For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Potassium Carbonate Price Index rose by 0.57% quarter-over-quarter, driven by supply.
• The average Potassium Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1763.33/MT, indicating marginal quarterly strength.
• Potassium Carbonate Spot Price softened as improved import flows and domestic production eased immediate tightness.
• Potassium Carbonate Price Forecast indicates modest volatility ahead as seasonal demand and logistics influence pricing.
• Potassium Carbonate Production Cost Trend eased as potassium chloride feedstock prices retreated, lowering manufacturing costs.
• Potassium Carbonate Demand Outlook remains subdued given seasonal fertilizer lull and cautious distributor restocking behavior.
• Potassium Carbonate Price Index gained modest support from constrained imports, although downstream demand remained tepid.
• Major domestic producers operated steadily without outages, while distributors managed inventories conservatively amid tariff uncertainties.
Why did the price of Potassium Carbonate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Feedstock shortages and export delays restricted production, immediately raising landed costs, and tightening spot availability.
• Improved freight rates and steady imports eased landed costs, applying downward pressure on spot pricing.
• Seasonal fertilizer lull reduced buyer urgency post summer fills, limiting volumes, capping Price Index upside.
APAC
• In China, the Potassium Carbonate Price Index rose by 4.04% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock tightness.
• The average Potassium Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1108.00/MT, FOB Qingdao levels.
• Potassium Carbonate Spot Price held firm as inventories remained low and chloride imports stayed constrained.
• Potassium Carbonate Production Cost Trend rose due to higher potassium chloride procurement, elevated transport expenses.
• Potassium Carbonate Demand Outlook sees seasonal fertilizer restocking supporting offtake while industrial demand remains muted.
• Potassium Carbonate Price Forecast shows modest volatility as feedstock arrivals improve seasonal tapering pressures emerge.
• Export demand supported the Potassium Carbonate Price Index, while domestic restocking remained cautious against competition.
• Producer operating rates were curtailed by maintenance inspections, restricting supply, sustaining tight spot prices domestically.
Why did the price of Potassium Carbonate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Feedstock shortages from limited potassium chloride imports tightened supply and lifted FOB offers during September.
• Shipping delays and port congestion increased logistics costs, reducing availability and pressuring spot supplies.
• Seasonal fertilizer procurement supported demand, while downstream industrial activity remained muted, limiting upward momentum.
Europe
• In Germany, the Potassium Carbonate Price Index rose by 0.92% quarter-over-quarter, constrained supply and logistics limited output.
• The average Potassium Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1653.33/MT, reflecting balanced supply.
• Potassium Carbonate Spot Price remained firm as export interest fell and inland inventories stayed tight.
• Potassium Carbonate Price Forecast suggests limited upside as Eastern European feedstock recoveries remain uneven currently.
• Potassium Carbonate Production Cost Trend rose from higher natural gas and freight expenses, squeezing margins.
• Potassium Carbonate Demand Outlook stays muted for fertilizers, offset by steady industrial sector consumption activity.
• Potassium Carbonate Price Index reflected maintenance-related tightness, inventory accumulation concerns, and selective opportunistic import buying.
• Potassium Carbonate Spot Price volatility encouraged buyers to delay purchases, awaiting post-harvest clarity and offers.
Why did the price of Potassium Carbonate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Maintenance at key CIS suppliers curtailed feedstock flows, tightening local supply and supporting higher prices.
• Elevated natural gas and freight costs increased production, translating into upward pressure on finished prices.
• Buyer inventories and seasonal agricultural slowdown limited immediate procurement, constraining upside despite regional supply restrictions.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Potassium Carbonate Price Index in North America increased by 5.2% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, driven by constrained feedstock availability and firm seasonal demand.
• Domestic supply remained tight following upstream disruptions and a temporary force majeure declared by a major U.S. producer, which significantly reduced production output.
• The Potassium Carbonate production cost trend remained elevated, reflecting higher feedstock Potassium Chloride prices and persistent import-related delays despite moderate easing in global freight rates.
• Imports from Asia remained limited due to Chinese supply curbs, while trade tension and tariff concerns added further pressure on sourcing alternatives, tightening inventories.
• The Potassium carbonate demand outlook stayed firm during the quarter, particularly from the fertilizer segment, where early-season maize planting boosted application intensity and procurement urgency.
• Precautionary restocking behaviour and a 90-day tariff suspension drove front-loaded purchases by mid-quarter, while chemical and industrial buyers maintained stable offtake.
Why did the price of Potassium Carbonate change in July 2025 in the US?
• In July 2025, the Potassium Carbonate Price Index rose by 1.3% compared to June, reflecting lingering upstream constraints and low inventory levels at both domestic and port facilities.
• The Potassium Carbonate production cost trend continued to face pressure from elevated feedstock prices, particularly Potassium Chloride, as global supply disruptions persisted.
• Demand provided little support, limited to mid-season fertilizer top-ups and flat consumption across non-agricultural sectors.
