For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Stearic Acid Price in the U.S. decreased by approximately 9% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, resulting in a continued decline in the Price Index amid ample supply and subdued downstream demand.
• The Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend remained most favorable to buyers as palm oil prices in Southeast Asia fell due to strong output, inventory buildup, and softer feedstock markets; however, rising freight charges in June added minor pressure to landed costs.
• The Stearic Acid Demand Outlook stayed weak throughout the quarter, especially from key downstream sectors like tire manufacturing and automotive production, which faced tariff impacts, plant closures, and a sharp contraction in U.S. vehicle sales.
• Despite moderate logistical delays and freight fluctuations, overall domestic supply remained abundant. Suppliers prioritized inventory liquidation, contributing further to bearish pricing momentum.
Why did the price of Stearic Acid change in July 2025 in North America?
• The Stearic Acid Price in the U.S. stabilized in July 2025 after a prolonged decline, as suppliers rolled over offers and Southeast Asian exporters maintained consistent pricing.
• The Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend was steady, with lower freight charges from Asia balancing out previous cost-side pressures from palm oil.
• The Stearic Acid Demand Outlook remained lackluster, with continued weak performance in automotive and rubber sectors limiting procurement activity.
• The Stearic Acid Price Forecast suggests prices will remain stable-to-soft in the near term unless downstream consumption improves, or supply tightens due to seasonal disruptions.
APAC
• The Stearic Acid Price in South Korea declined by 9% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, leading to a continued drop in the Price Index.
• The Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend remained weak, as palm oil prices in Malaysia declined due to inventory build-up, improved harvests, and falling crude and soyoil prices. This significantly reduced upstream costs and supported broader bearish sentiment in oleochemicals.
• Despite a slight rebound in rubber production and automotive output in April, the Stearic Acid Demand Outlook remained cautious throughout Q2 2025. A fire at a major tire manufacturing plant and sluggish vehicle sales weakened downstream offtake.
• Ample inventories and steady import flows from Southeast Asia, supported by currency gains and normalized port operations, ensured smooth circulation. However, freight costs rose sharply late in the quarter, further complicating landed cost dynamics.
Why did the price of Stearic Acid change in July 2025 in South Korea?
• In July 2025, the Stearic Acid Price in South Korea showed signs of stabilization following months of decline, as the Price Index remained relatively flat week-over-week.
• The Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend moved slightly upward due to a modest rise in palm oil prices across Southeast Asia and increased intra-Asia freight charges.
• The Stearic Acid Demand Outlook remained subdued, with downstream sectors such as rubber and automotive still facing weak consumption. Procurement activity continued to follow a just-in-time approach.
• The Stearic Acid Price Forecast anticipates minimal upward movement unless demand fundamentals strengthen, or supply-side tightening occurs in exporting regions.
Europe
• The Stearic Acid Price in the Netherlands declined by 13% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, pushing the Price Index lower as the market remained weighed down by a sustained influx of lower-priced imports from Southeast Asia and stagnant downstream demand.
• The Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend remained soft, supported by falling feedstock palm oil prices across Malaysian and Indonesian markets, which outweighed the impact of rising freight rates and logistical congestion at Northwest European ports.
• The Stearic Acid Demand Outlook in the Netherlands was muted, particularly from the automotive and rubber processing sectors, as converters relied on pre-existing inventories and adopted just-in-time procurement to manage costs amidst weak end-market conditions.
• Despite logistical inefficiencies at key ports such as Rotterdam, domestic supply remained ample due to consistent import inflows and limited spot demand, further reinforcing bearish sentiment across the European market.
Why did the price of Stearic Acid change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July 2025, the Stearic Acid Price in Europe continued to face downward pressure as inventory levels remained high and downstream demand was weak.
• The Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend stayed soft amid easing palm oil prices in key export regions, while marginally higher freight rates and port delays had limited pricing impact.
• The Stearic Acid Demand Outlook remained fragile due to subdued activity in rubber and automotive sectors, and downstream buyers continued to avoid large-volume purchases.
• The Stearic Acid Price Forecast points to a persistently soft market tone in the near term, driven by weak macroeconomic sentiment, ongoing oversupply, and limited procurement urgency across core end-use sectors.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During Q1 2025, Stearic Acid prices in North America declined approximately 9%, driven by ample inventories, weak demand, and lower production costs due to falling feedstock prices and freight rates.
