For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Middle East & Africa
• Bromine Price Index in Jordan overall stable with a marginal increase of 0.4% quarter-on-quarter, hovering around USD 2,370/MT FOB Aqaba June 2025.
• Why did the price of Bromine change in July 2025 in MEA? Prices remained stable as steady production and moderate Asian demand offset the impact of high inventories.
• Despite elevated freight costs stemming from Red Sea security concerns, downstream consumption in flame retardants and pharmaceuticals helped keep the market balanced.
• Bromine Price Forecast for Q3 2025: Prices are likely to remain soft-to-stable unless restocking in China and India accelerates. Shipping costs and geopolitical developments in the Middle East will also shape the near-term pricing landscape, but oversupply and buyer caution could cap upside movement.
• Bromine Production Cost Trend: Jordan’s bromine producers, led by the Jordan Bromine Company (JBC), benefited from economies of scale following the Q2 2025 capacity expansion.
• Despite increasing logistics costs due to vessel rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, domestic feedstock availability and strong plant utilization helped manage cost pressure.
• Bromine Demand Outlook: Demand from key Asian buyers, especially in China and India, remained consistent but restrained. Just-in-time procurement strategies dominated purchasing behavior as downstream users opted for minimal inventory buildup amid uncertain end-user demand.
• Construction Sector: China’s ongoing property sector struggles—evidenced by falling new starts, stagnant home prices, and low private-sector construction investment—dampened bromine demand for flame retardants in insulation and electrical components.
• Meanwhile, India’s infrastructure-led growth offered more reliable support. Government capital spending, especially on transport and energy projects, sustained demand for brominated materials, although a dip in Q1 housing sales suggests that private residential momentum remains fragile.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• Bromine Price Index in China rose by 19.0% quarter-on-quarter before stabilizing at USD 3,057/MT FOB Qingdao by June 2025.
• Why did the price of Bromine change in July 2025 in China? Prices remained firm through June, driven by tight domestic supply, precautionary production slowdowns following safety inspections, and restocking demand from flame-retardant producers.
• While private housing demand was weak, the electronics and NEV sectors maintained stable consumption levels.
• Bromine Price Forecast for Q3 2025: A moderately bullish trend is anticipated due to sustained demand from flame retardants and electronics, coupled with limited production flexibility in Shandong and persisting Red Sea freight bottlenecks. However, by Q4, normalizing imports and higher inventory levels may exert softening pressure on prices.
• Bromine Production Cost Trend: Rising raw material costs and falling brine concentrations have increased production expenses.
• Domestic sulfur prices rose 8.2% in May, while energy-intensive bromine extraction and the May 27 explosion at Weifang’s Youdao Chemical caused temporary shutdowns, tightening supply further and lifting cost floors.
• Bromine Demand Outlook: Flame-retardants—particularly in electronics, home appliances, and EV battery insulation- remain the backbone of bromine demand.
• With China’s electronics exports up 4.8% y/y and NEV sales rising 36.9% in May, consumption remained steady.
• Construction Sector: In May 2025, China’s construction activity remained in mild expansion, mostly due to public works. However, private housing investment declined 10.3% YoY in Jan–Apr, with new housing starts down nearly 25% from 2024 levels.
North America
• USA’s Bromine Price Index rose by 3.5% quarter-on-quarter, settling at USD 2,630/MT FOB Houston on June 27, 2025.
• Why did the price of Bromine remain steady in July 2025 in the U.S.? Despite tighter global supply from China and higher freight costs via Middle Eastern routes, the U.S. market remained insulated due to strong domestic production, steady brine extraction in Arkansas, and uninterrupted Gulf logistics.
• A balanced export pull from Canada and Mexico, alongside stable demand from flame retardants and water treatment, further contributed to price stability.
• Bromine Price Forecast for Q3 2025: Prices are expected to stay range-bound, barring major hurricane-related disruptions along the Gulf Coast.
• Continued robust output from Albemarle and LANXESS, along with resilient demand from infrastructure and utility sectors, should cap any sharp increases. However, rising input costs or hurricane-induced logistical snarls could trigger short-term volatility.
