For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Monochloroacetic Acid (MCAA) prices in the U.S. averaged USD 1,040/MT FOB Houston in Q1 2025, down 6.4% from Q4 2024’s average and 15.4% lower year-on-year compared to Q1 2024. Prices declined steadily from January to March, pressured by easing feedstock costs and sluggish downstream demand across agrochemical, CMC, and surfactant sectors.
Production remained stable, with domestic facilities operating at controlled rates to align with muted market demand. Feedstock acetic acid dropped nearly 10% month-on-month in March, while chloroform prices stayed flat. Imports from Asia remained competitive, keeping pricing pressure on U.S. suppliers. Rising logistics and energy costs constrained any margin gains from cheaper raw materials.
Demand weakened across end-use industries. Agrochemical uptake stayed low amid delayed application planning, while CMC demand was steady but failed to lift overall market volumes. FMCG and textile-linked consumption declined, reflecting broader economic caution and muted consumer spending. With no strong recovery signals, the MCAA market ended Q1 subdued, facing continued headwinds into Q2 unless seasonal agricultural or industrial demand strengthens.
APAC
In Q1 2025, Monochloroacetic Acid (MCAA) prices in China averaged USD 457/MT FOB Qingdao, down 5.7% from Q4 2024 and 16.8% lower year-on-year than Q1 2024. Monthly prices fell steadily from January to March amid subdued demand and stable-to-soft feedstock costs. Production remained steady, with utilization rates hovering between 80–90% and no major plant outages. Feedstocks chlorine and acetic acid remained adequately supplied, keeping cost-side pressures minimal. Inventory levels were well-managed, and export flows to Southeast Asia remained intact despite broader industrial sluggishness. Downstream demand showed a sectoral divide. The CMC segment, linked to detergents, personal care, and food stabilizers, offered steady support due to a seasonal rebound in FMCG sales. In contrast, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and dye intermediates sectors saw limited offtake, curbing market momentum. Although China's retail recovery signals improving consumption, industrial sentiment stayed muted. Given the oversupplied landscape and weak external pull, MCAA prices trended downward through Q1, with cautious optimism hinging on stronger downstream pull and global restocking in Q2.
Europe
Monochloroacetic Acid (MCAA) prices in Germany averaged USD 914/MT FOB Hamburg in Q1 2025, down 4.4% from Q4 2024’s average and 14.8% lower than Q1 2024. Prices trended downward in January to March, driven by reduced acetic acid feedstock costs, subdued pesticide sector demand, and continued material oversupply.
Production rates remained steady throughout Q1, with domestic plants maintaining normal operations and consistent imports supporting market availability. Although methanol prices showed upward momentum globally, they did not significantly impact MCAA pricing in Germany during the quarter. Weak industrial output across the Eurozone, particularly in manufacturing, further compounded the lackluster demand environment, leading producers to avoid aggressive restocking.
Demand from the pesticide sector remained weak during winter, with seasonal factors curbing application rates and product inquiries. Market participants anticipate a demand rebound ahead of the spring planting season, but regulatory constraints and competition from alternative pest control solutions present ongoing challenges. Despite these headwinds, optimism persists for Q2 demand recovery amid stable supply fundamentals and potential support from broader agricultural and industrial consumption.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA) prices in the U.S. declined throughout, ending December at USD 997-1100 per metric ton FOB Texas, supported by ample supply despite subdued demand and limited purchasing power from downstream sectors, particularly fertilizers.
Methanol prices, driven by anticipated increases in Methanex’s contract pricing, added potential cost pressures, although sluggish downstream demand and elevated shipping costs curbed significant price hikes. Fertilizer demand slowed in December as seasonal fall applications concluded, with ammonia and urea prices declining, while phosphates saw modest increases due to extended application seasons. Potash prices remained steady, influenced by global supply dynamics and reduced farmer spending amid lower crop prices.
Manufacturing activity showed signs of gradual improvement despite the broader U.S. sector contraction, with chemical production facing headwinds from reduced construction activity and weaker domestic and international orders. Rising input costs and supply chain disruptions pressured profit margins across industries. Looking ahead, cautious optimism prevails for 2025, with the agricultural sector expected to shape fertilizer demand and MCA usage. While supply and pricing volatility remain concerns, steady operational rates in MCA plants and stable fertilizer market trends provide a foundation for gradual recovery, influenced by planting decisions and crop pricing.
