For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Lactic Acid Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Lactic acid Price Index rose by 13.29% quarter-over-quarter, due to freight and feedstock.
- The average Lactic acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1221.67/MT, reported in imports.
- Lactic acid Spot Price strengthened, lifting the Price Index as exporters passed higher freight costs.
- Lactic acid Production Cost Trend upward as wheat starch and energy increases raised fermentation expenses.
- Lactic acid Demand Outlook remains firm with PLA packaging and food applications supporting sustained procurement.
- Lactic acid Price Forecast points to modest month-on-month gains, with freight volatility remaining key upside risk.
- Lactic acid Price Index reflected tight prompt availability and distributor inventories influencing higher replacement offers.
- Stable Asian runs and export discipline constrained spot parcels, supporting firmer Lactic acid Spot Price.
Why did the price of Lactic acid change in June 2026 in North America?
- Tighter Asian export availability reduced prompt cargoes, elevating landed parity and pushing import prices higher.
- Sharp trans-Pacific container freight surge raised delivered costs, directly increasing CFR Los-Angeles replacement pricing.
- Rising wheat starch and fermentation energy costs pressured costs, enabling exporters to lift FOB offers.
Lactic Acid Prices in APAC
- In Thailand, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 8.66% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger regional export demand and lean inventories.
- The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1213.33/MT, reported by regional FOB assessments.
- Lactic Acid Spot Price firmed as exporters passed higher potato starch and electricity costs to FOB offers, tightening availability.
- Lactic Acid Price Forecast suggests modest gains driven by PLA demand and controlled export allocations from Thailand.
- Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend rose due to elevated LNG-linked power tariffs and rising compliance outlays increasing unit costs.
- Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains constructive with ASEAN bioplastics, food acidulants and export restocking supporting sustained procurement.
- Lactic Acid Price Index reflected tight exportable surplus, lean Laem Chabang inventories and restrained spot allocations by producers.
- High operating rates at eastern fermenters continued while NatureWorks' Ingeo redirected volumes to captive lactide production.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Higher potato starch and LNG-linked electricity tariffs raised fermentation costs, enabling exporters to increase FOB offers.
- Lean Laem Chabang inventories and stronger export enquiries from Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines tightened prompt availability.
- Stable plant operating rates and captive demand from the Ingeo complex redirected volumes away from the spot market.
China
- In China, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 9.25% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter export-driven availability.
- Lactic Acid Spot Price tightened in June as maintenance and disciplined exports reduced prompt availability.
India
- In India, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 14.7% quarter-over-quarter, driven by import increases.
- Lactic Acid Spot Price firmed as import replacement costs and freight tightened prompt physical availability.
Lactic Acid Prices in Europe
- In the Netherlands, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 13.37% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting freight-driven import parity.
- The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1220.67/MT, influenced by freight.
- Lactic Acid Spot Price firmed as container scarcity tightened prompt availability, prompting cautious buyer procurement.
- Lactic Acid Price Forecast anticipates modest month-on-month gains amid steady demand and elevated shipping costs.
- Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend is firmer as potato starch and energy increases pressured fermentation economics.
- Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains supportive, driven by food preservation and expanding PLA packaging conversions.
- Lactic Acid Price Index volatility correlated with Shanghai–Rotterdam freight surges and euro weakness affecting parity.
- European hub inventories adequate, but export diversion and logistics tightened prompt lots, sustaining bullish offers.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Container freight surged sharply in June, directly raising landed CFR Rotterdam costs and import parity.
- Euro depreciation increased dollar-denominated import costs, compounding freight-driven cost pass-through into local quotations during June.
- Reduced spot cargoes as Asian exporters redirected volumes tightened prompt availability and supported firmer offers.
Italy
- In Italy, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 14.26% quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher freight.
- Restricted spot allocations tightened availability, lifting the Lactic Acid Spot Price and supporting higher parities
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Lactic Acid Prices in North America
- In USA, Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 0.12% quarter-over-quarter, driven by firmer feedstock and freight.
- The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1078.33/MT, reflecting modest upward momentum.
- Lactic Acid Spot Price firmed as tighter vessel schedules and thinner Los Angeles inventories reduced availability.
- Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend rose on higher wheat and potato starch prices and steam charges.
- Lactic Acid Demand Outlook stayed constructive as food acidulation and polylactic-acid resin buyers maintained procurement schedules.
- Lactic Acid Price Forecast shows upward momentum as replenishment buying and firm Asian export offers persist.