• Bromine Production Cost Trend: U.S. producers benefit from integrated brine-based extraction with low feedstock risk. Full-capacity operations at Albemarle’s Magnolia and LANXESS’s El Dorado facilities kept production costs stable.
• Gulf Coast logistics remained efficient, and brine inventories at Houston terminals were described as “comfortable,” keeping supply-side inflation in check.
• Bromine Demand Outlook: Domestic demand remained steady, supported by ongoing flame retardant use in electronics, automotive, and infrastructure materials. Water treatment applications continued at normal levels, while oilfield demand held up despite a flat rig count.
• Construction Sector: U.S. construction activity showed diverging trends in June.
Europe
• Bromine price Index in Europe remained stable during June 2025, as consistent imports from Jordan and subdued domestic demand helped maintain market balance.
• Why did the price of Bromine remain stable in July 2025 in Europe? Prices held steady due to stable supply from Jordan, where producers operated near capacity despite Red Sea disruptions.
• European demand remained cautious, with most buyers sourcing on a need-only basis, avoiding forward purchases due to lingering economic uncertainty and soft downstream consumption.
• Bromine Price Forecast for Q3 2025: A flat-to-soft price trend is anticipated, barring major logistical shocks.
• Persistent macroeconomic challenges in Europe and subdued activity in key sectors such as construction and electronics may prevent any sharp price appreciation.
• Bromine Production Cost Trend: Europe relies entirely on imported bromine, with Jordan as the key supplier. Despite higher freight rates caused by Red Sea tensions, long-haul shipments continued via the Cape of Good Hope.
• Elevated shipping costs were partially absorbed by suppliers, and stable terminal handling rates in key ports like Antwerp and Rotterdam helped keep delivered costs within manageable limits.
• Bromine Demand Outlook: Demand remained subdued across Europe during Q2 2025. Buyers in Germany, France, and the Benelux countries limited restocking and focused on lean inventory strategies.
• Flame retardants for consumer electronics and electrical applications saw only modest pull, while pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals continued to absorb base volumes.
• Construction Sector: Europe’s construction sector continues to exhibit signs of stress, particularly in the residential segment.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In the first quarter of 2025, the U.S. bromine market experienced a mixed performance, primarily influenced by seasonal slowdowns, logistical challenges, and economic uncertainty. Starting in January, bromine prices saw a slight decline due to cheaper imports from China, creating a competitive environment. The market experienced moderate demand, affected by the year-end holiday season and harsh winter conditions, which disrupted several sectors, including construction.
Manufacturing and supply dynamics in the U.S. remained steady, with consistent import levels from China, despite challenges posed by the holiday period and winter weather. The demand for bromine remained moderate, supported by key sectors such as flame retardants, drilling fluids, and water treatment. However, the construction sector, a significant consumer of bromine-based products, experienced slower activity due to rising inflation and high borrowing costs, which impacted the procurement of bromine for construction materials.
By February and March, the market saw further fluctuations, with a slight decline in February driven by cheaper imports and ongoing seasonal effects. In March, geopolitical risks and disruptions in the Middle East further strained the supply chain, pushing prices upward. The overall demand remained moderate, with the construction sector continuing to face challenges, including rising material costs and policy uncertainties, which influenced bromine procurement strategies.
APAC
In the first quarter of 2025, the Bromine market in China experienced relatively stable dynamics, despite fluctuations in demand and supply conditions. Starting in January, bromine prices were stable, supported by balanced market conditions and strong domestic sulfur prices. However, weak downstream demand, particularly from the flame retardant sector, led to reduced market activity, especially during the Chinese New Year holiday period. While producers in the Shandong region continued production, inventory levels were kept moderate.
The construction sector, a major consumer of bromine-based flame retardants, experienced mixed signals, with some recovery in property sales but ongoing pressure from weak real estate investments and sales. As the holiday period ended, production resumed slowly, and despite the subdued demand, the market remained stable. By February, bromine prices remained steady, with minimal trade activity, and a decrease in bromine imports further limited supply.
In March, demand from downstream flame retardant manufacturers began to pick up, leading to increased procurement activity. Supply constraints continued due to tight inventories, delayed imports, and limited production. Despite weak performance in the construction sector, the need for flame retardants in various industries, including electronics and construction, helped sustain demand for bromine.
