For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Copper Sulphate Price Index in North America rose by 8.19% Q-o-Q in Q2 2025, driven by logistical delays and strong seasonal agricultural demand.
• Spot price strength was reinforced by congestion at Mexican ports like Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas, which disrupted deliveries and pushed up freight and landed costs for U.S. buyers.
• The production cost trend stayed elevated due to tight sulphuric acid availability, even though copper prices remained stable.
• Procurement activity surged from U.S. agri-input distributors and cooperatives, especially during the crop growth phase across the Midwest and Southeast, sustaining bullish market sentiment.
• Non-agricultural demand stayed sluggish, particularly in construction-related sectors, where spending cuts and lower concrete chemical usage slowed industrial uptake.
Why did the price of Copper Sulphate change in July 2025 in North America?
• Restocking gained momentum with continued fungicide applications in corn and vegetable crops.
• Buyers faced reduced scheduling flexibility, prompting short-term volume securing amid ongoing import constraints.
• Regional distributors lifted prices moderately to maintain margin amid tighter inventories and elevated port congestion.
Europe
• The Copper Sulphate Price Index in Europe increased by 8.2% Q-o-Q, supported by firm agricultural demand and reduced import competitiveness.
• Limited arrivals from Asia and Africa due to port congestion and high freight rates sustained price momentum across the Belgian market.
• The production cost trend remained firm, supported by elevated sulphuric acid values in key export countries and stable copper inputs.
• While agricultural offtake stayed strong for fungicide and algaecide use, industrial and construction-related demand remained soft due to Eurozone construction output declines.
• Domestic inventory drawdowns and moderate restocking cycles helped balance short-term supply, giving sellers better control over offer levels.
Why did the price of Copper Sulphate change in July 2025 in Europe?
• Tighter spot availability from African origins and improving demand in France, Italy, and Central Europe lifted market sentiment.
• Aerospace component production rebounded, particularly in Germany and Italy, increasing demand for technical-grade chemicals.
• Buyers returned to the market after spring-season drawdowns, while rising CIF rates and reduced East Asian competition allowed sellers to restore margin and raise offers.
Asia Pacific
• The Copper Sulphate Price Index rose by 8.9% Q-o-Q in Asia Pacific driven by strong agrochemical demand and feedstock-led cost pressure.
• The production cost trend was elevated by surging sulphuric acid values and steady copper input costs, especially after large forward purchases for July–August delivery.
• Spot availability tightened in June due to mild port disruptions at Qingdao, although domestic delivery remained largely uninterrupted.
• Procurement activity was robust across China, Japan, and India, driven by peak fungicide application windows and increasing export orders to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
• Industrial demand, especially from construction and plastics sectors, remained limited amid housing market weakness and low infrastructure spend.
Why did the price of Copper Sulphate change in July 2025 in APAC?
• A further uptick was noted due to firm orders from OEMs and agri-input manufacturers, particularly in China and Japan.
• Asian exporters raised prices, citing sustained feedstock cost escalation and strong demand from European buyers.
• Tighter availability due to increased exports and supportive demand from aerospace and defense sectors added to the bullish trend.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Throughout Q1 2025, the copper sulphate market in North America experienced consistent price declines, driven by ample supply and subdued demand across key sectors. In January, prices eased as inventory levels remained high due to steady domestic production and increased imports from cost-competitive Asian suppliers. Despite stable feedstock costs, demand was weak in both agrochemical and industrial sectors, compounded by winter-related slowdowns and broader economic uncertainty.
February saw a further price dip, with moderate support from the spring planting season but offset by mixed construction activity and cautious industrial purchasing. Although U.S. manufacturing indicators showed mild improvement, the market remained oversupplied. By March, prices fell more sharply as competition among exporters intensified and global shipping costs dropped significantly.
Seasonal agricultural demand failed to gain traction due to adverse weather, while construction demand remained under pressure from high interest rates and falling housing starts. Continued trade policy uncertainty and tariff risks further dampened buying sentiment, keeping procurement limited and the market bearish through quarter-end.
