For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index fell by 1.48% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample supply.
• The average Sodium Tetraborate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1175.67/MT, based on reported terminal and landed offers.
• Lower China-US freight reduced landed costs, pushing the Sodium Tetraborate Spot Price lower against the Price Index.
• Stable Soda Ash benchmarks kept the Sodium Tetraborate Production Cost Trend flat, limiting upward pressure on offers.
• Weak glass, detergent, insulation demand guided the Sodium Tetraborate Demand Outlook toward muted procurement and subdued spot enquiries.
• Near-term Sodium Tetraborate Price Forecast anticipates modest fluctuation driven by seasonal maintenance and export inquiry variability.
• Rising terminal stocks and improved logistics increased seller willingness to discount, weighing on the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index.
• High mine utilization sustained production, keeping supply ample and tempering the Sodium Tetraborate Spot Price recovery potential.
Why did the price of Sodium Tetraborate change in December 2025 in North America?
• Cheaper China-US freight significantly lowered landed import costs, enabling exporters to offer competitive discounts.
• Seasonal downstream maintenance and weaker industrial activity reduced domestic procurement, softening spot demand across sectors.
• Steady feedstock costs and robust domestic mine output maintained supply, while logistics improvements eased regional tightness.
APAC
• In China, the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index rose by 1.08% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter supply.
• The average Sodium Tetraborate price for the quarter was approximately USD 625.67/MT including export premiums.
• Sodium Tetraborate Spot Price remained range-bound as coastal output steadied and inland cuts tightened availability.
• Sodium Tetraborate Price Forecast points to range-bound movement barring feedstock spikes or stronger export demand.
• Sodium Tetraborate Production Cost Trend shows stable soda ash but higher coal costs pressuring margins.
• Sodium Tetraborate Demand Outlook supported by winter glass and detergent seasonality and photovoltaic glass additions.
• Sodium Tetraborate Price Index reflected balance, port inventories near seasonal norms and steady export inquiries.
• Major producer operations remained steady with some inland emission-related run cuts limiting incremental export availability.
Why did the price of Sodium Tetraborate change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Reduced runs at Qinghai and Inner Mongolia refineries tightened export availability, underpinning monthly price increase.
• Higher coal and transportation costs raised upstream expenses, prompting suppliers to firm offers, preserving margins.
• Steady domestic demand and routine export inquiries balanced supply, maintaining equilibrium and limiting price movement.
Europe
• In Germany, the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index fell by 1.05% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced imports and modest cost easing.
• The average Sodium Tetraborate price for the quarter was approximately USD 723.00/MT, reflecting mixed monthly movements and logistic influences.
• Sodium Tetraborate Spot Price firmed late quarter as port inventories remained below typical buffers, supporting seller pricing discipline.
• Sodium Tetraborate Price Forecast anticipates limited upside near term given balanced supply and moderated downstream purchasing.
• Sodium Tetraborate Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from firmer soda ash and elevated winter freight surcharges.
• Sodium Tetraborate Demand Outlook remains steady as glass, detergent and insulation sectors sustain baseline consumption through year-end.
• Export enquiries into Southeast Europe supported the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index despite neutral domestic December demand signals.
• Logistical constraints and berth congestion in Hamburg tightened short term availability, encouraging sellers to firm offers marginally.
Why did the price of Sodium Tetraborate change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Limited import inflows and below-buffer port inventories reduced buyer leverage, tightening available domestic volumes in December.
• Firmer soda ash feedstock and higher winter freight pushed conversion and delivered costs upward across import cargoes.
• Extended berth times and seasonal procurement accelerated end-of-quarter ordering, amplifying short-term price resilience in Germany.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index fell by 2.37% quarter-over-quarter, driven by ample supply.
• The average Sodium Tetraborate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1193.33/MT, industry observed levels.
• Sodium Tetraborate Spot Price remained pressured by competitive Asian offers, keeping the Price Index subdued.
• Sodium Tetraborate Price Forecast signals recovery into autumn as seasonal demand and inventory draws align.
• Sodium Tetraborate Production Cost Trend remained benign due to stable soda ash and energy costs.
• Sodium Tetraborate Demand Outlook stays cautious with glass and detergent sectors maintaining moderate seasonal procurement.
• Elevated inventories and steady operations continued to mute the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index this quarter.
• Major producers operated consistently, enabling stable shipments while drayage and port risks influenced export competitiveness.
Why did the price of Sodium Tetraborate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Steady domestic production and ample inventories reduced seller leverage, pressuring prices in September 2025 quarter.