- Lactic Acid Price Index dynamics reflected balanced import flows, controlled distributor stocks, and seller price discipline.
- Asian and Canadian producers maintained stable operating rates while higher freight and currency lifted landed offers.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in March 2026 in North America?
- Higher feedstock prices and firmer trans-Pacific freight elevated landed costs, supporting higher CFR and CIF offers.
- Consistent demand from food, polylactic-acid, and personal-care sectors allowed the pass-through of incremental import cost increases.
- Longer sailing schedules and constrained vessel space reduced West Coast spot availability, tightening importer options further.
Lactic Acid Prices in APAC
- In Thailand, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 1.64% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger export demand.
- The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1116.67/MT, FOB Laem Chabang.
- Lactic Acid Spot Price tightened as exporters prioritized forward bookings, keeping prompt availability constrained firmly.
- Lactic Acid Price Forecast indicates gradual upward bias as export enquiries persist and inventories controlled.
- Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend showed relief from lower potato-starch costs and stable gas tariffs.
- Lactic Acid Demand Outlook stays firm driven by food-preservative schedules and PLA resin procurement Asia.
- Lactic Acid Price Index posted sequential gains as exporters widened premia and bid-offer spreads narrowed.
- Major Thai producers ran at nameplate rates, sustaining exports while Laem Chabang inventories remained lean.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Stronger export enquiries absorbed cargoes, tightening prompt supplies despite stable domestic production and no outages.
- Slight feedstock volatility influenced costs, while logistics remained uninterrupted, enabling exporters sustain higher FOB offers.
- Regional spot tightness from Chinese reallocation and PLA procurement widened premia, supporting seller-driven price adjustments.
Lactic Acid Prices in Europe
- In the Netherlands, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 2.25% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting feedstock, freight increases.
- The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1076.67/MT, based on Rotterdam averages.
- Lactic Acid Spot Price rose; higher Potato Starch and container freight lifted Rotterdam Price Index.
- Lactic Acid Price Forecast indicates upward trajectory supported by steady downstream restocking and manageable supply flows into Rotterdam.
- Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend showed increases driven by Potato Starch and energy, thereby compressing exporter margins slightly.
- Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains positive as food, cosmetic and PLA sectors sustain procurement into Q2.
- Inventory levels in Rotterdam stayed balanced, limiting volatility while the Lactic Acid Price Index retained bullish bias.
- Exports diverted to North America trimmed available spot volumes for Europe, tightening prompt Lactic Acid supply and offers.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Higher Shanghai to Rotterdam container freight increased landed costs, directly lifting March Rotterdam CFR prices.
- Potato Starch feedstock rose, raising Asian production cash costs and supporting higher export offer levels.
- Steady downstream demand from food and PLA sectors, combined with exporter allocation, tightened prompt availability.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Lactic Acid Prices in APAC
- In Thailand, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 0.95% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock tightness.
- The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1098.67/MT, FOB Laem Chabang.
- Lactic Acid Spot Price eased in December as potato starch and molasses costs decreased slightly.
- Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend showed relief due to lower potato starch and cane syrup.
- Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains stable as food, pharmaceutical and PLA restocking supports moderate offtake.
- Lactic Acid Price Forecast points to increases as producers restrain spot volumes amid steady demand.
- Lactic Acid Price Index remained relatively stable given normal port activity and sustained operating rates.
- Inventory and exports constrained downside as exporters prioritized forward bookings rather than spot discounting thereby.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Lower potato starch and molasses prices reduced fermentation cash costs, easing production expenses and pressure.
- Year-end inventory drawdowns by regional buyers and softer export enquiries reduced immediate spot purchasing interest.
- Normal port operations and steady plant operating rates maintained supply availability, slightly weakening FOB netbacks.
Lactic Acid Prices in Europe
- In the Netherlands, the Lactic Acid Price Index fell by 6.29% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softer import demand.
- The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1166.67/MT, shaped by logistics.
- Lactic Acid Spot Price softened after arrivals exceeded demand, prompting traders to offer volume discounts.
- Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend eased as Potato Starch declined, reducing conversion costs and netbacks.
- Lactic Acid Demand Outlook is muted; PLA and beverage buyers draw volumes, curbing spot purchases.
- Inventory rebuilds at Rotterdam increased storage usage, influencing the Lactic Acid Price Index and discounts.
- Export arrivals and logistics shaped modest rebound in Lactic Acid Price Forecast early next quarter.
