For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Propionic Acid Prices in North America
- In USA, the Propionic Acid Price Index fell by 3.65% quarter-over-quarter, due to persistent oversupply.
- The average Propionic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 739.67/MT based on averages.
- Propionic Acid Spot Price remained volatile mid-quarter, reflecting tightening export arbitrage and rerouted shipping delays.
- Propionic Acid Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from higher crude-linked ethylene and freight premiums.
- Propionic Acid Price Forecast indicates limited near-term downside absent inventory drawdowns or notable demand recovery.
- Propionic Acid Demand Outlook remains subdued seasonally, with cautious procurement and steady feed preservative consumption.
- Propionic Acid Price Index resilience reflected cost pass-through and constrained spot availability from logistics issues.
- Inventories remained comfortable, yet export demand weakness suppressed offers despite seasonal restocking potential improving later.
Why did the price of Propionic Acid change in March 2026 in North America?
- Rising crude oil and ethylene costs increased production expenses, pressuring offers and supporting price levels.
- Logistics disruptions and elevated freight and insurance premiums tightened import availability, amplifying regional supply constraints.
- Domestic demand firmed seasonally for feed and preservatives, prompting selective restocking amid restrained consumption overall.
Propionic Acid Prices in APAC
- In China, the Propionic Acid Price Index fell by 4.32% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting sustained oversupply and weak demand.
- The average Propionic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 694.33/MT, reflecting subdued procurement.
- Propionic Acid Spot Price turned volatile in March amid tightening availability and elevated ethylene-linked feedstock costs.
- Propionic Acid Price Forecast revised higher for late Q1 given geopolitical risk and rising bunker costs.
- Propionic Acid Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from ethylene increases and higher freight insurance premiums.
- Propionic Acid Demand Outlook remained muted seasonally, with feed additive and preservative buying cautious and restocking gradual.
- Propionic Acid Price Index recovered sharply in March as supply constraints and cost inflation encouraged expedited purchases.
- Inventory tightness at coastal terminals amplified spot premiums, while producers maintained firm offers amid limited FOB parcels.
Why did the price of Propionic Acid change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Geopolitical escalation raised crude oil and ethylene costs, transmitting immediate upstream production cost pressure regionally.
- Shipping disruptions and higher insurance premiums increased freight costs and reduced effective spot availability for exporters.
- Strong buying urgency amid tightening coastal inventories with steady downstream demand supported firming propionic prices.
Propionic Acid Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Propionic Acid Price Index declined quarter-over-quarter due to sufficient regional supply and subdued downstream demand.
- Propionic Acid prices remained under pressure during the quarter as cautious purchasing activity limited stronger market recovery.
- Propionic Acid Spot Price showed intermittent volatility amid shipping disruptions and fluctuating feedstock cost dynamics.
- Propionic Acid Production Cost Trend moved higher due to rising crude-linked ethylene costs and elevated transportation expenses.
- Propionic Acid Price Forecast indicates limited near-term downside as geopolitical risks and logistics uncertainty continue supporting production economics.
- Propionic Acid Demand Outlook remained moderate, with steady consumption from feed preservatives and food applications but cautious industrial buying.
- The Propionic Acid Price Index reflected balanced supply conditions, while higher freight and insurance costs supported supplier pricing sentiment.
- Inventories remained adequate across Europe, though logistical delays and weak export inquiries restricted broader market momentum.
Why did the price of Propionic Acid change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Higher crude oil and ethylene feedstock prices increased production costs and supported firmer supplier offers.
- Geopolitical tensions and shipping disruptions elevated freight and insurance premiums, tightening regional supply flexibility.
- Stable demand from feed preservatives and food sectors encouraged selective restocking despite cautious overall procurement activity.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Propionic Acid Prices in North America
- In USA, the Propionic Acid Price Index fell by 6.61% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample supply, weak demand.
- The average Propionic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 767.67/MT, reflecting Gulf Coast levels.
- Propionic Acid Spot Price weakness pressured regional Price Index amid abundant inventories and steady producer operations.
- Propionic Acid Price Forecast indicates monthly declines before oscillating stability, reflecting end-user destocking and seasonal procurement.
- Propionic Acid Production Cost Trend slipped with cheaper ethylene feedstock, reducing producer break-even and supporting operations.
- Propionic Acid Demand Outlook remains muted as herbicide restocking subsides, with food preservatives sustaining selective volumes.
- Propionic Acid Price Index pressured by inventories and weak exports, prompting sellers to increase commercial discounts.
- Gulf Coast producers kept operations steady, maintaining ample supply and supporting orderly declines in Price Index.
Why did the price of Propionic Acid change in December 2025 in North America?
- Oversupply from steady Gulf Coast production and smooth logistics raised inventories, eroding upward price momentum significantly.
- Lower ethylene feedstock costs reduced production expenses, but savings failed to translate into stronger spot pricing.
- Weak downstream procurement and muted export inquiries left distributors hesitant, sustaining bearish Price Index dynamics regionally.