• Stable soda ash and energy costs limited cost-push, while drayage and port congestion pressured logistics.
• Cautious restocking and competitive Asian offers softened export premiums, constraining upward momentum for US sellers.
APAC
• In China, the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index fell by 0.9% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and demand.
• The average Sodium Tetraborate price for the quarter was USD 619.00/MT, per FOB Dalian data.
• Sodium Tetraborate Spot Price remained soft despite brief feedstock-driven upticks and cautious converter buying patterns.
• Sodium Tetraborate Price Forecast projects modest recovery if soda ash tightens and exports improve regionally.
• Sodium Tetraborate Production Cost Trend shifted lower then rose mid-quarter as soda ash prices increased.
• Sodium Tetraborate Demand Outlook remains muted with glass and ceramics procurement limited to short-term needs.
• Sodium Tetraborate Price Index movements driven by elevated inventories, container logistics stabilization, and Turkish competition.
• Sodium Tetraborate Spot Price volatility tied to feedstock shifts, inventory draws, and prioritized domestic shipments.
Why did the price of Sodium Tetraborate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Oversupply from sustained Chinese output and competitive exports pressured FOB quotations and reduced negotiation leverage.
• Rising soda ash costs in August increased production expenses, prompting some upward offers and forward buying.
• Weak overseas demand, cautious restocking by downstream users, and stable freight limited price recovery in September.
Europe
• In Germany, the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index rose by 3.06% quarter-over-quarter, supply disruptions tightened availability.
• The average Sodium Tetraborate price for the quarter was approximately USD 730.67/MT, reported by importers.
• Tight global availability elevated the Sodium Tetraborate Spot Price as exporters reduced spot allocations and shipments.
• Soda ash increases drove the Sodium Tetraborate Production Cost Trend, pressuring manufacturers' margins and pricing decisions.
• Logistics bottlenecks and terminal delays supported the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index despite moderating energy prices.
• Steady procurement reinforced the Sodium Tetraborate Demand Outlook with strong offtake from glass, ceramics, and packaging sectors.
• The consensus Sodium Tetraborate Price Forecast expects modest volatility as inventories normalize and seasonal demand shifts.
• Export demand and selective allocations amplified domestic tightness, maintaining upward pressure on the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index.
Why did the price of Sodium Tetraborate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• South American outages and a brief force majeure reduced export volumes, tightening effective supply into German markets.
• Port congestion and inland transport disruptions increased landed costs and delayed deliveries, constraining available volumes for buyers.
• Higher soda ash feedstock costs combined with sustained glass sector demand to elevate procurement and pressure prices.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Sodium Tetraborate Price Index in North America witnessed minor variations throughout Q2 2025 amid balanced supply-demand fundamentals.
• In April 2025, the Sodium Tetraborate Spot Price remained stable as production levels at major facilities, including those in California, were consistent.
• The Sodium Tetraborate Production Cost Trend was largely flat due to stable input costs, including soda ash, energy, and labor.
• The Sodium Tetraborate Demand Outlook in April reflected moderate offtake from fiberglass, detergent, and ceramics sectors, showing no exceptional growth.
• May 2025 recorded a slight upward shift in Spot Prices, supported by improving demand from Latin America and restocking activities in the agricultural micronutrient sector.
• Higher transportation costs and steady glass sector demand contributed to a marginal uptick in Price Index.
Why did the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index change in July 2025 in North America?
• The Price Index in North America decreased slightly in July 2025 due to weaker restocking momentum and higher inventory levels, despite stable underlying demand.
• The Sodium Tetraborate Demand Outlook remained cautiously optimistic, aided by stable construction activity in the U.S.
• The Soda Ash Price Forecast indicated flat pricing, allowing downstream buyers to maintain short-term contract volumes.
Asia
• The Sodium Tetraborate Price Index in Asia remained under downward pressure across Q2 2025 amid intensified Turkish exports and high inventories.
• April 2025 saw a decline in Sodium Tetraborate Spot Price due to an influx of competitively priced Turkish-origin cargoes into India and Southeast Asia.
• Elevated energy costs and regulatory challenges in China led to a relatively high Sodium Tetraborate Production Cost Trend in April.
• The Sodium Tetraborate Demand Outlook was weak, as downstream sectors like glass and ceramics remained cautious in procurement.
• In May 2025, Spot Prices continued to dip amid limited activity and increased regional stockpiles, especially in Vietnam and Thailand.
• While battery-grade boron demand was steady, overall industrial usage stagnated, curbing gains in the Price Index.
Why did the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index change in July 2025?