• Looking ahead, prices are expected to soften as feedstock flows stabilize, and downstream demand remains insufficient to sustain firm pricing.
APAC
• The Potassium Carbonate Price Index in APAC declined by 0.22% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, as persistent demand softness outweighed brief supply-side pressures.
• Fertilizer demand dropped after early-quarter agricultural applications concluded, and although non-agricultural sectors such as glass and ceramics-maintained consumption, their impact on the Potassium Carbonate demand outlook was limited.
• Potassium Carbonate supply remained stable for most of the quarter, supported by high operating rates and falling feedstock costs initially; however, feedstock Potassium Chloride availability tightened toward the end of the quarter, constraining production, and pushing up the Potassium Carbonate production cost trend slightly.
• Export activity showed mild improvement mid-to-late quarter, with Indian and Southeast Asian buyers engaging in forward restocking amid Kharif season demand and anticipated shipping delays; however, overall volumes were insufficient to rebalance market sentiment.
• In conclusion, the second quarter of 2025 for Potassium Carbonate in APAC was defined by stability at the surface and mild turbulence beneath.
Why did the price of Potassium Carbonate change in July 2025 in APAC?
• In contrast to the quarter’s overall softness, In July 2025, the Potassium Carbonate Price Index in APAC rose by 1.3% compared to June, primarily due to constrained feedstock supply despite muted end-user activity.
• Prices rose in July due to reduced availability of Potassium Chloride, as tighter import flows and supply bottlenecks elevated input costs and allowed producers to raise offers.
• Demand provided little support, with fertilizer offtake limited to mid-season needs and industrial consumption remaining steady but unspectacular across glass and ceramics.
• Looking ahead, prices are expected to decline, as feedstock availability stabilizes, and downstream buying interest remains insufficient to sustain upward momentum.
Europe
• The Potassium Carbonate Price Index in Germany rose by 3.3% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, supported by sustained feedstock constraints, transport disruptions, and strategic pre-buying ahead of regional policy shifts.
• Demand from Fertilizer sector peaked early in the quarter, with precautionary restocking in April and May amid fears of EU sanctions on Russian fertilizer imports. However, demand moderated in June as inventories were saturated and seasonal application tapered.
• Persistent feedstock tightness—especially Potassium Chloride—and low Rhine River water levels impaired supply chains throughout Q2. Production costs rose due to elevated energy inputs and constrained feedstock availability, though plant operations remained technically stable without shutdowns.
• Exports remained moderately active in April and May, with EU buyers frontloading purchases amid fears of future disruptions. However, June saw weaker foreign demand as regional inventories normalized and logistics challenges raised cross-border shipment costs.
• Overall, Q2 prices strengthened due to upstream supply friction and precautionary buying rather than fundamental demand growth.
Why did the price of Potassium Carbonate change in July 2025 in Germany?
• Prices increased by 1.3% in July 2025 over June, supported by sharper uptrend as supply constraints persisted and downstream restocking resumed cautiously.
• Potassium Chloride remained in limited supply, with reduced inflows from Eastern Europe and high logistics costs pushing input prices higher.
• Demand provided little support, with fertilizer offtake restricted to mid-season top-up needs and flat usage across glass and chemical segments.
• Looking ahead, prices are expected to soften as feedstock flows stabilize, and downstream demand remains insufficient to sustain firm pricing.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The North American Potassium Carbonate market registered a 7.2% quarter-on-quarter price increase in Q1 2025, driven by higher input costs and steady fertilizer demand. Early in the quarter, elevated European production costs—impacting U.S. import prices—led domestic suppliers to adjust rates upward. Strong pre-season demand from downstream fertilizer sectors, fuelled by fill program announcements from major players like Nutrien and Mosaic, further supported this pricing momentum. Trade uncertainties also encouraged early stockpiling, tightening market availability.
Mid-quarter saw sustained gains as potassium chloride feedstock costs rose and winter storms delayed imports, tightening supply. Despite freight rate declines, logistical bottlenecks at ports extended delivery times, amplifying regional scarcity. Agricultural buyers accelerated purchases to hedge against potential disruptions, maintaining upward momentum.
By quarter’s end, limited supply, vendor stock shortages, and extended import lead times reinforced the upward trend. While actual end-use demand remained measured, speculative buying for inventory coverage contributed to stable offtake. The U.S. saw the sharpest movement, with prices rising 7.2% from Q4 2024 and closing the quarter at USD 1715/MT DEL Houston, reflecting continued supply tightness and firm seasonal demand.
