For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The US oxalic acid price index presented an irregular trend for Q2 2025 relative to June, upending the previous downtrend.
• The oxalic acid spot price increased as infrastructure investments underpinned consumption in surface cleaning and rust removal.
• The q2 price hike was due to increased residential and infrastructure building, heightened use of oxalic acid in EV battery manufacturing, and ongoing supply disruptions from Chinese import tariffs.
• The oxalic acid demand outlook improved, spurred by increasing demand from water treatment, textiles, and the EV supply chain.
• The oxalic acid production cost trend exhibited moderate inflation because of increasing feedstock prices (nitric acid and sugar derivatives), uncertain shipping costs, and regulatory charges for chemicals imports.
• Domestic production remained limited; reliance on imports from China and India continued, keeping the market sensitive to external shocks.
Asia-Pacific
• The Oxalic Acid Price Index in China dipped slightly in Q2 2025, supported by tight supply and better industrial demand from construction and metal-treatment sectors.
• The Oxalic Acid Spot Price was assessed near USD 385–390/MT, rising slightly from June due to low inventories and robust demand in excavation and steel surface cleaning.
• The Q2 price increase was driven by continued growth in civil construction, machinery servicing, and environmental restrictions curbing coal-based chemical output.
• The Oxalic Acid Production Cost Trend moved upward due to stricter environmental controls, high electricity tariffs, and compliance-related costs in provinces like Henan.
• The Oxalic Acid Demand Outlook remained firm, underpinned by government-backed infrastructure projects and steady chemical sector expansion.
Europe
• In Q2 2025, the Oxalic Acid Price Index in Europe stabilized after prior volatility, with Oxalic Acid Spot Prices hovering between USD 620–640/MT FD NWE.
• The market witnessed no major price change as balanced demand offset minor cost increases, keeping prices within historical norms.
• Price movement remained flat due to the tepid industrial demand recovery in textiles and water treatment, with steady imports from Asia and moderating energy input costs.
• The Oxalic Acid Demand Outlook remained cautious, as the Eurozone’s industrial sector stayed under pressure from weak construction and manufacturing activity.
• The Oxalic Acid Production Cost Trend stayed range-bound, shaped by LNG prices and localized carbon emission charges.
• Imports from China and India kept regional availability in check, while local producers operated at moderate capacity under margin pressure.
South America
• The Oxalic Acid Price Index in Brazil increased by approximately 3.8% in Q2 2025, reversing the earlier downtrend seen in April–May.
• The price increase was driven by firm domestic demand, ongoing global supply challenges, and trade restrictions affecting imports.
• The Oxalic Acid Spot Price remained elevated as buyers contended with freight cost inflation and currency depreciation.
• The Oxalic Acid Production Cost Trend rose due to higher feedstock prices (nitric acid, sugar derivatives) and utility cost inflation.
• The Oxalic Acid Demand Outlook stayed strong, especially from construction, metal cleaning, and water treatment sectors, supported by government infrastructure programs.
• Brazil remained a net importer, relying on China and India, with no significant domestic capacity expansions reported.
• Urban development in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília drove consumption of industrial-grade oxalic acid for metal treatment.
• Demand from textile, pharmaceutical, and battery industries remained supportive, though construction-led applications dominated Q2's demand.
• The Oxalic Acid Price Forecast for Q3 2025 suggested continued moderate growth, contingent on ongoing construction momentum and limited import capacity.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the oxalic acid market in the U.S. experienced a mixed price trend, with notable fluctuations driven by changing demand and supply dynamics.
Early in the quarter, prices saw an increase due to strong demand from key sectors such as leather tanning, textiles, and metal cleaning, supported by favorable supply conditions. However, as the quarter progressed, prices softened, with a 1.6% decline in March, attributed to weakening demand, particularly in the textile and leather industries, amid rising operational costs. The metal sector showed stable but slowing demand, while the aluminum processing industry saw reduced oxalic acid consumption due to tariff impacts.
