For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Nitrobenzene Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Nitrobenzene Price Index rose by 2.71% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter imports and demand.
- The average Nitrobenzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1163.00/MT, reflecting measured restocking activity.
- Nitrobenzene Spot Price stayed range-bound early quarter before March acceleration from MDI and PU restocking.
- Nitrobenzene Price Forecast indicates modest near-term increases as benzene costs feed through into offers regionally.
- Nitrobenzene Production Cost Trend rose with benzene and freight inflation increasing delivered manufacturing costs margins.
- Nitrobenzene Demand Outlook remained constructive as seasonal construction and polyurethane manufacturing supported steady offtake levels.
- Inventory tightened mid-March as buyers front-loaded purchases, lifting the Nitrobenzene Price Index and spot offers.
- Domestic plants ran normally, limiting shocks, yet export delays and insurance hikes pressured spot availability and offers.
Why did the price of Nitrobenzene change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Regional outages and import caution tightened supply, reducing available cargoes and supporting upward price pressure.
- Benzene price surge and higher freight and insurance raised production and delivered costs for Japanese importers.
- Downstream aniline and MDI restocking ahead of seasonal demand increased procurement, lifting spot enquiries materially.
Nitrobenzene Prices in North America
- In the United States, the Nitrobenzene Price Index trended moderately higher quarter-over-quarter, supported by firmer benzene costs and steady downstream consumption.
- The average Nitrobenzene market tone remained stable-to-firm, reflecting measured restocking from aniline and polyurethane producers.
- Nitrobenzene Spot Price stayed range-bound early in the quarter, before firming in March as MDI and PU manufacturers increased procurement.
- Nitrobenzene Price Forecast indicates modest near-term increases, driven by benzene cost pass-through and steady industrial demand.
- Nitrobenzene Production Cost Trend rose as benzene and logistics inflationincreased delivered manufacturing costs for U.S. producers.
- Nitrobenzene Demand Outlook remained constructive, supported by polyurethane, construction, and automotive chemical applications.
- Inventory levels tightened in mid-March as buyers front-loaded purchases, lifting the Nitrobenzene Price Index and supporting firmer offers.
- Domestic plants operated normally, but import delays and higher freight premiumsreduced spot flexibility and supported upward sentiment.
Why did the price of Nitrobenzene change in March 2026 in the USA?
- Higher benzene feedstock costs and rising logistics expenses increased production costs, prompting firmer offers. • Import delays and cautious sourcing tightened supply, reducing spot availability. • Stronger downstream aniline and MDI restocking ahead of spring demand lifted procurement and supported upward price pressure.
Nitrobenzene Prices in Europe
- In Europe, the Nitrobenzene Price Index moved slightly higher quarter-over-quarter, supported by benzene cost inflation and controlled operating rates.
- The average Nitrobenzene market tone remained balanced-to-firm, reflecting steady restocking from integrated aniline–MDI producers.
- Nitrobenzene Spot Price held stable early in the quarter, before firming in March as construction-linked PU demand improved.
- Nitrobenzene Price Forecast suggests modest near-term upside, driven by benzene volatility and tighter regional supply chains.
- Nitrobenzene Production Cost Trend increased as benzene, energy, and freight costsraised delivered manufacturing costs across Europe.
- Nitrobenzene Demand Outlook remained constructive, supported by seasonal construction activity, insulation materials, and PU systems.
- Inventory levels tightened mid-March as buyers accelerated purchases, lifting the Nitrobenzene Price Index and supporting firmer spot sentiment.
- Domestic plants ran steadily, but import caution, insurance hikes, and longer transit timesconstrained prompt availability.
Why did the price of Nitrobenzene change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Rising benzene feedstock costs and higher energy-linked logistics expenses increased production costs. • Import caution and longer transit times tightened supply, reducing available spot cargoes. • Stronger downstream aniline and MDI restocking ahead of seasonal construction demand lifted procurement and supported upward pressure.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
APAC
- In Japan, the Nitro Benzene Price Index fell by 5.7% quarter-over-quarter, driven by weak benzene.
- The average Nitro Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1132.33/MT per quarterly average.
- Nitro Benzene Spot Price remained subdued as import inflows and downstream inventories constrained spot volumes.
- Nitro Benzene Price Forecast indicates upside supported by year-end restocking and improved downstream operating rates.
- Nitro Benzene Production Cost Trend rose as benzene feedstock and intra-Asia freight costs increased expenditure.