Europe
In the first quarter of 2025, the European bromine market saw moderate fluctuations in prices, largely driven by import dynamics and demand from key sectors. Europe continued to rely on imports from Jordan, as the region's domestic production capacity remained limited. Throughout January to March, the European market faced a combination of stable consumption and reduced purchasing activity.
In January, the market experienced a slight increase in bromine prices due to logistical challenges and a tighter supply chain stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which affected transportation routes. This was further compounded by delays in shipments from Jordan, leading to higher freight costs. Despite these challenges, demand for bromine in Europe remained relatively steady, with seasonal fluctuations influencing consumption in specific industries.
By February, the market saw a decline in prices as European buyers became more cautious in their purchasing due to lower demand from key consumer industries. The slowdown was particularly evident in construction-related sectors, which had been facing economic headwinds and reduced activity. In March, prices stabilized as suppliers from Jordan continued to meet moderate demand, although uncertainty surrounding geopolitical tensions and supply chain issues persisted. While European demand for bromine-based products in critical sectors remained stable.
MEA
In the first quarter of 2025, bromine prices in Jordan experienced fluctuations driven by shifting demand dynamics and external factors. The market began with a slight decline in January due to weak consumer demand, as businesses engaged in destocking efforts and reduced purchasing activity following the year-end period. Although demand from Asian markets, particularly for flame retardants and agrochemicals, remained steady, it was not sufficient to offset the downward pressure on prices.
Manufacturing and supply dynamics in Jordan were influenced by logistical challenges in the Middle East, along with broader geopolitical tensions, which affected export activities. The decline in bromine exports to key markets, including India and China, was significant, reflecting the weaker demand and cautious approach from international buyers. By February and March, prices continued to be under pressure, with reduced demand from major markets, including China, exacerbated by the Chinese New Year holidays and slower industrial activity.
Despite this, the demand for bromine remained consistent in key sectors like flame retardants, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. However, market sentiment was dampened by high material availability and slower procurement from Asian markets. The construction sector in China, a key consumer of bromine, showed mixed signals, with ongoing weakness in real estate investment and sluggish property sales.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The Bromine market in North America during Q4 2024 exhibited a mixed price trajectory. The quarter commenced with a bearish trend, primarily attributed to a slowdown in consumer demand, particularly within downstream sectors like flame retardants and intermediates. This deceleration was further exacerbated by the geopolitical instability arising from the Israel-Palestine conflict, which disrupted import channels, notably impacting bromine exports from Israel.
Conversely, robust economic indicators, including strong consumer spending and government expenditure, initially provided some support to the market. However, as the quarter progressed, these positive influences were gradually overshadowed by the lingering effects of the geopolitical crisis. Supply chain disruptions and production halts at key manufacturing facilities in the Middle East led to supply constraints and subsequent price increases.
Despite these challenges, consistent demand from key industrial sectors, such as flame retardants, drilling fluids, and water treatment, provided a degree of market stability. Towards the end of the quarter, a resurgence of cheaper imports exerted downward pressure on prices, culminating in a slight decline.
APAC
The Bromine market in the APAC region during Q4 2024 exhibited a nuanced price trajectory. The quarter commenced with stable prices amidst balanced supply and demand. However, improved weather conditions spurred increased production and imports, leading to a period of price appreciation in the APAC region dominated by China. Strong demand from the flame-retardant sector fueled this upward trend. Subsequently, prices stabilized as downstream demand provided limited cost support.
Towards the end of the quarter, a decline in consumer demand, particularly within the flame-retardant sector, exerted downward pressure on prices of Bromine. Despite this, the market remained relatively stable, supported by consistent domestic production and adequate inventory levels.
The Chinese construction sector showed signs of recovery, driven by government stimulus measures, which positively influenced the demand for bromine-based flame retardants. However, the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to pose logistical challenges, impacting transportation costs and affected future supply chain dynamics.
MEA
The Bromine market in the MEA region during Q4 2024 exhibited a volatile price trajectory particularly in Jordan, a major producer. The quarter commenced with price increases driven by escalating regional tensions and weakening demand from downstream sectors. Subsequently, prices stabilized amidst improved supply conditions and robust industrial activity in Jordan.