Propionic Acid Prices in APAC
- In China, the Propionic Acid Price Index fell by 12.0% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and weak demand.
- The average Propionic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 725.67/MT.
- Propionic Acid Spot Price showed weak offers as sellers defended margins amid high inventories nationwide.
- Propionic Acid Production Cost Trend eased as feedstock ethylene softened, lowering marginal production expense further.
- Propionic Acid Demand Outlook remains weak near-term as food preservative and pharmaceutical buyers digest inventories.
- Propionic Acid Price Forecast expects modest volatility as seasonality and incremental exports may tighten supply.
- Propionic Acid Price Index fluctuations reflected steady plant runs, rising stocks, and overseas buying interest.
- Market participants cited logistical delays and defensive pricing, constraining spot activity while awaiting post-holiday clarity.
Why did the price of Propionic Acid change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Oversupply persisted as domestic plants ran steady, causing inventory accumulation and pressuring spot market liquidity.
- Lower feedstock ethylene and softer energy lowered production costs, encouraging higher output and bearish pressure.
- Muted downstream demand, year-end destocking, and limited export absorption curtailed buying, leaving sellers offering concessions.
Propionic Acid Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Propionic Acid Price Index softened during Q4 2025, reflecting ample supply and subdued downstream demand.
- The Propionic Acid Spot Price remained under pressure as persistent port congestion slowed exports and distributors managed high onshore inventories.
- The Propionic Acid Production Cost Trend eased due to weak ethylene feedstock costs, reducing break-even levels but limiting upward price support.
- The Propionic Acid Demand Outlook stayed muted with cautious procurement from herbicide, food preservative, and industrial buyers.
- The Propionic Acid Price Forecast indicates modest near-term stability with intermittent oscillations driven by seasonal restocking and selective export flows.
- Elevated domestic inventories and port bottlenecks weighed on the Price Index, restricting seller pricing flexibility.
- Producers maintained steady operating rates, sustaining supply despite weak end-user uptake, keeping spot offers competitive.
- Export delays and weak regional demand limited upward momentum for Propionic Acid Spot Price, reinforcing measured declines.
Why did the price of Propionic Acid change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Persistent port congestion and high onshore inventories slowed exports, pressuring the Price Index downward.
- Low ethylene feedstock costs eased production expenses, but savings did not translate into stronger spot prices.
- Weak downstream procurement and cautious end-user buying kept distributors hesitant, sustaining soft Price Index dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Propionic Acid Price Index rose by 3.05% quarter-over-quarter, driven by seasonal restocking.
- The average Propionic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 822.00/MT, reflecting balanced supply.
- Propionic Acid Spot Price remained range-bound as distributors held inventories, limiting fresh spot activity overall.
- Propionic Acid Production Cost Trend eased as ethylene softened, supporting producer margins and anchoring offers.
- Propionic Acid Demand Outlook shows food preservative resilience while agrochemical off-take moderates during summer periods.
- Propionic Acid Price Index movements reflected steady Gulf Coast operations, logistics and muted export inquiries.
- Inventory levels remained sufficient and major Gulf Coast producers operated continuously, constraining acute shortages severely.
Why did the price of Propionic Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
- Herbicide producers' post-summer restocking elevated spot demand ahead of fall application, tightening available domestic material.
- Eased ethylene feedstock pricing reduced production costs, supporting margins while limiting upward pressure on offers.
- Balanced inventories and muted export inquiries constrained incremental demand, tempering broader price increases despite localized upward pulls.
APAC
- In China, the Propionic Acid Price Index fell by 9.9% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting persistent oversupply conditions
- The average Propionic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 824.67/MT, FOB Shanghai assessment
- Propionic Acid Spot Price remained range-bound as inventories were ample and buyers deferred nonessential procurement
- Propionic Acid Price Forecast indicates oscillations as exporters face port delays and seasonal buying uncertainty
- Propionic Acid Production Cost Trend stayed muted with stable ethylene feedstock limiting meaningful upward pressure
- Propionic Acid Demand Outlook remains weak-to-stable as food preservative and agrochemical restocking stays subdued seasonally
- Propionic Acid Price Index volatility reflected port congestion, delayed exports and onshore inventory accumulation pressure
- High operating rates maintained supply, causing inventory buildup at producer tanks and suppressing price momentum
Why did the price of Propionic Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Oversupply persisted due to sustained plant operating rates and delayed exports from Shanghai-Ningbo port congestion.
- Downstream procurement remained muted as food preservative and agrochemical sectors limited purchases ahead of holidays.
- Stable ethylene feedstock reduced cost-push support while logistics delays persistently intensified domestic onshore inventory accumulation.
Europe
- In Germany, the Propionic Acid Price Index increased quarter-over-quarter, driven by seasonal restocking.
- Propionic Acid Spot Price stayed within a narrow range as distributors maintained inventories, curbing new spot transactions.
- Propionic Acid Production Cost Trend declined due to softer ethylene prices, bolstering producer margins and stabilizing offers.
- Propionic Acid Demand Outlook remained resilient in food preservatives, while agrochemical uptake slowed during summer.