- Nitro Benzene Demand Outlook remains cautious with weak aniline consumption offset by MDI and automotive demand.
- Nitro Benzene Price Index pressure persisted due to competitive Korean imports and domestic inventory overhangs.
- Export inquiries and domestic inventory builds motivated sellers to protect margins rather than discount aggressively.
Why did the price of Nitro Benzene change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Declining benzene feedstock lowered import costs, tightening domestic supply economics margins.
- Weak aniline consumption and conservative procurement reduced buying interest, limiting upward price momentum across markets.
- Stable port operations and balanced inventories removed restocking urgency, muting volatility despite import price upticks.
Europe
- In Europe, the Nitrobenzene Price Index declined quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak downstream aniline and MDI demand amid broader chemical sector slowdown.
- Nitrobenzene Spot Priceremained under pressure as buyers relied on contract volumes and avoided discretionary spot procurement toward year-end.
- Nitrobenzene Production Cost Trend softenedduring the quarter as benzene feedstock prices eased and energy cost volatility reduced compared with earlier quarters.
- Nitrobenzene Demand Outlook stayed subdued, with construction-linked polyurethane demand remaining weak, while automotive recovery was insufficient to lift consumption materially.
- Nitrobenzene Price Forecast suggests limited near-term upside, as high inventories and cautious restocking behavior are expected to persist into early 2026.
- The Nitrobenzene Price Index remained cappedby steady imports and adequate regional supply despite selective plant operating rate adjustments.
- Export competitiveness from Asia and muted European downstream operating rates restricted pricing power across major hubs.
Why did the price of Nitrobenzene change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Softer benzene feedstock and lower energy costs reduced production cost support.
• Weak downstream aniline and MDI demand limited restocking interest.
• Year-end inventory optimization and cautious procurement pressured spot sentiment.
North America
- In the USA, the Nitrobenzene Price Index edged lower in Q4 2025, driven by subdued domestic demand and sufficient supply availability.
- Nitrobenzene Spot Price activity remained limited, as buyers prioritized contract fulfillment and delayed spot purchases ahead of year-end.
- Nitrobenzene Production Cost Trend moderated, supported by easing benzene prices and relatively stable operating costs across US producers.
- Nitrobenzene Demand Outlook remained cautious, with stable but unspectacular offtake from aniline, MDI, and insulation segments.
- Nitrobenzene Price Forecast points to a stable-to-soft trend, as downstream buyers continue conservative purchasing into early 2026.
- The Nitrobenzene Price Index faced pressurefrom ample inventories and balanced domestic supply despite isolated logistical tightness.
- Limited export pull and muted construction-linked demand constrained any meaningful price recovery.
Why did the price of Nitrobenzene change in December 2025 in North America?
- Lower benzene feedstock costs reduced pricing support.
• Soft year-end demand from downstream polyurethane and chemical segments.
• Inventory sufficiency reduced urgency for spot restocking.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
APAC
- In Japan, the Nitro Benzene Price Index rose by 5.14% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply conditions.
- The average Nitro Benzene price for quarter was approximately USD 1200.33/MT on FOB Osaka basis.
- Domestic Nitro Benzene Spot Price remained rangebound, supported by steady plant operations and port inventories.
- The Nitro Benzene Price Forecast stays cautious, reflecting muted regional demand and limited export upside.
- Observed Nitro Benzene Production Cost Trend showed mild benzene-driven pressure and currency import cost impacts.
- Regional Nitro Benzene Demand Outlook remained subdued with aniline, dyes and coatings limiting spot buying.
- The Nitro Benzene Price Index showed limited volatility, supported by disciplined producers and adequate supply.
- Inventory levels and weak export demand capped upside, keeping Nitro Benzene spot talks largely unchanged.
Why did the price of Nitro Benzene change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Balanced domestic production and steady imports maintained supply, preventing price declines despite soft export demand.
- Muted downstream buying and contractual procurement constrained spot activity, limiting upward pressure on Nitro Benzene.
- Low energy and freight costs eased production expense, while yen weakness raised landed cost risks.
North America
- In the United States, the Nitro Benzene Price Index declined quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak demand from downstream aniline and MDI sectors.
- Domestic Nitro Benzene Spot Price softened in September as inventory levels remained high and downstream offtake slowed.
- The Nitro Benzene Price Forecast remains neutral, with limited upside expected unless construction-linked demand improves.