APAC
The APAC potassium carbonate market recorded a 1.9% quarter-on-quarter price increase in Q1 2025, supported by firm seasonal demand and raw material cost pressures. Early in the quarter, tight feedstock availability—particularly potassium chloride—and low port inventories limited production across key markets. Although initial demand was cautious due to elevated prices, stockpiling ahead of the spring ploughing season spurred procurement activity. Midway through the quarter, prices remained elevated as domestic production struggled to meet rising demand from downstream fertilizer industries. Seasonal agricultural preparations drove strong buying interest, while limited spot supply kept upward pressure on prices. Anticipatory buying and a preference to secure material early reinforced the firm pricing sentiment. By quarter-end, prices stabilized, with easing caustic potash costs offsetting marginal increases in potassium chloride. Post-Spring Festival industrial recovery improved sentiment, though actual transactions remained moderate due to sufficient reserves and expectations of softer pricing. China saw the sharpest movement, with prices rising from Q4 2024 and closing the quarter at USD 1071/MT FOB Qingdao, reflecting the region's tight supply and steady demand from downstream fertiliser industry.
Europe
The European Potassium Carbonate market recorded a quarter-on-quarter price increase in Q1 2025, supported by tight supply conditions and firm agricultural demand. Early in the quarter, prices surged as elevated natural gas costs and a weak euro drove up production and import expenses, discouraging large-scale output. Limited availability and early fertilizer procurement ahead of the spring planting season provided producers the leverage to raise prices. By mid-quarter, prices remained elevated as fertilizer manufacturers continued to secure raw materials like potassium carbonate amid steady demand. Anticipation of European sanctions on Russian fertilizers prompted a shift toward domestic sourcing, further tightening the market. Despite supply chain improvements, high input costs and restricted imports sustained upward price pressure. Toward the quarter’s end, strong offtake from fertilizer producers and elevated feedstock costs—including caustic potash and potassium chloride—kept production expenses high. Weather-related logistics issues added to delivery concerns, pushing buyers to finalize Q2 contracts early. Germany saw the sharpest movement, with prices rising 1.82% from Q4 2024 and closing the quarter at USD 1600/MT FOB Hamburg.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The Potassium Carbonate market in North America experienced volatile price trends throughout Q4 2024, concluding the quarter with an increase of 1% compared to Q3. Initially, prices rose due to significant supply disruptions from hurricanes and port strikes. Work stoppages at Canadian ports further raised concerns over potash availability, a key feedstock for Potassium Carbonate production, amplifying supply-side pressures.
As the quarter progressed, prices softened due to weak demand from the fertilizer sector. Increasing domestic inventories and adverse weather, including droughts followed by persistent rains, disrupted fertilizer applications in key agricultural regions, leading to reduced demand. Additionally, declining feedstock costs and cautious market sentiment further contributed to the downward pressure.
Towards the end of the quarter, however, the market reversed course, with prices rising by 4%. This uptick was driven by supply constraints, escalating production costs, and concerns over potential tariffs on Canadian potash imports. While demand remained moderate, expectations of a strong planting season in early 2025 provided optimism, fuelling price adjustments as the quarter concluded. According to ChemAnalyst, the quarter-ending price of Potassium Carbonate FOB Texas was USD 1602/MT, reflecting the prevailing market conditions.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Potassium Carbonate market in Europe experienced a mixed trend, ultimately ending with a modest increase of 4% in prices due to supply-side challenges and fluctuating demand. Early in the quarter, prices rise due to adverse weather-related supply constraints, increased caustic potash costs, and strong winter planting demand. This upward trend reversed in November, declining as ample supply met weak farmer demand resulting from low grain prices and reduced incomes. Adverse weather further delaying harvests exacerbated this decline. However, by the end of Q4 market conditions tightened as elevated natural gas prices increased production costs, discouraging large-scale output of fertilizers. Pre-emptive agricultural procurement for the upcoming spring season provided temporary demand support, as farmers and traders sought to secure fertilizers amid rising costs and concerns over potential supply disruptions. Despite cautious downstream activity, the European market concluded the quarter with strengthened prices with the price for Potassium Carbonate FOB Dalian at USD 1565/MT, reflecting a balance of short-term demand surges and persistent cost pressures heading into early 2025.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Potassium Carbonate market in the APAC region experienced a steady decline in prices, driven by several key factors. The market faced a significant downturn, with prices falling sharply due to weak demand across various industries, particularly the fertilizer sector. Contributing factors included reduced procurement activities during the off-season, lacklustre performance in end-user sectors, and adverse weather conditions impacting logistics and exports. China witnessed the most significant price fluctuations, mirroring broader regional trends. On the supply side, while major producers maintained stable output, some smaller plant maintenance and port congestion created minor supply disruptions, but overall supply remained sufficient. Muted demand, coupled with reduced export opportunities, led to increased domestic inventories. Overall, the market recorded a 3% decline compared to the previous quarter. However, the latter half of the quarter saw a slight improvement, driven by a temporary supply shortage resulting from significantly reduced new supply and import volumes. This shortage, combined with some pre-Lunar New Year stockpiling, briefly stemmed the price drop. Despite this, the overall negative sentiment persisted, with the price for Potassium Carbonate FOB Qingdao ending the quarter at USD 1044/MT.
