For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Oleic Acid Spot Price in North America followed a downward trajectory in Q2 2025, with an average quarter-over-quarter price fluctuation of approximately 6.0% to 11.5%, ending June near USD 1,315 USD/MT, signaling price softness accentuated by June’s 11.45% decline.
• Weak demand in personal care, cosmetics, food & beverages, and pharmaceuticals heavily influenced the Oleic Acid Demand Outlook, with buyers demonstrating caution and inventory reliance amid economic and trade policy uncertainty.
• Manufacturing & Supply dynamics in April saw oversupply due to reduced procurement and elevated inventories, exacerbated by reduced global ocean container bookings (down 49%) triggered by U.S. tariffs impacting trade flows, driving prices down.
• May 2025 experienced a temporary spike in prices from sharp freight disruptions and port congestions, with freight volumes from China to the U.S. surging by 300%, imposing higher landed costs, pushing Oleic Acid Spot Prices upward.
• June witnessed a supply rebound due to improved palm oil outputs primarily from Malaysia and Indonesia, combined with tariff suspensions and eased logistics, leading to a significant decline in Oleic Acid prices and landed costs.
• The Oleic Acid Production Cost Trend saw downward pressure in June due to steady raw material availability, moderated freight rates, and decreased input cost inflation, resulting in improved supply conditions.
• Oleic Acid Demand softened markedly in June as downstream industries like pharmaceuticals and personal care cut production or delayed new orders, reflected in U.S. manufacturing indicators showing contracted activity.
• Persistent oversupply kept the market under stress, with buyers reluctant to restock amid ongoing tariff uncertainties and a strong presence of competitive imports from China and Indonesia.
• The June decline finalized Q2 with prices at around USD 1,315-USD 1,325 USD/MT, signaling a cautious Oleic Acid Price Forecast where prices are expected to remain under downward pressure in the near term.
• Overall, the North American Oleic Acid market portrayed a volatile but predominantly bearish Q2 scenario, driven by fluctuating trade policies, freight disruptions in May, and an oversupply-led price correction in June.
APAC
• The Oleic Acid Spot Price in APAC displayed a stable to downward trend throughout Q2 2025, with average monthly decreases from April to June around 1.5% to 13%, concluding June near USD 1,130 USD/MT, reflecting subdued demand and raw material influences.
• April’s price retreat aligned closely with falling palm oil prices due to oversupply and muted buyer interest, which shaped the Oleic Acid Demand Outlook as downstream industries delayed procurement amid tariff announcements.
• Oleic Acid Manufacturing & Supply factors in May triggered a price surge; adverse weather and logistics constraints limited palm oil feedstock availability, increasing production costs and pushing prices higher.
• Elevated May Oleic Acid demand came from food processing, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries in APAC, sustaining procurement despite high prices, underpinned by Indonesia’s export volumes and strategic market positioning.
• June saw inventory accumulation as supply outpaced weakening demand, helped by improved logistics and increased palm oil output, leading to a softening of spot prices and lower landed costs.
• Oleic Acid Production cost trends in June reflected a reduction due to stable raw material conditions and supply chain efficiencies, counterbalancing the previous month’s upward pressure.
• Oleic Acid Demand contractions were evident in June, with Indonesia’s manufacturing PMI falling to 46.9, indicating shrinking activity in key sectors like personal care and lubricants, impacting the overall Oleic Acid Demand Outlook negatively.
• Regional export demand softened amid global economic uncertainties, and domestic buying hesitation amid expectations of further price dips intensified the bearish price momentum.
• The Oleic Acid Price Forecast for APAC projects continued price weakness in the short term due to persistent oversupply and cautious downstream consumption despite fundamental demand drivers.
• Oleic Acid Market sentiment for Q2 closed with prices at approximately USD 1,130-USD 1,140 USD/MT in June, highlighting the interplay of supply abundance versus demand restraint across the region.
Europe
• Europe’s Oleic Acid Spot Price followed a downward trend in Q2 2025, with average monthly price declines ranging from 5.3% to 12.5%, closing June near USD 1,260 USD/MT, impacted by improved supply and softer demand indicated by June’s price correction.
• April’s market conditions were shaped by diverted global cargoes to European ports due to U.S. tariff changes, resulting in elevated inventories and downward pressure on prices despite early buyer stockpiling.