Despite these challenges, oxalic acid prices were bolstered by stable raw material costs and controlled production levels. The supply side was impacted by logistical challenges and import constraints from China, but improved freight conditions and easing production costs in March provided some relief. Overall, the market outlook remains cautious, with demand uncertainties and trade policy shifts influencing price movements throughout the quarter.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the oxalic acid market in the APAC region, experienced fluctuating price trends, with notable price increases in January followed by a decline in March. Early in the quarter, strong demand across key sectors like leather tanning, textiles, and metal cleaning, coupled with stable production dynamics, supported a positive market outlook. However, by March, prices dropped by 7.1%, driven by weakening demand and an unfavorable supply-demand balance. The textile and leather industries faced reduced demand due to a decline in exports, while the metal cleaning sector remained stable despite external trade pressures, including rising U.S. tariffs. Supply disruptions, including environmental regulations and logistical challenges, further compounded market instability. Despite these challenges, alternative suppliers, such as India and Germany, capitalized on shifts in trade flows, benefiting from growing export opportunities as buyers sought alternatives to domestic supply. Overall, the market outlook for oxalic acid in the APAC region was mixed, with a strong start to the quarter followed by a slowdown in demand and reduced market stability by March.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European oxalic acid market experienced a mixed price trend driven by diverse supply and demand dynamics. Early in the quarter, prices rose due to robust demand, particularly in the leather tanning, textile, and specialty chemical sectors, with Europe continuing to play a significant role in the global market. However, prices surged in Germany by 2.1% in February, despite logistical disruptions and rising production costs. In contrast, by March 2025, prices saw a significant decline of 6.8%, primarily due to weakening demand in key industries such as metal cleaning, textiles, and leather processing. The slowdown in European industrial activity, compounded by stricter sustainability regulations and reduced export activity, exerted downward pressure on oxalic acid prices. Despite some resilience in production, the market outlook became more cautious as economic headwinds, including tightening energy regulations and fluctuating raw material costs, overshadowed short-term growth prospects. Overall, while stable raw material costs helped sustain some demand, the regional market faced challenges that tempered its optimistic start to the year.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Oxalic Acid prices in the U.S. market continued to decline, primarily due to weak demand from sectors like construction, metals, and leather tanning. The U.S. heavily relied on imports from Asian and European markets, including China, Taiwan, and India, which influenced overall price dynamics. Despite the decline, signs of market stabilization emerged by the end of the quarter, with producers and end-users cautiously optimistic about the outlook.
Manufacturing activity in the U.S. contracted in December, though at a slower pace compared to November. Despite some recovery signs, production levels remained stable, and raw material costs were lower due to falling crude oil prices. These factors contributed to lower production costs for Oxalic Acid.
Demand from industries such as textiles and refrigerants continued to soften, which further impacted the pricing trend. Analysts predicted that Oxalic Acid prices would remain stable, supported by steady raw material costs and controlled production levels. However, the market remained cautious, with a "wait and watch" approach prevailing among manufacturers and traders as the year ended.
APAC
In Q4 2024, Oxalic Acid prices in the APAC region, particularly in China, saw a decline due to a balance between supply and demand. The need for large-scale developments decreased, driven by stabilizing or declining populations in developed regions, which contributed to weaker demand. As one of the major exporters, the Asian market continued to play a key role in shaping Oxalic Acid market dynamics. The demand from industries such as aluminum production, refrigerants, and specialty chemicals remained low, further impacting the market.
Manufacturing activity faced challenges due to a subdued demand outlook both domestically and internationally. Despite efforts to integrate automation and digital technologies, the mainland’s leading port operator struggled with rising operational costs. Additionally, the rebound in crude oil prices put upward pressure on Oxalic Acid prices, although feedstock markets, particularly for Formic Acid, showed signs of recovery, fostering a more optimistic sentiment.
Demand from sectors like construction remained weak, and although business activity in construction showed slight improvement, the overall market outlook remained cautious. Analysts predicted that Oxalic Acid prices would remain stable, supported by steady raw material costs and controlled production levels.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Oxalic Acid market in Europe, particularly in Germany, experienced a downward trend, with prices showing modest declines in October. This shift was attributed to a cautious sentiment among both producers and end-users, reflecting a subdued outlook for the commodity. As a key consumer and exporter, Germany continued to influence the market, but demand from industries such as aluminum production, refrigerants, and specialty chemicals remained moderate. Sufficient inventory levels and weaker demand contributed to market stabilization under softer conditions.
Manufacturing activity in the region faced challenges, particularly with slowed production due to reduced consumption and a weak demand outlook. Port operations had mostly returned to normal after congestion issues, although minor delays occurred during the holiday period. The drop in crude oil prices further pressured Oxalic Acid prices, making it a more competitive option in the market.
Despite these challenges, analysts predicted that Oxalic Acid prices would remain stable, supported by consistent raw material costs and controlled production levels. However, demand from industries like leather and textiles continued to decline, contributing to the overall downward pricing trend.
South America
In Q4 2024, Oxalic Acid prices in the South American market experienced a continued decline, largely due to sluggish demand from key sectors like construction, metals, and leather tanning. The region remained reliant on imports from major suppliers in Asia and Europe, such as China, Taiwan, and India, which impacted the overall price trend. However, toward the end of the quarter, signs of market stabilization began to appear, with producers and end-users expressing cautious optimism for the future.
Manufacturing activity in South America showed a slowdown in December, although at a more moderate rate compared to November. Despite some positive indications, production levels remained steady, and lower crude oil prices helped reduce raw material costs. This contributed to a decrease in production expenses for Oxalic Acid.
Demand from industries like textiles and refrigerants continued to weaken, further affecting price dynamics. Analysts anticipated that Oxalic Acid prices would stabilize, supported by steady raw material costs and consistent production levels. However, the market remained hesitant, with manufacturers and traders adopting a "wait and see" approach as the year drew to a close.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Oxalic Acid market in North America witnessed a notable downturn in prices, driven by a confluence of factors impacting supply and demand dynamics. The market grappled with disruptions in the global supply chain, exacerbated by container crises and logistical challenges, leading to a moderation in prices.