APAC
Throughout Q1 2025, the copper sulphate market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region experienced a mixed trajectory, initially supported by firm upstream pressure before succumbing to oversupply and weaker downstream demand. In January, prices edged up slightly as higher feedstock copper values and pre-Lunar New Year restocking buoyed procurement, particularly from the agricultural sector. Weather-related crop disruptions in southern China also contributed to stable fertilizer and pesticide usage, while industrial demand remained soft. By February, the market reversed course, with prices slipping amid post-holiday production ramp-ups and subdued export activity. Although seasonal agricultural demand picked up for wheat greening and early plantation needs, increased domestic supply and restrained industrial consumption kept the market from gaining momentum. March brought a sharper decline in prices, as excessive inventories, soft construction demand, and intensified competition among manufacturers led to aggressive price adjustments. Export slowdowns and weaker overseas orders further compounded market pressure. With high stock levels and cautious downstream procurement strategies prevailing, the copper sulphate market in APAC ended the quarter under pronounced bearish sentiment.
Europe
Throughout Q1 2025, the copper sulphate market in Europe saw consistent price declines, driven by oversupply and weak industrial demand. In January, prices fell modestly amid low import costs from Asia and seasonal slowdown in agrochemical use due to winter conditions. Supply chain disruptions from Storm Éowyn delayed imports temporarily, but high inventories ensured market stability. February saw another marginal decline as steady output from Asia and declining copper prices kept import costs low. Although agricultural demand rose with spring planting preparations, industrial applications—especially in construction—remained underwhelming. Strikes and congestion at major European ports, including Antwerp, led to vessel diversions and delays, but overall supply stayed ample. In March, prices declined sharply as competition among Asian exporters intensified and demand remained lackluster. While agricultural demand offered mild support during sowing season, industrial consumption from coatings, preservatives, and concrete additives stayed weak due to the ongoing construction downturn. With limited demand recovery and high inventory levels, the European copper sulphate market closed the quarter under persistent bearish pressure.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American copper sulphate market experienced fluctuating trends throughout Q4 2024, driven by varying supply-demand dynamics. In October, prices rose by 2.2% due to tight supply conditions, high feedstock costs for sulphuric acid and copper, and robust agricultural demand during the late-season fertilization period.
However, in November, prices declined by 4.3% as downstream demand softened, particularly in the construction and agricultural sectors. Sufficient supply and falling copper prices further pressured the market, while high mortgage rates and reduced new home sales weakened construction-related consumption.
In December, copper sulphate prices rebounded, supported by elevated feedstock costs and constrained supply caused by tight inventories and seasonal port congestion at key U.S. entry points, including Houston and Los Angeles. While agricultural and construction activities were seasonally moderate, industrial applications sustained baseline demand. Buyers adopted cautious procurement strategies, focusing on essential purchases amid high costs and logistical uncertainties. Ending the quarter, the price for copper sulphate in the USA was recorded at USD 2,590/MT CFR Texas.
APAC
In APAC, the copper sulphate market exhibited a dynamic trend during Q4 2024, influenced by seasonal demand and fluctuating feedstock costs. In China, October witnessed a robust demand increase from the agricultural sector, driven by late-season plantation activities, which tightened inventories and supported prices. The market softened in November as demand weakened from agriculture and construction sectors due to seasonal slowdowns and oversupply concerns. High inventory levels among manufacturers and limited export inquiries further pressured prices during this period. In December, the market rebounded slightly, supported by rising feedstock costs for sulphuric acid and copper(metal) and tighter inventories. Although demand from agriculture and construction remained moderate due to winter slowdowns, specialty chemical industries contributed to steady downstream activity. Manufacturers faced high production costs but managed supply constraints effectively, balancing limited demand with cautious production strategies. Ending the quarter, the price for copper sulphate in China was recorded at USD 2,373/MT FOB Qingdao, reflecting the market's constrained supply and seasonal recovery.
