For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Nitromethane demand held steady QoQ rise in Q3 2025, bolstered by robust defense and specialty chemical demand.
• Nitromethane Spot Price remained resilient amid strong munitions propellant needs and racing applications.
• Nitromethane Spot Price firmed slightly as military investments offset broader chemical sector challenges, supporting Price Index stability.
• Forecast for Nitromethane Price Forecast remains balanced amid geopolitical supply risks and steady end-user commitments.
• Production Cost Trend signals moderate nitric acid and energy volatility in the USA, mitigated by regulatory compliance efficiencies.
• Demand Outlook shows steady pace; defense, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance engines sustain Nitromethane consumption alongside pesticides.
• Market dynamics include U.S.-led munitions expansion, hazardous chemical regulations, and insulated regional supply enhancing Spot Price firmness.
• Q4 defense restocking and hobbyist racing activity may nudge Price Index gains.
• Raw material swings and global trade dynamics may temper broader Nitromethane Price Index upside.
Why did the price of Nitromethane change in September 2025 in North America?
• Supply remained stable with consistent domestic production and no significant disruptions despite global volatility.
• Cost pressures were mild due to balanced upstream nitric acid levels, contributing to modest price firming in Q3 2025.
• Demand dynamics centered on military propellants and industrial intermediates, maintaining overall Nitromethane consumption in North America.
APAC
• In China, the Nitromethane Price Index rose by 5.04% quarter-over-quarter, in Q3 2025, driven by exports.
• The average Nitromethane price for the quarter was approximately USD 2196.67/MT, amid pharma procurement uptick.
• Export disruptions and inland logistics materially influenced the Nitromethane Spot Price and short-term shipment availability.
• The Nitromethane Price Forecast indicates modest upside supported by pharmaceutical licensing and coatings sector pickup.
• Stable feedstock and energy inputs moderated the Nitromethane Production Cost Trend, supporting steady manufacturing runs.
• Upstream API momentum underpins the Nitromethane Demand Outlook, especially from pharma and specialty chemicals procurement.
• Inventory adjustments and port congestion affected the Nitromethane Price Index, tightening availability for some international buyers.
• Major Chinese producers operating steadily maintained exports amid congestion, supporting balanced supply and market resilience.
Why did the price of Nitromethane change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Port congestion at Shanghai-Ningbo delayed exports, thereby causing temporary supply tightness and shipment rescheduling domestically.
• Pharmaceutical sector demand shifts and regional licensing deals increased procurement, tightening availability for reagent and intermediate producers.
• Stable feedstock and energy costs kept production steady, limiting upside while logistics drove quarter-end price movements.
Europe
• In Germany, the Nitromethane demand decline QoQ in Q3 2025, amid mixed industrial demand and elevated energy cost burdens.
• Nitromethane Spot Price softened due to cautious procurement and subdued chemical output in the broader EU economy.
• Nitromethane Spot Price eased as high inventory levels offset defense-related propellant needs, impacting Price Index readings.
• Forecast for Nitromethane Price Forecast remains cautious amid regulatory handling constraints and potential munitions restocking.
• Production Cost Trend signals persistent nitric acid and natural gas volatility in Germany, disadvantaging local producers.
• Demand Outlook shows mixed pace; pharmaceutical and research sectors sustain Nitromethane consumption alongside agrochemical applications.
• Market dynamics include surging defense investments straining supply chains, strict EU safety regulations, and operational efficiencies supporting Spot Price stability.
• R&D expansions and Q4 explosive component orders may provide selective Price Index support.
• Inventory drawdowns and competitive imports from Asia may cap broader Nitromethane Price Index upside.
Why did the price of Nitromethane change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Supply remained stable with consistent upstream nitric acid availability and no major disruptions despite defense strains.
• Cost pressures intensified from high energy and natural gas levels, contributing to price softening in Q3 2025.
• Demand dynamics held steady in pharma and research but were tempered by cautious bulk orders in industrial sectors.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Nitromethane Price Index for Q2 2025 exhibited a mixed trend, beginning with relative stability in April and followed by notable price corrections in May and June.
• In April 2025, the Nitromethane Spot Price held steady, supported by residual pre-season demand from the agrochemical and specialty fuel industries. Elevated upstream costs—particularly for methanol and nitric acid—contributed to a firm Nitromethane Production Cost Trend, helping maintain price levels. The Nitromethane Demand Outlook remained moderately strong at the start of Q2, cushioning the market against downward pressure.
• Moving into May 2025, the Nitromethane Price Index declined by approximately 10–12% as downstream buying activity slowed. Increased availability of lower-cost imports enabled U.S. suppliers to reduce prices. The Nitromethane Spot Price trended downward in response to weakened demand, and a slight easing in input costs softened the Nitromethane Production Cost Trend.
• In June 2025, the Nitromethane Price Index continued its downward trajectory. Seasonal monsoon-related slowdowns in key end-use industries reduced demand further, while inventory levels remained sufficient. This created limited pricing leverage for sellers. The Nitromethane Demand Outlook turned bearish by the end of the quarter. The Nitromethane Price Forecast for early Q3 projected continued price softness unless demand revives or raw material costs rise.
Why did the price of Nitromethane change in North America in June 2025?
The Nitromethane Price Index decreased in July, driven by persistent demand weakness and steady flows of competitively priced imports. The Nitromethane Spot Price remained under pressure, and with no significant shift in the Nitromethane Production Cost Trend or Nitromethane Demand Outlook, sellers faced limited upside.
APAC
• The Nitromethane Price Index declined consistently from April to June due to weaker demand, lower feedstock costs, and seasonal logistics issues.
• Nitromethane Spot Price dropped due to increased supply and competition.
• Eased input costs drove a lower Nitromethane Production Cost Trend.
• Sellers reduced prices to maintain volume in a competitive market.
• Nitromethane Demand Outlook turned bearish with slowing industrial activity.
Why did the price of Nitromethane change in Asia in June 2025?
• The Nitromethane Price Index decreased further.
• Continued weak Nitromethane Demand Outlook and low Nitromethane Spot Price pressured the market.
• Nitromethane Production Cost Trend remained subdued, with no signs of immediate rebound.
Europe
• The Nitromethane Price Index remained stable throughout Q2 2025, shaped more by operational and logistical activity than pricing volatility.
• Nitromethane Spot Price held steady amid stable freight volumes and improved terminal throughput in Frankfurt, Lyon, and Antwerp.
• The Nitromethane Production Cost Trend showed no significant changes, maintaining cost stability.
• The Nitromethane Price Forecast for early Q3 indicated possible softness if demand fails to rebound, especially from agrochemical and pharma sectors.
Why did the price of Nitromethane change in Europe in June 2025?
• The Nitromethane Price Index decreased slightly due to weak sectoral demand and high inventory levels.
• Nitromethane Spot Price adjusted marginally downward amid lacklustre market activity.