Asia
In Q4 2024, the Monochloroacetic Acid (MCAA) market in China showed declining trends, with stable prices supported by reduced production capacity, moderate demand stabilization, and robust export activity. Early in the quarter, prices faced downward pressure due to oversupply, high inventory levels, and weak downstream demand. However, production halts in Shandong and improved downstream activity by mid-November contributed to price stabilization, with MCAA prices reaching USD 457-550 per MT FOB Qingdao by December. Rising input costs and supply chain disruptions pressured profit margins across industries. Demand from the pesticide industry remained steady, while fertilizer markets exhibited mixed trends, with urea prices stabilizing, subdued demand for phosphate fertilizers, and rising potash prices due to restricted supply. Despite advancements in manufacturing processes and sufficient domestic supply, fluctuating raw material prices, logistical challenges, and weak foreign orders tempered market sentiment. Looking ahead, the market is expected to remain stable in the near term, with cautious optimism for 2025 as downstream capacity expansions may drive demand, although concerns over sustained overcapacity and price volatility persist.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA) prices in Germany declined, driven by weak demand from the pesticide sector, lower feedstock acetic acid prices, and high inventory levels. While methanol prices rose due to Methanex’s contract adjustments, this cost pressure had a limited impact on MCA pricing amid subdued downstream demand. Seasonal factors, including reduced agricultural activity during winter, contributed to fewer pesticide inquiries, with demand expected to rebound in 2025 as the spring planting season approaches. MCA production remained stable, supported by domestic operations and consistent imports, even as the broader Eurozone manufacturing sector faced contractions, overcapacity, and logistical challenges. In parallel, Germany’s fertilizer market also experienced subdued demand due to high energy costs, weak grain prices, and reduced farmer spending, resulting in lower nitrogen fertilizer sales coverage compared to typical years. Looking ahead, innovations in sustainable farming practices and regulatory-driven advancements in crop protection may support gradual market recovery in the medium term. Domestic supply remained sufficient to meet demand from key sectors, including pesticides and fertilizers.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American Monochloroacetic Acid market witnessed a mixed trends in prices. This mixed trend was primarily influenced by factors such as subdued demand from downstream industries, particularly in pharmaceuticals and textiles the initial rise in the prices was due to higher trading activity in the market as beginning of new quarter.
The market also faced challenges due to weakened construction spending and lower consumer confidence, leading to decreased consumption of Monochloroacetic Acid. In the USA, which experienced the most significant price changes, prices plummeted by 30% compared to the same quarter last year. The quarter-on-quarter analysis revealed a steep decline of 4%, emphasizing the negative pricing trend.
Furthermore, a notable price difference of 5% was observed between the first and second halves of the quarter, indicating a continual decrease. The latest quarter-ending price for Monochloroacetic Acid in the USA was reported at USD 1019 per MT DEL Houston, reflecting the overall negative pricing environment characterized by declining market conditions and subdued demand.
APAC
The third quarter of 2024 for Monochloroacetic Acid has been marked by an overall increase in prices across the APAC region. Several key factors have influenced these market dynamics. In general, heightened production activity across various industrial sectors utilizing Monochloroacetic Acid has driven demand, particularly in pharmaceuticals, chemical industries, and agrochemicals. Supply constraints, including operational issues at production facilities and import price hikes, have further tightened the market, pushing prices upwards. Furthermore, the consumer sentiments throughout the Quarter remained positive indicating positive market sentiments indicating higher downstream inquires. Notably, China has experienced the most significant price changes, with prices surging due to increased demand and supply challenges. Despite a -12% decrease from the same quarter last year, recent trends have shown a positive trajectory, with a 13% increase in prices from the first to the second half of the quarter 2024 indicating positive market sentiments. The quarter-ending price of Monochloroacetic Acid in China stands at USD 557/MT-FOB Qingdao, reflecting a consistent uptrend in pricing.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Monochloroacetic Acid market in Europe experienced a decline in prices, with the Netherlands particularly affected by significant changes. The overall decreasing trend was influenced by several key factors. Reduced procurement activities towards the end of the quarter, coupled with weakened demand from pharmaceutical and other industries, played a crucial role in lowering prices. Stable feedstock costs and ample material availability further contributed to the prevailing market conditions. Furthermore, the consumer sentiments declined throughout Q3 2024 thus the demand from the downstream industries remained on the lower side. The Netherlands, experiencing the most significant price changes, saw a -15% decrease from the same quarter last year and a -5% decline from the previous quarter in 2024. The comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed a -1% change, highlighting the continuous downward trend. Consequently, the quarter-ending price for Monochloroacetic Acid in the Netherlands settled at USD 982/MT FOB Rotterdam, reflecting the negative pricing environment characterized by decreasing prices throughout the period.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In the first quarter, the prices of monochloroacetic acid (MCA) exhibited an upward trend due to the market being in a stocking mode, leading to constant product inquiries. Additionally, there was a shortage of supply in the market to meet downstream demand, leading to higher inventory prices as traders offered premium rates for available stocks. However, in the second half of the quarter, MCA prices predominantly showed a declining trend, resulting in a consistent decrease in prices.