- The Nitro Benzene Production Cost Trend eased slightly due to lower benzene feedstock prices and stable energy inputs.
- The Nitro Benzene Demand Outlook was sluggish, with muted activity in polyurethane intermediates and coatings applications.
- The Nitro Benzene Price Index reflected oversupply conditions and competitive import offers, pressuring domestic margins.
- Gulf Coast logistics remained stable, but inland freight inflation added cost pressure to delivered pricing.
Why did the price of Nitro Benzene change in September 2025 in the USA?
- Weak demand from aniline and MDI sectors reduced spot buying, softening the Price Index.
- Lower benzene feedstock prices and high inventories prompted price corrections across key terminals.
- Competitive imports and slow construction activity capped any upward price movement.
Europe
- In Germany and Belgium, the Nitro Benzene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter, supported by restocking and stable pharmaceutical and coatings demand.
- Nitro Benzene Spot Price firmed in September due to tighter supply and increased procurement from downstream aniline producers.
- The Nitro Benzene Price Forecast is cautiously optimistic, with potential support from seasonal coatings demand and limited imports.
- The Nitro Benzene Production Cost Trend remained stable, with benzene prices holding firm and energy costs elevated in Western Europe.
- The Nitro Benzene Demand Outlook was steady in pharmaceuticals and coatings, while agrochemical demand remained flat.
- The Nitro Benzene Price Index was supported by disciplined production and reduced Asian imports, tightening regional availability.
- Inland transport delays and rising energy tariffs added pressure to delivered pricing, especially in Central Europe.
Why did the price of Nitro Benzene change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Restocking by downstream aniline and coatings sectors lifted demand, supporting the Price Index.
- Stable benzene feedstock costs and controlled production maintained supply balance, preventing volatility.
- Logistics constraints and energy inflation sustained firm spot offers across key European terminals.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America (USA)
- The Nitrobenzene Price Index in the U.S. remained stable through Q2 2025, despite a 9 day weather-related slowdown at BASF’s Louisiana facility. Gulf Coast production operated normally otherwise, ensuring balanced regional supply.
- The Nitrobenzene Spot Price showed little movement, as downstream polyurethane and aniline buyers relied on contracts rather than spot purchases, citing weak pigment demand.
- Why did the price change in July 2025?
- Prices are projected to increase slightly, supported by seasonal polyurethane and MDI demand in automotive and construction, though pigment consumption remains subdued.
- The Nitrobenzene Production Cost Trend stayed firm, driven by stable benzene costs and higher Gulf Coast logistics charges.
- The Nitrobenzene Demand Outlook is moderately positive, supported by agrochemical and polyurethane demand despite softness in pigments and coatings.
Europe (Germany)
- The Nitrobenzene Price Index in Germany stayed flat through Q2 2025, as Asian import availability offset weak domestic activity in coatings, pigments, and automotive intermediates.
- The Nitrobenzene Spot Price remained soft, with buyers purchasing conservatively amid eurozone industrial and construction headwinds.
- Why did the price change in July 2025?
- Prices are expected to edge upward, mainly due to rising replacement costs from Asia and higher domestic energy tariffs despite continued demand weakness.
- The Nitrobenzene Production Cost Trend rose slightly, supported by Rhine freight surcharges and power costs, even as plants maintained regular operating rates.
- The Nitrobenzene Demand Outlook is mixed, with agrochemicals providing steady offtake but coatings and pigments keeping total consumption subdued.
Asia-Pacific (China)
- The Nitrobenzene Price Index averaged USD 1,078/MT FOB Shanghai (Mar–Jun 2025), easing from USD 1,085 in March to USD 1,068 in May, before recovering to USD 1,130 in June on seasonal agrochemical strength.
- The Nitrobenzene Spot Price held near USD 1,100/MT in June, supported by stable output and moderate exports despite continued pigment demand weakness from India.
- Why did the price change in July 2025?
- Prices are projected to soften slightly to USD 1,080–1,085/MT, as weak pigment orders offset steady agrochemical-linked consumption.
- The Nitrobenzene Production Cost Trend stayed stable, with benzene holding around USD 706/MT FOB Korea and no major refinery throughput reductions.
- The Nitrobenzene Demand Outlook remains soft-to-balanced, with pesticides and intermediates maintaining baseline volumes while dyes, pigments, and coatings cap growth.
