For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Salicylic Acid Price Index fell by 1.15% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting muted import activity
• The average Salicylic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2998.33/MT. reported by sources
• Salicylic Acid Spot Price firmed modestly as frontloading and port delays tightened availability, supporting premiums
• Salicylic Acid Price Forecast expects gains in Q4 as procurement ahead of holidays offsets demand
• Salicylic Acid Production Cost Trend shows pressure from higher feedstock and freight, supporting pricing discipline
• Salicylic Acid Demand Outlook mixed; seasonal skincare demand supports volumes while procurement caution limits restocking
• Salicylic Acid Price Index volatility somewhat subdued as frontloading offset shipment delays and oversupply pressures
• Inventory levels at distributors remained elevated from frontloading, moderating spot tightness and limiting upward momentum
Why did the price of Salicylic Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
• Frontloading and increased early imports tightened short-term flows while later oversupply somewhat eased market pressure
• Port congestion and higher freight costs increased landed costs, contributing to price support in September
• Buyer caution over tariff uncertainty reduced aggressive procurement, limiting sustained upward movement despite seasonal demand
APAC
• In China, the Salicylic Acid Price Index fell by 0.81% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak export demand.
• The average Salicylic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2853.33/MT FOB Shanghai level.
• Salicylic Acid Spot Price softened as exporters increased offers to clear excess inventories across hubs.
• Salicylic Acid Price Forecast points to gradual recovery as restocking and seasonal factors support demand.
• Salicylic Acid Production Cost Trend eased with lower phenol feedstock and reduced container freight rates.
• Salicylic Acid Demand Outlook remains cautious as international buyers consume inventories and delay procurement decisions.
• Price Index weakness mirrored steady manufacturing, declining shipping costs, and intensified export competition compressing margins.
• Rising inventories and fewer transpacific sailings reduced export demand, influencing Salicylic Acid spot pricing dynamics.
Why did the price of Salicylic Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Oversupply from steady domestic production and accumulated stocks pressured selling prices during September's end quarter.
• Reduced international procurement and cautious buyers consuming inventories decreased near-term demand, intensifying downward price pressure.
• Lower freight rates and easing feedstock costs provided buyers leverage, contributing to softer FOB pricing.
Europe
• In Germany, the Salicylic Acid Price Index fell by 0.45% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting elevated inventories, temporarily.
• The average Salicylic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2960/MT CFR Hamburg reported.
• Salicylic Acid Spot Price showed limited movement, constrained by imports and export offers from Asia.
• Salicylic Acid Price Forecast anticipates recovery as postponed PSS activates and downstream restocking supports demand.
• Salicylic Acid Production Cost Trend remains stable, freight and feedstock impacts modestly lift landed costs.
• Salicylic Acid Demand Outlook shows cautious replenishment by healthcare buyers, paced by inventory management needs.
• The Salicylic Acid Price Index remained flat this quarter amid balanced supply and muted buying.
• Inventory overhang and selective distributor discounts pressured spot liquidity, while export windows offered purchasing opportunities.
Why did the price of Salicylic Acid change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Elevated domestic inventories reduced buying urgency, lowering short-term demand despite stable global availability and offers.
• Deferred Peak Season Surcharges and port congestion influenced landed cost expectations, creating cautious procurement timing.
• Competitive export offers amid Chinese maintenance and geopolitical shipping risks pressured domestic prices during quarter end.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Salicylic Acid Price Index in the USA declined by 1.63% in April 2025, followed by mild increases of 0.33% in May and 0.66% in June, with spot prices rising from USD 3020/MT to USD 3050/MT by quarter-end.
• In April, high inventory levels among U.S. importers—driven by frontloaded shipments ahead of a 145% tariff imposition—suppressed demand and pulled down the product spot price, despite steep import duties.
• April’s product demand outlook was weak, as downstream buyers reduced procurement due to overstocking and uncertainty around trade policy, prompting suppliers to cut prices to clear excess inventories.
• The product production cost trend in April remained partially mitigated as supply chain players absorbed part of the cost burden, avoiding full tariff pass-through to end users.
• May saw a slight uptick in the Salicylic Acid Price Index, driven by a 90-day suspension of Chinese pharma tariffs. This led to intensified frontloading and logistical disruptions, especially at the Los Angeles and New York ports.
• A 300% surge in booking volumes from China, coupled with container shortages and new Peak Season Surcharges, significantly elevated the landed cost of Salicylic acid in May.
• Product demand outlook improved in May, as buyers rushed to secure inventory before the tariff suspension expired. The U.S. inflation rate of just 0.1% supported procurement confidence and restocking.
• In June, product spot prices edged up slightly due to extended tariff reprieve and early stockpiling by importers, especially for seasonal skincare applications.
• June’s product demand outlook remained robust as summer demand from the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors boosted forward buying, aided by inflation concerns and steady economic sentiment.