However, a decline in demand from key Asian markets such as China, particularly for flame retardants, coupled with destocking activities and year-end discounting, led to a price drop towards the end of the quarter. While production in the Dead Sea region showed improvement, sales of bromine-based flame retardants declined due to lower prices and weaker demand from the electronics and construction sectors.
Geopolitical tensions in the region continued to impact the market, affecting logistics costs and trade flows. Despite these challenges, steady demand from Asia, particularly from China for bromine in applications such as flame retardants, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals provided some stability to the market towards the end of the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Bromine market in North America witnessed a significant decline in prices, with the USA experiencing the most notable changes. This quarter saw a multitude of factors influencing the market, leading to a decrease in prices. Demand from downstream industries like flame retardants and intermediates slowed down during this quarter, both domestically and internationally, due to adequate material availability.
Additionally, construction spending in the USA saw a decrease, impacting Bromine consumption. The ongoing conflict in Middle Eastern regions further disrupted imports, affecting overall market dynamics. Comparing Q3 2024 to the same quarter last year, prices have plummeted by 32.2%, reflecting the challenging market conditions.
Moreover, the quarter-on-quarter change in 2024 showcased a 6.3% decrease, with a consistent negative trend throughout the period. The second half of the quarter mirrored the overall downtrend, indicating stability in the decreasing prices. The quarter concluded with Bromine Bulk CIF Houston in the USA priced at USD 2146/MT, highlighting a persistently negative pricing environment.
APAC
In the third quarter of 2024, the Bromine market in the Asia Pacific region experienced mixed trends as the prices fluctuated. The quarter was characterized by varied pricing trends, with factors such as oversupply and weak demand dynamics, stable production rates, and moderate to high inventory levels influencing Bromine market prices. In China, which saw the most significant price changes, overall trends indicated a steady market environment. The current quarter recorded a substantial 26 percent decrease compared to the same period last year, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the Bromine market. However, from the previous quarter i.e., Q2 of 2024, there was no change in prices, indicating a period of price stabilization. The comparison between the first half and second half of the quarter also showed no significant price variations, highlighting a consistent pricing trend. The latest quarter-ending price for Bromine Exw-Shandong basis in China stood at USD 2449 per MT, underscoring the prevailing varied pricing sentiment in the region.
MEA
In Q3 2024, the Bromine market in the MEA region witnessed a period of decreasing prices, influenced by various significant factors. The market experienced a decline in prices due to subdued demand from downstream sectors like flame retardants and intermediates, leading to an oversupply situation. Additionally, the increased production rates in key exporting nations coupled with ample material availability further contributed to the downward pressure on prices. The ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions in the region also played a role in the pricing dynamics. Specifically focusing on the United Arab Emirates, the market saw the most significant price changes in Q3 2024. With a notable 20.5% decrease compared to the same quarter last year and a -5.6% decline from the previous quarter in 2024, the pricing trend remained negative. Moreover, there was a -1% price difference between the first and second half of the quarter, indicating a consistent downward trajectory in prices. The quarter-ending price of USD 2240/MT of Bromine CIF Jabel Ali in the UAE reflected the prevailing decreasing sentiment in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the current price of bromine in the Middle East & Africa (MEA)?
As of June 2025, bromine prices in Jordan stood at USD 2,370/MT FOB Aqaba.
2. What is the current price of bromine in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region?
As of June 2025, bromine prices in China were assessed at USD 3,057/MT FOB Qingdao.
3. What is the current price of bromine in North America?
Bromine prices in the U.S. market remained stable at USD 2,630/MT FOB Houston during June 2025.
4. What is the current price of bromine in Europe?
As of June 2025, bromine prices in Europe were supported by reliable imports from Jordan and muted regional restocking activity.
5. Why did bromine prices remain steady or change in June 2025?
o MEA: Prices were stable due to high production and inventory levels in Jordan, offset by logistical rerouting costs via the Cape of Good Hope.
o APAC: Tight supply from Shandong and firm demand in electronics and flame retardants-maintained pricing strength.
o North America: Prices held flat as U.S. plants operated at full capacity while downstream demand remained steady, particularly in infrastructure-linked sectors.
o Europe: Prices remained rangebound with consistent supply from Jordan and conservative procurement from European chemical and electronics buyers.