Europe
The European copper sulphate market in Q4 2024 displayed a dynamic trend, influenced by fluctuating demand and supply constraints. In Belgium, prices increased in October, driven by tight supply and robust demand from agriculture and chemical sectors. Seasonal factors, combined with elevated feedstock costs for sulphuric acid and copper, further supported the bullish sentiment. However, in November, prices declined as demand weakened across agriculture and construction sectors, while sufficient supply and low import prices compounded the bearish market conditions. High inventory levels and cautious procurement behavior from buyers reflected subdued market sentiment during this period. In December, copper sulphate prices rebounded slightly, supported by elevated feedstock costs and tight inventories exacerbated by seasonal port congestion at Antwerp. While demand from agriculture and construction remained moderate due to winter slowdowns, logistical challenges and rising input costs drove price increases. Manufacturers faced constrained supply and passed on higher production costs to buyers, maintaining market stability. Ending the quarter, the price for copper sulphate in Belgium was recorded at USD 2,543/MT CFR Antwerp.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, the North American region witnessed a notable surge in Copper Sulphate prices, driven by a combination of factors that shaped the market dynamics. Elevated demand from various sectors, particularly agriculture, played a pivotal role in pushing prices upwards. The tight supply situation, exacerbated by high import costs and constrained availability, further fueled the price escalation. Additionally, favorable weather conditions in key agricultural regions boosted crop production, leading to an increased need for agrochemicals like Copper Sulphate.
Specifically focusing on the USA, the market experienced significant price fluctuations, with a clear upward trend dominating the quarter. The correlation in price changes highlighted a strong positive momentum, indicating a bullish market sentiment. Seasonality and demand-supply dynamics contributed to the price surge, with prices showing a significant increase from the first half to the second half of the quarter.
The quarter concluded with Copper Sulphate (Granular) commanding a price of USD 2560/MT CFR Texas in the USA, marking a substantial rise, and underlining the overall positive pricing environment that prevailed throughout the quarter. However, prices remained stable when compared to the previous quarter.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC region witnessed a significant surge in Copper Sulphate prices, driven by a confluence of factors. Heightened demand from various industries, particularly the agrochemical sector, played a pivotal role in pushing prices upwards. The agricultural focus on optimizing crop yields, combined with strong market sentiment, exacerbated the supply-demand imbalance, leading to lower inventory levels and escalating prices. China, being a key player in the market, experienced the most substantial price changes. Factors such as increased demand, tight supply conditions, and high-cost support from feedstock materials contributed to the price fluctuations. The overall trend for Copper Sulphate prices in China displayed a positive trajectory, with a notable correlation between demand, seasonality, and price variations. The recorded 2.3% increase from the previous quarter and a 7% price difference between the first and second half of the quarter underscored the market's upward momentum. The quarter ended with Copper Sulphate (Granular) priced at USD 2350/MT FOB-Qingdao in China, reflecting a consistently increasing pricing environment.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European Copper Sulphate market saw an overall upward trend in prices during the last two months, following a decline in the first month of the quarter, with Belgium experiencing the most significant price shifts. Several factors drove this surge. High import prices, combined with reduced agricultural output in Europe, led to supply constraints and increased demand for Copper Sulphate. Unfavorable weather conditions, including insufficient rainfall and extreme heat, impacted crop yields, particularly for corn and wheat, pushing farmers to use more agrochemicals to protect their harvests. Additionally, rising prices in Asia, driven by high feedstock costs and strong demand from the agrochemical sector, further influenced the European market. Belgium, in particular, saw a sharp price increase in the second half of the quarter, ending with a price of USD 2530/MT of Copper Sulphate (Granular) CFR Antwerp. However, prices remained stable when compared to the previous quarter. Market sentiment remained positive throughout Q3, driven by supply constraints, strong demand, and external market pressures. Plant disruptions and shutdowns also worsened supply shortages, further contributing to the price escalation across the region.
FAQs
1. What is the current price of Copper Sulphate?
As of June 2025, Copper Sulphate was priced at USD 2,685/MT CFR Texas, USD 2,645/MT CFR Antwerp, and USD 2,535/MT FOB Qingdao, depending on the region.
2. Who are the top Copper Sulphate producers in the United States?
Major producers include Old Bridge Chemicals, Chem One Ltd., and Jost Chemical, with supplementary imports from Mexico.
3. What are the main uses of Copper Sulphate?
Copper Sulphate is widely used in agriculture (as a fungicide), mineral flotation, electroplating, animal feed supplements, and textile dyeing.
4. What factors influence Copper Sulphate pricing trends?
Prices are affected by sulphuric acid and copper feedstock costs, seasonal agricultural demand, logistics and freight conditions, and regional inventory levels.