Heightened uncertainties, including potential disruptions by the International Longshoremen’s Association and supply chain constraints, added pressure on prices. Additionally, reduced demand from the construction and metals sectors further contributed to the downward trend. Specifically in the USA, the market experienced the most significant price changes, reflecting the broader regional trend. The decline in construction input prices observed in September had been primarily driven by a significant drop in oil prices. Although domestic freight rates remained low compared to historical standards, rising global container-shipping rates and emerging supply chain issues were expected to push materials prices higher in the coming months.
This had caused concern among contractors, many of whom anticipated a reduction in their profit margins over the next six months. While imports from Asia could have been rerouted through West Coast ports, doing so would have placed substantial strain on both port and landside infrastructure. Imports from Europe and Latin America, however, would have encountered challenges, as alternative routes were limited. Additionally, the potential for a strike at US ports had posed a serious risk of triggering a new supply chain crisis.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC region saw a significant uptrend in Oxalic Acid prices, driven by multiple market dynamics. China experienced the most pronounced fluctuations, with constrained supply chains, weak downstream demand, and external factors like fluctuating crude oil prices playing key roles in shaping the pricing landscape. Despite disruptions and plant shutdowns, the market in China followed the overall regional trend, maintaining an upward trajectory. Seasonality and correlations in price changes further reinforced this positive momentum. The golden week festive break and market participants should carefully track any developments or news that might spark renewed trading activity or boost demand. Oxalic acid demand remained steady from sectors such as iron cleaning agents and leather tanning. Meanwhile, stainless steel prices experienced volatility due to disruptions in the macroeconomic environment and the supply chain. Despite these fluctuations, raw material prices for stainless steel remained strong, with inventory levels stable at moderate levels. Although short-term contradictions were not yet significant, potential fluctuations could arise from shifts in macroeconomic sentiment. Monitoring raw material prices and social inventory levels had been crucial for assessing future trends.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Europe region witnessed a notable increase in Oxalic Acid prices, driven by a combination of factors. Supply constraints, stemming from global freight industry challenges and port congestion, exerted upward pressure on prices. Strong demand, coupled with tight capacity, further escalated the pricing environment. Additionally, the eurozone manufacturing sector displayed signs of weakness, prompting manufacturers to limit discounts and adjust output charges. This, in turn, contributed to the overall bullish market sentiment. Germany, in particular, experienced significant price changes, with a 27% increase from the previous quarter. Seasonal trends and market dynamics played a crucial role in shaping the price trajectory, with a 2% price variation between the first and second half of the quarter. Seasonal factors led to reduced consumption, while an oversupply—driven by enhanced production efficiency and capacity expansions—further pushed prices downward. Additionally, high inventory levels and increased exports from the region amplified the price decline. Despite the EU's efforts toward achieving climate neutrality, progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector has remained slow. A report released by the European Environment Agency (EEA) highlights that the sector's shift toward sustainability is being hindered by rising transport demand and the slow advancement of sustainable transportation alternatives.
South America
In Q3 2024, the South America region experienced a downturn in Oxalic Acid pricing, with Brazil notably witnessing significant price fluctuations. The market was influenced by a combination of factors that contributed to the decreasing prices. Supply chain disruptions, including challenges in container shipping and scarcity of capacity, led to a tight supply, impacting prices. Additionally, increased freight costs from China and disruptions at major Asian ports added pressure on pricing dynamics. Demand from the downstream construction sector showed signs of weakening, further exacerbating the price decline. Brazil, in particular, saw the maximum price changes, with a noticeable correlation between overall trends, seasonality, and price fluctuations. The quarter recorded a 17% decrease from the previous quarter, with a notable -5% difference between the first and second half of the quarter. Although domestic freight rates remained low compared to historical levels, rising global container-shipping rates and emerging supply chain challenges could push material prices higher in the coming months. This raised concerns among contractors, many of whom expected a decline in their profit margins over the next six months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the Oxalic Acid Spot Price in major markets as of Q2 2025?
o U.S.: USD 1,820–1,880/MT FOB Texas
o China: USD 385–390/MT FOB Shanghai
2. Who were the top Oxalic Acid producers globally in Q2 2025?
o Oxaquim (Spain), Indian Oxalate Ltd., Mudanjiang Fengda Chemicals (China), and niche U.S. suppliers like Sigma-Aldrich.
3. What was the Oxalic Acid Price Forecast for Q3 2025?
o Prices were expected to remain firm in APAC and North America due to strong demand and limited supply growth. Europe was forecasted to remain range-bound amid sluggish industrial recovery.
4. What factors influenced the Oxalic Acid Production Cost Trend globally in Q2 2025?
o Feedstock costs (glucose, sugar, nitric acid), energy tariffs, environmental regulations (especially in China), freight rates, and regional carbon policies.