• Salicylic Acid prices are likely to increase in July 2025, driven by continued frontloading behavior, tariff-related uncertainties, and moderate port congestion due to early movement of holiday-season goods.
APAC
• The Salicylic Acid Price Index in China rose from USD 2880/MT in April to USD 2900/MT in May before falling in June, marking a Q2 fluctuation of +0.70% in April, +0.69% in May, and a notable -1.72% in June.
• In April, the salicylic acid spot price surged due to active stockpiling by pharmaceutical players, tight domestic supply, and accelerated foreign procurement ahead of the U.S. 145% tariff deadline on April 10, supporting a firm product demand outlook.
• Domestic demand in April was boosted by seasonal restocking and inventory planning, while product spot price gains were also driven by U.S. buyers front-loading shipments ahead of summer maintenance shutdowns in China.
• Despite China's manufacturing PMI dropping to 49.0 in April, logistics congestion and tariff-induced outbound order surges led to inventory strain and high product production cost trend pressures.
• In May, the Salicylic Acid Price Index declined as external demand weakened amid U.S. tariffs, and Chinese exporters faced rising unsold inventories due to reduced foreign offtake and slower domestic sales.
• Lower phenol feedstock prices and a weak export environment pushed manufacturers to cut prices to clear backlogs, indicating a deflationary product production cost trend in May.
• The product demand outlook worsened in May due to tariff barriers, buyer hesitation, and the extended Labor Day holiday (May 1–5), which dampened trade activity and slowed international orders.
• By June, the Salicylic Acid Price Index dipped again, impacted by continued sluggish demand and heightened supply-side competition, with overseas customers holding back from new purchases due to sufficient stocks and falling freight rates.
• Declining logistics costs and a 3.6% YoY fall in China’s PPI reduced the pricing leverage of Chinese exporters, weakening the product spot price further in global markets.
• Price forecast for July 2025: A short-term rise in salicylic acid spot price is likely, driven by replenishment buying from international markets post-June dip. However, persistent inventory pressure and steady production may limit the upside.
Europe
• The Salicylic Acid Price Index in Germany edged up in April and May—rising from USD 2970/MT in April to USD 2990/MT in May—before retreating slightly in June, indicating a quarterly shift of +0.34% in April, +0.67% in May, and -1.00% in June.
• In April 2025, the salicylic acid spot price increased moderately due to seasonal logistics disruptions such as Easter holiday delays, port congestion at Hamburg and Antwerp, and rerouted global shipments, which squeezed local availability.
• The product demand outlook was supported by improved consumer sentiment amid easing inflation (CPI at 2.1%), leading to preemptive restocking across the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, reinforcing firm pricing.
• May 2025 witnessed another marginal rise in the Price Index, supported by severe congestion at North European ports and a pre-GRI (General Rate Increase) rush in bookings, tightening the supply chain and limiting import volumes.
• Shipping space constraints and high yard utilization encouraged sellers to revise offers upward, while forward-booking behavior by wholesalers intensified spot market demand in May.
• By June 2025, the salicylic acid price index declined slightly, as inventory liquidation ahead of H2, and cautious procurement patterns amid PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) deferral softened market momentum.
• Despite persistent port congestion in June, the delay in freight surcharges meant product production cost trend remained steady, allowing buyers to hold off on forward orders, creating mild downward pressure on prices.
• Demand slowed in June as downstream sectors paused procurement, relying on earlier stockpiles, reflecting a conservative approach before potential freight hikes in July.
• Looking ahead to July 2025, prices are likely to increase, driven by a moderate revival in restocking activities following Q2 inventory drawdowns and implementation of postponed PSS, which will raise landed costs of imports.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In first quarter of 2025, Salicylic Acid prices in the U.S. exhibited a volatile trend, shaped by shifting trade policies, inventory strategies, and economic sentiment. January saw a sharp price surge as buyers accelerated imports to avoid a proposed 10% tariff on Chinese goods effective February 1. Fears of a port strike and pre-Lunar New Year stocking further strained supply chains and drove prices higher.
However, in February, prices dropped significantly due to increased Chinese production post-holiday, lower transpacific shipping rates, and subdued demand amid inflation concerns and cautious buyer sentiment. The market was also weighed down by prior overstocking and uncertainty surrounding potential new tariffs, including those on Indian pharmaceuticals.