• Oleic Acid Manufacturing & Supply dynamics intensified in May, with rising palm oil costs, stringent environmental policies, and logistics challenges pushing production costs higher and causing a notable price spike.
• Oleic Acid Demand in May improved gradually, supported by personal care, cosmetics, and industrial sectors, marking a cautious recovery phase with increased procurement after inventory normalization.
• As supply bottlenecks eased in June, increased import volumes, improved shipping lanes, and currency movements (Euro appreciation) led to a repricing of Oleic Acid on the lower side.
• The Oleic Acid Production Cost Trend in June benefited from lower raw material and freight costs, alongside reduced industrial input prices, fueling price reductions and improved market liquidity.
• June’s demand remained stable but subdued with moderate downstream consumption across food, bio-based chemicals, and cosmetics sectors, limiting aggressive buying despite favorable pricing.
• Inventory levels accumulated earlier in Q2 restrained immediate spot market activity, with buyers prioritizing cost efficiency and cautious procurement in anticipation of further price declines.
• The Oleic Acid Price Forecast indicates prices in Europe are likely to remain under pressure near mid to late-Q2 levels, as supply normalization contrasts with cautious demand post-pandemic.
• The quarter ended with an overall bearish yet balanced market scenario, reflecting the interplay between solid supply chain throughput and prudent demand, setting the tone for a watchful outlook on price movements.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the U.S. Oleic acid market saw significant price fluctuations, beginning with a bearish trend in January. Prices fell by around 3% due to weak demand across key sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. High inventory levels and global oversupply, coupled with port congestion, contributed to subdued market activity.
However, by February, the market shifted as global supply disruptions, particularly from Malaysia and Indonesia, led to reduced palm oil production, a key raw material for Oleic acid. This resulted in rising import costs and an uptick in prices, further fueled by strong domestic demand from industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Logistical delays and increased freight costs exacerbated the situation, reinforcing upward pressure on prices.
By March, the market continued its upward trajectory, with prices rising due to steady demand and disruptions caused by new tariffs on key suppliers like China. Preemptive buying from industries concerned about future cost increases and further port congestion tightened supply and further elevated prices. The quarter ended with a bullish sentiment, and while supply chain issues persisted, the outlook for Q2 suggests that prices may continue to rise, though potentially at a slower pace as logistical challenges stabilize.
Asia Pacific
In the first quarter of 2025, the Oleic Acid market in Indonesia witnessed a notable upward price trend, primarily driven by persistent supply-side disruptions and stable demand from downstream sectors. In January, prices initially faced downward pressure due to an oversupply created by increased domestic oleochemical production and reduced import volumes. Weak palm oil prices across Southeast Asia further pulled down Oleic Acid valuations.
However, toward the end of the month, signs of market stabilization emerged as palm oil prices began to recover. In February, adverse weather conditions linked to El Niño, labor shortages, rising energy costs, and inflation significantly disrupted palm oil production. These factors, along with strong international demand and high export commitments, tightened domestic supply and drove Oleic Acid prices higher. The upward momentum continued into March, fueled by flood-related disruptions in palm oil harvesting and reduced inventories from the previous month.
Although domestic demand was relatively soft and exports slowed slightly, the limited availability of palm oil as a raw material sustained the price increases. Strong buying interest from the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries further supported the market. Overall, Q1 2025 closed with a firm increase in Oleic Acid prices in Indonesia, shaped largely by raw material constraints and ongoing procurement efforts amid supply uncertainty.
Europe
The price trend for Oleic acid in the Netherlands during Q1 2025 experienced significant fluctuations, starting with a sharp decline in January. This drop was primarily due to a well-supplied market, where competitive offers from Asian suppliers and ample inventory levels allowed European buyers to secure favorable contracts. Despite ongoing logistical issues, the market conditions favored buyers, and pricing power remained with them early in the quarter.
However, in February, Oleic acid prices surged as palm oil costs, the key raw material, spiked due to El Niño-induced droughts in Malaysia and Indonesia. The rising costs of palm oil, combined with high freight charges and shipping delays, led to increased import and production costs. At the same time, demand remained strong, especially from sectors like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, pushing prices higher.
