For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• The Nitromethane Price Index in North America ended Q4 2025 moderately stable to slightly firm, as consistent downstream demand from motorsports, specialty chemicals, and industrial sectors underpinned pricing after earlier seasonal softness. North America remains one of the largest regional markets globally due to established chemical manufacturing and motorsports fuel demand.
• The Nitromethane Spot Price stayed resilient into late 2025, particularly in the United States, where niche engines in drag racing and high-performance motorsport events continued to procure fuel grade nitromethane, while specialty chemical buyers-maintained baseline consumption.
• Key downstream uses of Nitromethane in North America included its use as a fuel and fuel additive in motorsport racing and specialty high-performance engines, a solvent in chemical processing and coatings, a chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis, and components in propellants and explosives formulations, demonstrating diversified industrial demand.
• The Nitromethane Production Cost Trend showed moderate pressure through Q4 2025, influenced by elevated costs of feedstocks such as nitric acid and energy inputs, which constrained producers’ ability to discount product even as some downstream demand softened.
• The Nitromethane Demand Outlook for the region remained positive overall, driven by sustained specialty fuel usage in motorsport leagues, consistent pharmaceutical intermediate requirements, and reliable solvent demand from coatings and adhesives, though broader industrial activity showed mixed signals.
• The Nitromethane Price Forecast for early 2026 indicated range-bound pricing with potential modest upside, assuming continued motorsport fuel procurement, steady chemical intermediate demand, and stable feedstock costs.
• By December, the Nitromethane Price Index exhibited mild firmness, as year-end purchases by racing teams and specialty chemical formulators helped sustain pricing, offsetting soft seasonal industrial orders.
Why did the price of Nitromethane change in December 2025 in North America?
• Selective year-end restocking by motorsport organizations and specialty chemical producers lifted the Nitromethane Price Index in December, as buyers anticipated strong early-year demand.
• Stable to elevated production costs — notably feedstock and energy — prevented significant price declines, even where broader industrial orders were muted.
• Sustained demand from fuel and pharmaceutical intermediate segments balanced market supply, contributing to the Spot Price remaining firm rather than declining significantly in late 2025.
APAC
• In China, the Nitromethane Price Index rose by 3.49% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting bottlenecks and port constraints.
• The average Nitromethane price for the quarter was USD 2273.33/MT, based on FOB Shanghai realizations.
• Nitromethane Spot Price firmed as inspections and vessel congestion constrained export availability, tightening export market.
• Nitromethane Price Forecast indicates gains as export inquiries rise and inventories remain lean through winter.
• Nitromethane Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from higher nitric acid costs and winter compliance.
• Nitromethane Demand Outlook remained balanced with steady pharmaceutical and agrochemical consumption supporting contractual regional export volumes.
• Nitromethane Price Index was underpinned by disciplined operating rates, licensed producer concentration and constrained spot offerings.
• Export demand, schedule prioritization and inland logistics kept spot spreads narrow, boosting FOB realizations for sellers.
Why did the price of Nitromethane change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Heightened winter environmental inspections reduced operating days and exportable volumes, tightening available supply into December.
• Rising nitric acid feedstock costs increased expenses, limiting incentive for output despite firm export demand.
• Port congestion and logistics delays prioritized contracted shipments, reduced spot availability, supporting higher FOB prices.
Europe
• The Nitromethane Price Index in Europe moderated downward during Q4 2025, as muted industrial output and cautious purchasing patterns weighed on pricing after earlier volatility in feedstock and energy costs.
• The Nitromethane Spot Price saw modest softness through October and November, influenced by high inventory levels in key EU chemical hubs and limited bulk orders from industrial sectors, even as niche demand from motorsports and specialty chemicals provided partial support.
• Key downstream uses of Nitromethane in Europe included its role as a chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis, a polar solvent in organic chemical reactions and coatings, an ingredient in explosives and propellants, and fuel or fuel additive for motorsports applications, reflecting a mix of industrial, specialty chemical, and performance fuel demand.
• The Nitromethane Production Cost Trend remained under pressure from elevated energy (natural gas) and nitric acid feedstock costs throughout the quarter, which kept producers’ cost bases elevated despite weaker demand.
• The Nitromethane Demand Outlook in Europe was mixed in Q4 2025 — with steady baseline demand from pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals balanced against soft orders from broader industrial applications and downstream coatings and adhesives sectors.
• The Nitromethane Price Forecast for early 2026 indicated range-bound pricing or modest recovery potential, assuming seasonal restocking, continued pharmaceutical and motorsport fuel uptake, and stabilization of energy costs.
• As December approached, the Nitromethane Price Index began to stabilize, supported by selective restocking and defense/motorsport seasonal purchases, which helped check further price declines.
Why did the price of Nitromethane change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Selective restocking by pharmaceutical and specialty chemical manufacturers provided support, lifting demand slightly and • preventing a steeper decline in the Nitromethane Price Index toward year-end.
• Elevated energy and nitric acid feedstock costs kept production cost pressures present, limiting the degree of price erosion and supporting a stable Spot Price despite weak broader industrial demand.
• Softening industrial demand and high inventories capped upside pricing momentum, resulting in a mild stabilization rather than a significant increase in December 2025.
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.