- Propionic Acid Price Index shifts were influenced by consistent regional operations, logistics, and limited export interest.
- Inventory levels stayed adequate, with major producers running steadily, preventing significant shortages.
Why did the price of Propionic Acid change in September 2025 in Germany?
- Post-summer restocking by herbicide makers boosted spot demand before autumn applications, reducing available domestic supply.
- Lower ethylene feedstock costs decreased production expenses, supporting margins and capping upward price momentum.
- Sufficient inventories and subdued export demand limited additional buying, moderating overall price gains despite some regional upward trends.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- North American Propionic Acid Price declined during the Q2 2025 especially in US market where it fell by 4.6%, settling at USD 782/MT FOB Houston in June.
- The bearish trend was largely driven by persistently weak feedstock ethylene costs, influenced by declining upstream crude oil benchmarks due to rising OPEC+ output and elevated U.S. inventories.
- Supply remained ample across the quarter, supported by steady domestic production and lack of major logistical constraints. Inventory buildup during April and May led to oversupply, especially amid tepid export activity.
- Demand from key end-use segments like food preservation and agrochemicals was seasonally stable but insufficient to offset the broader supply overhang. Buyers adopted short-term procurement strategies amid market uncertainty.
- Prices fell sharply in May due to excess stock and slow overseas inquiries, reaching a low of USD 727/MT DEL Louisiana. June saw a rebound as high summer temperatures boosted preservative demand and restocking activity resumed.
- Despite stronger late-quarter consumption and improved spot transactions, price gains were capped by balanced availability and cautious market sentiment, keeping overall quarterly performance in negative territory.
Why did the price of Propionic Acid change in July 2025 in the North American region?
- In July 2025, the Propionic Acid Price Index showed mild upward movement as herbicide producers initiated pre-season raw material stocking ahead of Q3 agricultural activity.
- The Propionic Acid Demand Trend remained supported by steady offtake in food preservation applications, maintaining a consistent baseline for market consumption.
- The Propionic Acid Inventory Outlook indicated slight drawdowns, as buyers addressed peak summer operational needs, contributing to a modest shift in supply-demand balance.
APAC
- Propionic Acid Spot Price in the Asian market declined during the Q2 2025 especially in the Chinese market where it fell by 5.9%, settling at USD 871/MT FOB Shanghai in June.
- The bearish trend was driven by weak feedstock ethylene costs, stemming from sustained crude oil softness, including OPEC+ supply expansions and high U.S. inventories, which kept production economics under pressure.
- Supply remained ample throughout the quarter as domestic plants maintained steady operations and built-up inventories ahead of holidays, leading to oversupply and limited incentive for price hikes.
- Demand from food preservation and agrochemical sectors remained seasonally active but failed to offset the supply overhang. Buyers prioritized short-term procurement amid muted export inquiries and cautious sentiment.
- Price fluctuations through April and May reflected shifts in logistical conditions and procurement cycles—dipping as low as USD 871/MT in late May amid oversupply, despite temporary rebounds from spring agricultural demand.
- Logistics disruptions, including dense fog and port congestion at Shanghai and Ningbo, strained exports in June, but failed to materially support prices due to subdued downstream activity and sufficient buyer inventories.
Why did the price of Propionic Acid change in July 2025 in the APAC region?
- In July 2025, the Propionic Acid Price Index edged higher as herbicide producers began pre-season raw material stocking ahead of Q3 agricultural demand.
- The Propionic Acid Production Cost Trend was supported by elevated feedstock ethylene prices and selective production run-rate adjustments.
- The Propionic Acid Price Forecast suggests potential firmness in offers, underpinned by tightening inventories and upstream cost pressure.
Europe:
- European Propionic Acid prices exhibited a softening trend throughout Q2 2025, reflecting broader bearish market fundamentals across the region.
- The downtrend was primarily influenced by sustained weakness in upstream feedstock values, with soft crude oil benchmarks continuing to suppress production cost support across the European supply chain.
- Domestic production remained steady, and supply conditions were largely uninterrupted. Adequate inventory accumulation during the early part of the quarter, combined with limited export activity, created a well-supplied market environment.
- Demand from downstream sectors such as food preservation and herbicides remained seasonally stable; however, overall consumption lacked the strength to counterbalance the persistent oversupply.
- Mid-quarter, sellers faced mounting stock levels and reduced international inquiries, pressuring prices downward. A moderate improvement in offtake was observed toward the quarter’s end, supported by seasonal restocking and increased temperature-driven preservative use.
- Despite late-quarter demand recovery, price stabilization remained constrained by cautious buying behavior and balanced supply-demand fundamentals, resulting in an overall weak market trajectory for the quarter.
Why did the price of Propionic Acid change in July 2025 in the European region?
- In July 2025, the Propionic Acid Price Index registered a moderate increase, supported by early stocking activity from agricultural chemical manufacturers preparing for Q3 production cycles.
- The Propionic Acid Demand Trend remained stable, driven by consistent consumption in food preservation and feed additive sectors across key European markets.