By March, prices rose further due to significant supply chain disruptions across Europe, including port congestion and labor strikes. These delays in deliveries tightened supply, giving suppliers more control over pricing. With steady demand and restocking efforts from key industries, the price trend firmed, signaling a shift from buyer-driven conditions to supplier-dominant pricing as the quarter ended. Overall, Q1 2025 saw Oleic acid prices increase due to rising costs and supply constraints.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The U.S. Oleic Acid market experienced a sharp downward trend throughout Q4 2024, driven by persistent oversupply and weak demand. In October, prices fell significantly due to market saturation caused by stable production levels, improved logistics, and subdued demand. Despite price discounts, inventory buildup and bearish sentiment dominated, with external pressures from softer crude oil prices, hurricane disruptions, and port strikes compounding the situation.
November saw further price declines as reduced domestic inventories and lower export prices created arbitrage opportunities for U.S. importers. Competitive pricing ahead of the holiday season failed to stimulate demand, with cautious procurement strategies prevailing. Concerns over potential port tariffs further heightened market uncertainty.
In December, the Oleic Acid market remained under pressure as weak demand from pharmaceuticals and other downstream sectors coincided with elevated inventories and increased competition from Asian imports. Export orders dropped, reflecting weaker global demand and buyer hesitation ahead of anticipated policy changes under the incoming U.S. administration. Overall, Q4 2024 was marked by aggressive destocking, pessimistic market sentiment, and declining prices, culminating in the sharpest output decline in 18 months.
Asia Pacific
The Indonesian Oleic Acid market experienced a persistent downward trend throughout Q4 2024, characterized by a prolonged price decline and weak demand dynamics. In October and November, subdued demand, reduced production costs, and lower logistics expenses contributed to the bearish market sentiment. Regional manufacturers and importers adopted cautious strategies, emphasizing conservative production and strict inventory management. Weak downstream consumption, stagnant trading activity, and buyers’ financial constraints further suppressed procurement, reinforcing the price downturn.
Declining export prices of raw material palm oil, driven by competition from alternative edible oils like soybean and sunflower oil, added pressure. Major importing regions such as South Asia and Europe showed limited interest, expecting further price reductions. A global oversupply of edible oils compounded the situation, enabling producers to sustain competitive pricing without immediate recovery.
The synchronized price decline across producing nations signals a structural market shift rather than a temporary correction. Unless there is a demand resurgence or production cuts, the Indonesian Oleic Acid market is expected to remain under pressure, granting significant negotiating power to buyers in the near term.
Europe
The Oleic Acid market in the Netherlands experienced a significant price decline throughout Q4 2024, primarily driven by surplus supply and weak demand. Despite reduced capacity at some plants, the market was oversupplied due to the restart of other facilities and stable raw material supplies. Aggressive discounts by manufacturers failed to stimulate sufficient demand, leading to growing inventories and a pessimistic market outlook
In October, falling logistics costs allowed further price reductions, exacerbating the oversupply issue. Buyers capitalized on ample stock availability and weak market sentiment, securing lower prices. November saw a sharp price drop due to dwindling local stock levels and declining export prices, creating arbitrage opportunities. However, import volumes remained subdued as end-users adopted a cautious stance amid economic uncertainty.
Throughout the quarter, suppliers employed aggressive pricing strategies to manage excess inventory and spur sales ahead of the holiday season. The European Oleic Acid market similarly faced bearish trends due to surplus availability and weak downstream demand. Overall, the Q4 trend reflected a supply-driven price decline, with bearish conditions persisting due to imbalanced supply-demand dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, the North American Oleic Acid market experienced contrasting price trends. July and August saw upward momentum in prices, driven by a resurgence in downstream procurement activities and increased freight charges. Demand from regional and neighboring markets remained steady, while rising raw material costs—especially for Palm oil—escalated production expenses.
Additionally, heightened global supply chain costs, supply challenges from China, and currency fluctuations added upward pressure. The August price surge was notably impacted by the anticipated Zhongyuan Festival and market closures in October, combined with increased import costs due to a weakened U.S. dollar and geopolitical tensions that drove up crude oil prices. Ocean carriers also raised shipping rates amid vessel shortages, while new tariffs on Chinese imports further pressured prices and influenced pharmaceutical trade dynamics.