In March, prices rebounded moderately, rising 1.99% as depleted inventories and heightened trade tensions—marked by tariff implementation on March 4—spurred precautionary buying. Easing inflation also improved buyer confidence. Overall, the quarter reflected a cycle of front-loaded demand, mid-quarter oversupply, and late-quarter recovery driven by trade volatility and improving sentiment.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2025, Salicylic acid prices in China displayed a fluctuating trend shaped by evolving supply-demand dynamics and trade concerns. January witnessed a sharp price increase driven by strong demand from pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, reduced production ahead of the Lunar New Year, and a surge in export activity as suppliers rushed to ship goods before a new round of U.S. tariffs. Anticipatory buying and tight supply supported bullish pricing. However, prices declined significantly in February as manufacturing resumed post-holiday, boosting supply and inventories. Weak domestic consumption, sluggish activity in cosmetics and healthcare sectors, and diminished export competitiveness due to tariffs led to softer demand. The market responded with downward price adjustments to stimulate sales. In March, prices rose modestly as demand improved while supply lagged behind. Earlier price drops had discouraged stockpiling, resulting in low inventories. Restocking by domestic buyers, steady pharmaceutical demand, and increased foreign procurement ahead of possible trade restrictions strained supply. Additionally, higher phenol costs supported the upward movement. Overall, Q1 was marked by a sharp January rise, a February correction, and a March recovery amid seasonal, economic, and geopolitical influences.
Europe
In Q1 2025, Salicylic acid prices in Germany displayed a fluctuating trend, influenced by changing economic sentiment, logistical dynamics, and downstream demand. January saw a significant price increase, supported by improved business morale, restocking by the cosmetics, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sectors, and early Lunar New Year stockpiling amid Red Sea shipping disruptions. However, this bullish trend reversed in February, as prices declined due to ample inventories, weakened consumer sentiment, and cost-effective imports enabled by a stronger Euro and sharply lower freight rates. Demand softened further with political uncertainties dampening market confidence, prompting suppliers to lower prices. In March, prices rebounded on tightening supply conditions triggered by port congestion and labor unrest across Europe. This, coupled with resumed restocking and a marginal decline in Eurozone inflation, reignited demand, especially from the pharmaceutical sector. Suppliers raised offers to reflect limited availability and revived market interest. Overall, the quarter was marked by volatility—initial bullishness, mid-quarter softness, and a recovery by March, driven by the interplay of supply disruptions, shifting economic sentiment, and sector-specific demand recovery.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Salicylic acid prices in the USA experienced a steady decline, driven by a combination of economic factors and market dynamics. The October drop was influenced by ongoing inflationary pressures, weakening consumer sentiment, and caution surrounding the U.S. presidential election. Reduced consumer spending and slower corporate investments led to weaker demand, prompting businesses to lower prices, including for Salicylic acid.
In November, softening demand from the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, the appreciation of the U.S. dollar, and eased logistical constraints due to the resolution of strikes contributed to a slight price decrease. In December, further price declines were observed due to dampened consumer confidence, a seasonal slowdown in demand, and concerns over rising inflation. Proactive inventory buildup, uncertainty about proposed tariffs, and preparations for the Chinese Lunar New Year further increased supply, putting downward pressure on prices.
Overall, Q4 saw a combination of weaker demand, external disruptions, and an abundance of supply that kept Salicylic acid prices in a downward trend throughout the quarter.
Asia Pacific
In Q4 2024, Salicylic acid prices in China experienced a consistent decline, influenced by a mix of domestic and international factors. The drop in October was mainly attributed to weak domestic consumer demand and a surplus of supply, which intensified competition among suppliers, leading to price reductions. External factors, including global geopolitical uncertainties, particularly concerns over the upcoming U.S. elections and rising protectionist policies, weakened international demand and added downward pressure on prices.
In November, the decline continued due to slower domestic demand from the pharmaceutical sector and high inventory levels held by distributors, creating an oversupply situation. This was further exacerbated by global economic uncertainty, which dampened buying activity. Weak international demand, especially from the U.S. and Europe, coupled with concerns over potential tariffs, made buyers hesitant to commit to large purchases. Additionally, falling raw material costs, including phenol and crude oil, enabled manufacturers to offer more competitive prices.
By December, the decline was reinforced by China's disinflation and reduced demand from key sectors like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The softer foreign orders from the U.S. and Europe during the holiday season further curbed consumption. To clear excess stock, suppliers adjusted pricing strategies, driving the overall price reduction. The quarter ended with a competitive and challenging market environment, characterized by weak demand and oversupply.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Salicylic acid prices in Germany saw a consistent decline due to weak demand, reduced shipping costs, and lower raw material prices. In October, inflation concerns led to cautious consumer spending, reducing demand for Salicylic acid. Shipping costs along Asia-Europe routes dropped significantly, easing supply constraints and prompting price reductions. November saw continued price pressure with weak demand from key sectors and a 1.9% decrease in energy costs, which helped reduce operational expenses. The well-maintained inventories of suppliers allowed for more competitive pricing. In December, weak demand from sectors like healthcare and cosmetics, coupled with the depreciating euro, discouraged purchases. Ample inventory levels and the focus on clearing stock before the year-end further drove prices down. Additionally, winter weather led to logistical delays, slowing consumer spending and pushing end-users to defer buying decisions. Overall, Q4 witnessed a steady downward trend in Salicylic acid prices in Germany, driven by soften demand from end-users and favorable supply conditions.