The second quarter of 2024 has been marked by a consistent decline in Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA) prices across the North American region, driven by several pivotal factors. Key reasons influencing the MCA market included a downturn in demand from downstream industries such as agrochemicals, surfactants, and pharmaceuticals, coupled with substantial inventory levels held by domestic producers. Additionally, ample imports from Europe and Asia exacerbated the supply glut, further pressuring prices downward. Fluctuating raw material costs, particularly the decline in acetic acid and acetic anhydride prices, also played a significant role by lowering production costs and enabling price reductions.
In the USA, the MCA market experienced the most pronounced price changes. The overall trend for this quarter has been decidedly negative, with MCA prices reflecting a 27% decrease compared to the same quarter last year. This decline underscores the impact of subdued industrial activity, particularly within the agrochemical sector, which traditionally supports MCA demand. Seasonal factors, including a slowdown in agricultural activities, further contributed to this downward trajectory.
From the previous quarter of 2024, prices declined by 2%, signifying a persisting bearish sentiment. Additionally, a comparison between the first and second halves of the quarter reveals a further 5% decrease, indicating a progressively weakening market. Conclusively, the latest quarter-ending price for MCA settled at USD 1082/MT DEL Houston, signalling a prolonged negative pricing environment. Overall, the Q2 2024 MCA pricing landscape in the USA has been notably adverse, with significant downward pressure stemming from both demand and supply-side dynamics.
APAC
In the first half of the quarter, the prices of monochloroacetic acid (MCA) exhibited an upward trend. This increase was primarily driven by firm cost support from the feedstock acetic acid. Additionally, there was a shortage of supply in the market to meet downstream demand, leading to higher inventory prices as traders offered premium rates for available stocks. However, in the second half of the quarter, MCA prices predominantly showed a declining trend, resulting in a consistent decrease in prices. In Q2 2024, the Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA) market in the APAC region experienced a significant downturn. The overall pricing environment was decidedly negative, driven by several pivotal factors. A key influence was the subdued demand from downstream industries, particularly agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, which saw reduced consumption of MCA. This decline in demand was compounded by a high supply situation, with production rates remaining high despite the sluggish market. Additionally, raw material costs for MCA's key feedstocks—acetic acid and chlorine—remained low, further pushing down prices. Manufacturers' efforts to offload surplus inventory at discounted rates exacerbated the falling price trend. Focusing on South Korea, which experienced the most pronounced price changes, the quarter witnessed a marked downturn in MCA prices. A combination of seasonal low demand and ample stock levels contributed to the declining trend. Furthermore, heightened competition from Chinese imports, which were priced aggressively lower, added downward pressure on local prices. As a result, MCA prices in South Korea saw a staggering 44% decrease compared to the same quarter last year and a 6% decline from the previous quarter in 2024. This trend was also reflected in a 10% price drop from the first to the second half of Q2 2024. Conclusively, the quarter ended with MCA prices at USD 488/MT CFR Busan, underscoring the continued negative sentiment in the market.
Europe
In the first half of Q2 the prices of Monochloroacetic acid have shown bullish market trends. This development was due to firm cost support from the feedstock and demand from the food and pharmaceutical sector was firm leading to adequate product inquiries from the downstream industries. In the Second half of Q2 the prices of Monochloroacetic acid have shown the bearish market trends. In second half of Q2 2024, the Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA) market in Europe faced a significant downturn, marked by continuous price declines. The average price decrease for MCA across the region was principally driven by oversupply amid declining demand from key downstream industries such as agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. The persistent high inflation eroded purchasing power, further dampening end-user demand. Additionally, the abundant supply of natural gas reduced production costs, while stable feedstock prices, particularly acetic acid, kept manufacturing expenditures low. Disruptions in global trade flows, caused by peak shipping season, longer routes to avoid the Red Sea, and adverse weather conditions in Asia, also led to a capacity crunch and increased freight rates, further affecting market sentiments.
Germany experienced the most pronounced price changes. The overall trend for MCA in Germany this quarter was bearish, with a marked seasonality effect influenced by the holiday season in August. The price of MCA in Germany decreased by 15% compared to the same quarter last year and by 1% from the previous quarter of 2024, indicating a slight stabilization but continuing decline. Comparing the first and second halves of the quarter, prices fell by 4%, reflecting the persistently subdued market conditions. The latest quarter-ending price for MCA in Germany was USD 1028/MT, FOB Hamburg. This consistent downward trend highlights a negative pricing environment, driven by weakened demand, ample supply, and economic uncertainties affecting the market dynamics in Q2 2024.