However, in September, market conditions shifted, leading to a price decline. Oversupply issues emerged, coupled with weakened demand both domestically and from neighboring regions. To adapt, U.S. manufacturers reduced production, leading to the first decrease in supplier lead times in three months. As inventory levels grew, participants began destocking at discounted prices, and end-users largely shifted to need-based purchasing, further easing demand.
Asia Pacific
The third quarter of 2024 witnessed substantial price fluctuations in the Indonesian Oleic Acid market, reflecting the impact of both global and local factors. In July, prices surged due to intensified demand and supply chain disruptions stemming from Asian port congestion, which had global ripple effects. This upward trend was supported by increasing Palm Oil prices, critical to Oleic Acid production, and was further influenced by a stronger Indonesian rupiah, adding export costs for international buyers. Despite higher raw material and production costs, Indonesian market players strategically leveraged arbitrage opportunities, maintaining market engagement despite economic challenges.
In August, Indonesia strengthened its position as a key Oleic Acid exporter, benefiting from competitive production costs, stable output, and favorable geopolitical conditions. Rising crude oil prices, influenced by Middle Eastern tensions, increased supply chain costs globally but positively impacted Indonesian exporters. Limited global inventories, along with planned shutdowns at international facilities, further boosted Indonesian exports. Shipping rates also increased due to limited vessel availability, providing additional support for exporters.
By September, prices began to decline, driven by reduced production costs from lower energy expenses. However, continued supply chain challenges, particularly port congestion, introduced ongoing uncertainty. Weak demand from end-use sectors and rising storage costs led to excess stock levels, prompting producers to reduce production and offload inventory. This shift marked a significant price decline as Q3 closed, reflecting a supply-demand imbalance and a complex market landscape for Oleic Acid in Indonesia.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2024, the Oleic acid market in the Netherlands experienced pronounced price volatility, marked by both sharp increases and subsequent declines. In July, Oleic acid prices rose significantly due to a combination of global supply chain challenges, heightened demand, and increased raw material costs, particularly for palm oil. Reduced vessel traffic, port congestion in Asia, and regional container shortages disrupted shipping schedules, driving up costs.
Additionally, the Netherlands felt the impact of price hikes in major producing regions, with local markets adjusting prices upward in response. Rising procurement activity, both domestically and internationally, alongside low inventories and inflationary pressures in Europe, further intensified price increases. In August, prices continued to rise as export requirements, supply issues in China, and geopolitical tensions added pressure. Middle Eastern instability drove up crude oil prices, increasing overall supply chain expenses, while the depreciating US dollar made imports more costly.
By the end of the quarter, the Oleic acid market in the Netherlands faced a sustained decline in prices. Lower energy costs allowed producers to adopt competitive pricing, and Northern European port congestion led to missed port calls, impacting supply chains. With subdued demand in end-use sectors and accumulating inventory costs, producers and traders strategically offloaded stock to stabilize cash flow, intensifying a supply glut. Additionally, the palm oil market saw a price dip due to weak demand, which contributed to the bearish sentiment, prompting local producers to reduce Oleic acid production to manage the supply-demand imbalance effectively.
FAQ’s
1. What are the current Oleic Acid prices in major regions?
As of June 2025, Oleic Acid prices closed near USD 1,315–USD 1,325 USD/MT in North America, around USD 1,130–USD 1,140 USD/MT in APAC, and approximately USD 1,260 USD/MT in Europe. These prices reflect Q2’s downward trend driven by oversupply, moderated freight costs, and weakened demand across downstream industries.
2. Who are the major Oleic Acid producers globally?
Key Oleic Acid producers include companies based in Southeast Asia (notably Indonesia and Malaysia), which leverage strong palm oil production as the primary feedstock. Leading chemical companies in Europe and North America also contribute significantly, though Asia remains the largest export hub due to cost-efficient production.
3. What factors influenced Oleic Acid prices in Q2 2025?
Prices were shaped by multiple elements, including volatile palm oil costs, freight disruptions in May, oversupply conditions in June, and cautious buying behavior in industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. Tariff policies and global trade uncertainties also played a critical role in pricing trends.
4. What is the near-term Oleic Acid price outlook?
The short-term outlook suggests prices will remain under downward pressure due to abundant supply and soft demand. Market sentiment across all major regions—North America, APAC, and Europe—points to continued cautious procurement strategies by buyers expecting further price corrections.
