong Chemical Co., Ltd. and high import prices.
These disruptions constrained supply, leading to heightened market prices. Additionally, elevated energy costs and increased global procurement activities further bolstered Benzyl Chloride prices in the region. The USA, in particular, saw a 16% increase in Benzyl Chloride prices from the previous quarter, with a significant price hike between the first and second halves of Q3.
Looking back at the same quarter last year, prices increased by 10.3% This upward trend reflects a positive pricing environment, driven by strong demand, supply constraints, and rising production costs. The quarter ended with Benzyl Chloride priced at USD 1786/MT CFR Houston, indicating a bullish market sentiment and sustained price growth.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC region witnessed a significant increase in Benzyl Chloride prices, driven by various factors. Plant disruptions, such as the shutdown of Hubei Greenhome Materials Technology Inc. in China due to floods, contributed to supply constraints, leading to a surge in prices. These disruptions exacerbated the already tight supply-demand balance, pushing prices higher. Additionally, strong demand from industries like agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals particularly due to the monsoon season, which typically boosts the need for agrochemical products. India, in particular, experienced the most substantial price changes, reflecting the overall market trend. The correlation between price changes in India and the APAC region was evident, showcasing a synchronized pricing environment. The quarter recorded a substantial 12.5% increase from the previous quarter, with a notable price difference between the first and second half of the quarter. The quarter concluded with Benzyl Chloride priced at USD 1262/MT CFR JNPT in India, reflecting a consistently positive pricing environment in the domestic market of India.
Europe
Throughout Q3 2024, the Benzyl Chloride market in Europe maintained a stable pricing environment, with prices remaining unchanged from the previous quarter. Several factors influenced market prices during this period. Improved supply conditions, low demand from the agrochemical sector, reduced cost support from feedstock toluene, and cautious buying behavior all contributed to the stable prices. The market experienced a balanced scenario, with supply levels meeting demand adequately. The quarter saw minimal disruptions in production, with no reported plant shutdowns impacting the market. Notably, Germany witnessed the most significant price changes within the region. Despite stable prices overall, Germany experienced fluctuations driven by similar factors affecting the broader European market. The correlation in price changes between countries underscored the interconnected nature of the Benzyl Chloride market in the region. Looking back at the same quarter last year, prices slightly decreased around 4%, reflecting the overall stable pricing trend. Comparing the first and second half of the quarter also showed no price variance. The quarter concluded with Benzyl Chloride priced at USD 1361/MT FD Hamburg in Germany, maintaining the stable pricing sentiment seen throughout Q3 2024.
FAQs
• What is the current trend for Benzyl Chloride prices globally?
Benzyl Chloride prices rose across Asia, Europe, and North America in July 2025, supported by strong agrochemical demand and plasticizer requirements, and improved industrial procurement.
• What factors are driving Benzyl Chloride demand in key regions?
In Asia, peak monsoon crop cycles and high pest pressure drove robust agrochemical procurement. In North America, steady field activity and post-emergence pest control fueled agrochemical blending needs.
• Who are the major Benzyl Chloride producers globally?
Leading producers include LANXESS, Valtris Specialty Chemicals, Hubei Phoenix Chemical, Jiangsu Dynamic Chemical, and Valtris–Arkema, which collectively supply major markets in Asia, North America, and Europe.
• What is the Benzyl Chloride Price Outlook for August 2025?
Prices are expected to remain supported as agrochemical blending persists into late summer and industrial procurement remains firm across global markets.