- Distributors trimmed premiums to avoid storage surcharges, increasing Lactic Acid Spot Price pressure and volatility.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Arrivals from Thailand and Belgium rebuilt Rotterdam inventories, increasing oversupply relative to cautious spot demand.
- Potato Starch softened, easing production costs in Asia and allowing exporters to accept lower netbacks.
- Normalized berth availability and easing freight reduced landed-cost pressures, lowering urgency to pay premiums seasonally.
Lactic Acid Prices in North America
- In USA, the Lactic Acid Price Index fell by 5.11% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker Asian export offers.
- The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1175.00/MT, reflecting inventory adjustments.
- Lactic Acid Spot Price softened as container freight declines and Asian offers lowered landed costs.
- Lactic Acid Price Forecast suggests recovery from January with restocking and prompt cargoes tightening availability.
- Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend eased as potato starch and freight contractions reduced producer costs.
- Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains steady with food, pharmaceutical, and PLA sectors maintaining routine offtake.
- Lactic Acid Price Index volatility was contained by distributors' reluctance to destock and balanced ports.
- Inventory builds at Los Angeles terminals and year-end purchasing permitted buyers to secure deeper discounts.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in December 2025 in North America?
- Asian exporters trimmed offers and freight collapsed, passing cost reductions into lower December landed prices.
- Year-end destocking and delayed procurement from PLA and beverage manufacturers reduced spot demand, softening quotations.
- Potato starch and container freight cost declines lowered producer costs, enabling wider spot availability December.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Lactic Acid Price Index fell by 0.48% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting cautious buying.
- The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1238.33/MT, CFR Los Angeles.
- Lactic Acid Spot Price softened as inventory drawdowns eased and logistical normalization reduced buying pressures.
- Lactic Acid Price Forecast signals mild recovery quarter, contingent on inventory rebuild and trade clarity.
- Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend remains elevated due to inflationary feedstock and compliance cost pressures.
- Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains cautious as downstream buyers prioritize inventory optimization over aggressive procurement.
- Lactic Acid Price Index volatility prompted fixed-term contract adoption to mitigate supply and pricing risk.
- Inventory levels tightened regionally after frontloaded imports, supporting export demand and pressuring short-term spot liquidity.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
- Frontloaded imports earlier in quarter altered supply timing, causing transient local tightness and price tightening.
- Persisting inflationary feedstock and compliance costs elevated production cost bases, supporting higher contract price references.
- Logistics normalization reduced freight premia, while cautious buyer behavior and tariff uncertainty suppressed spot demand.
APAC
- In Thailand, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 3.98% quarter-over-quarter, driven by manufacturing expansion.
- The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1088.33/MT, reflecting upstream costs.
- Lactic Acid Spot Price firmed as finished inventories declined and exporters prioritized shipments, tightening availability.
- Lactic Acid Price Forecast points to modest gains driven by pre-Q4 restocking and manufacturing demand.
- Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend showed initial input increases, prompting partial pass-through of higher prices.
- Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains positive with robust food, pharmaceutical, and export-led restocking sustaining offtake.
- Lactic Acid Price Index gains were supported by higher PMI readings and favorable Baht exchange.
- Export recovery and limited vessel availability compressed supply windows, supporting spot and contract price resilience.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Manufacturing expansion lifted upstream demand, prompting restocking and reducing finished lactic acid inventories in Thailand.
- Rising input costs increased production cost pressures, leading producers to implement selective price increases locally.
- Improved export demand and favorable currency encouraged shipments abroad, tightening domestic supply and supporting prices.
Europe
- In the Netherlands, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 3.66% quarter-over-quarter, driven by congestion and restocking
- The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1245/MT, reflecting logistics premiums and restocking
- Lactic Acid Spot Price edged lower in August as Chinese export competitiveness balanced logistical premiums and restocking
- Lactic Acid Price Forecast suggests modest increases driven by persistent transport bottlenecks and forward buying and restocking
- Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend stable with steady Chinese output, but freight increased landed costs and urgency
- Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains firm across food and cosmetics sectors, prompting measured restocking activity and replenishment
- Lactic Acid Price Index volatility reflects shipping disruptions and Rhine barging constraints affecting European supply and restocking
- Inventory levels tightened as distributors accepted premium freight, securing cargo space to avoid supply shortfalls
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Persistent port congestion and berth delays raised freight surcharges and extended times, tightening available supply
- Improved Chinese export availability eased pressure, while cautious Dutch buying and inventories subsequently moderated transmission
- Low Rhine water levels reduced barge capacity, increasing reliance on overland transport, raising landed costs