• In July 2025, the Price Index in Asia declined further due to persistent oversupply, aggressive Turkish exports, and subdued demand from detergent and glass producers.
• The Soda Ash Price Forecast showed stability, yet this did not support the tetraborate market due to lower-than-expected demand.
• The Sodium Tetraborate Production Cost Trend eased slightly in June as soda ash and freight rates moderated.
Europe
• The Sodium Tetraborate Price Index in Europe showed a flat-to-soft trajectory throughout Q2 2025 due to weak industrial activity and steady supply.
• In April 2025, Spot Prices remained largely unchanged due to ongoing softness in demand from the construction, insulation, and ceramic sectors.
• The Sodium Tetraborate Production Cost Trend was neutral, supported by steady labor and energy prices across Germany, Spain, and France.
• The Sodium Tetraborate Demand Outlook remained flat amid economic uncertainty and delayed infrastructure projects.
• May 2025 witnessed a slight increase in Spot Prices in Western Europe, driven by freight disruptions at North Sea ports and slight revival in pharma-grade borates.
• The Soda Ash Price Forecast pointed to a stable pricing environment, which indirectly limited any significant cost-side price hikes.
Why did the Sodium Tetraborate Price Index change in July 2025?
• The Price Index in Europe fell slightly in July 2025 due to continued weak seasonal demand, buyer hesitancy, and smoother supply chains.
• The Sodium Tetraborate Production Cost Trend showed no major deviation, with raw material availability and logistics operating smoothly.
• Industrial demand in Eastern Europe remained lackluster, keeping the Sodium Tetraborate Demand Outlook stagnant.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) prices in North America experienced a consistent downward trend throughout Q1 2025. The bearish trajectory was driven by a combination of stable yet high inventory levels, softening production costs, and subdued demand across key end-use sectors. In January, prices dipped by 1% due to oversupply pressures and modest demand from the glass, construction, and automotive sectors. Temporary supply disruptions had limited impact, while robust Chinese exports maintained the global supply balance, reducing U.S. export competitiveness. The steady output and stable downstream consumption from the glass sector cushioned sharper declines. However, trade uncertainties and logistical hurdles contributed to a cautious procurement environment.
By March, prices declined an additional 2.1%, with ample supply and sluggish overseas demand fueling the downturn. Weak construction activity and restrained restocking efforts by agricultural and industrial buyers kept domestic offtake moderate.
Overall, the first quarter of 2025 reflected a soft market outlook for Borax in North America, with suppliers adjusting pricing strategies to manage elevated inventories amid stable but uninspiring demand.
Asia
Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) prices across the Asian market experienced a gradual but consistent decline during Q1 2025, driven by oversupply conditions and restrained demand. After a marginal 0.8% price increase in January due to tight supply and high production utilization post-Lunar New Year, the market quickly shifted into a bearish trajectory. In February, prices dropped by 1.1% across key Asian markets, including India and China, as production remained stable but demand from major end-users, particularly in the glass and ceramics sectors, remained muted. Rising inventories, especially in the glass sector, led to cautious procurement behavior and further weighed on market sentiment. The downtrend intensified in March, with Borax prices in China falling by 2.7%. Improved domestic output and steady imports from Turkey and Chile resulted in elevated stock levels. Meanwhile, subdued demand from the ceramics, metallurgy, and detergent sectors, compounded by macroeconomic uncertainties, left suppliers with little choice but to lower offers. Overall, Q1 2025 marked a clear bearish quarter for Borax in Asia, with cumulative price declines exceeding 3%. The combination of abundant supply, weak end-user activity, and cautious restocking patterns set a soft tone for the regional market.
Europe
Sodium Tetraborate prices in Europe registered a downward trend in Q1 2025. The quarter began with a modest 1.9% price increase in January, driven by tight supply conditions stemming from import disruptions and steady demand from the container glass sector. However, the momentum quickly reversed in February as oversupply, logistical bottlenecks, and sluggish industrial activity led to a 2.1% price decline. The bearish trend intensified sharply in March when prices plunged by 9.3%. While soda ash feedstock costs remained stable, uninterrupted boron mineral imports and consistent domestic output amid weakening demand triggered a supply glut. End-use sectors like ceramics, metallurgy, and flat glass curbed procurement, rely on existing inventories amid macroeconomic headwinds and an uncertain financial outlook. Limited restocking, surplus inventories, and fierce price competition among suppliers pressured prices further. Despite hopes for recovery spurred by a European Central Bank rate cut, geopolitical tensions and weak manufacturing performance continued to undermine demand.