In January, declining palm oil production in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia, along with falling exports and weaker futures, led to reduced global Stearic Acid production costs. The uncertainty around Indonesia’s B40 biodiesel policy and competition from soybean oil further pressured palm oil prices. U.S. supplies remained sufficient, bolstered by imports ahead of a potential dockworker strike. Meanwhile, demand stayed healthy from the rubber and automotive sectors, with U.S. auto sales supported by hybrid vehicle interest.
In February, flood-related disruptions led to a steep drop in Malaysia’s palm oil output, restricting Stearic Acid supply. Yet, U.S. demand weakened as Bridgestone closed a key tire plant and auto sales dropped due to post-holiday sluggishness and weather disruptions. Inventories remained high, and sellers limited fresh imports.
By March, despite further supply constraints from Southeast Asia, improving logistics, falling freight rates (down 30%), and reduced spring demand led to continued price softness. Buyers largely operated on a need-only basis, keeping procurement minimal.
APAC
In Q1 2025, APAC stearic acid prices declined by approximately 5%, driven by ample inventories, muted demand, and lower production and freight costs. In January, Indonesian stearic acid production fell due to anticipated declines in palm oil output, influenced by La Niña and a delayed increase in Indonesia's B40 biodiesel blend. Palm oil prices dropped by 3%, easing production costs for stearic acid, while export volumes also declined. However, palm oil stocks remained a concern for production. In February, slight increases in palm oil prices led to a marginal uptick in stearic acid production. Indonesian palm oil exports dropped significantly, and the B40 mandate further pressured the palm oil supply. Demand for stearic acid remained sluggish, especially in the rubber industry, due to adverse weather affecting natural rubber production. By March, Indonesian palm oil production continued to decline due to weather-related disruptions and slow replanting efforts. Despite this, lower palm oil prices eased production costs. However, demand from the rubber sector remained weak, with minimal procurement activity expected until April.
Europe
During Q1 2025, European Stearic Acid prices fell by around 22%, pressured by ample inventories, muted demand, and lower production and freight costs. In January, Southeast Asian palm oil prices dropped due to declining production and uncertainties around Indonesia’s biodiesel policy, reducing Stearic Acid production costs globally. Lower-priced imports reached European ports, although port congestion and yard overutilization (75–80% at Hamburg terminals) delayed circulation. Domestically, inventory levels remained high due to minimal offtakes amidst extended holidays and sluggish rubber sector demand. February saw rising palm oil costs due to weather-related supply issues, but Stearic Acid prices in Europe remained subdued. Freight rates fell ~5%, yet Red Sea shipping disruptions and persistent port congestion limited import flow. Suppliers continued to rely on January inventories, while demand stayed low amid a soft automotive sector. In March, palm oil output declined further, yet exports also fell sharply, limiting Stearic Acid arrivals in Europe. A 30% drop in freight costs eased some cost pressure, but Ramadan closures in Asia and cautious European procurement kept trade minimal. Buyers postponed activity amid abundant stocks, limiting price recovery despite tighter global supply.
South America
During Q1 2025, Stearic Acid prices in South America declined by approximately 9%, driven by ample inventories, weakened demand, and lower production and freight costs. In January, declining palm oil output in Southeast Asia reduced global Stearic Acid production costs. Amid festive season closures in Brazil, consumption dipped, resulting in inventory backlogs. Although demand from the rubber industry saw localized support through initiatives like Seringo’s forest-friendly rubber tapping, this was insufficient to buoy prices. In February, Malaysian palm oil production plummeted due to flooding, tightening Stearic Acid supply globally. Yet, falling freight rates (down ~3%) and low inquiries in Brazil kept prices under pressure. Suppliers leaned on existing stockpiles without securing new cargoes, reflecting cautious procurement trends in a sluggish automotive sector. By March, even as Southeast Asia’s palm oil supply remained tight, global Stearic Acid prices declined further due to subdued demand, ongoing inventory digestion, and a sharp 30% drop in freight rates. Brazilian buyers avoided restocking ahead of Ramadan-related closures, keeping trading activity limited. Overall, ample inventories, low procurement appetite, and better material availability amid improving logistics ensured continued price softness across the region.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American Stearic Acid market in Q4 2024 saw significant price increases, driven primarily by supply-side pressures coupled with steady demand. Prices surged by 8% compared to Q3. The rise in prices was primarily due to a 10% increase in palm oil prices in Southeast Asia, driven by limited production and higher biodiesel demand. Additionally, freight costs rose by 7%, further contributing to higher overall production costs.
The market was also impacted by logistical disruptions, particularly the ILA strike, which led to delays in cargo unloading across North American ports, including in Mexico. These disruptions affected the timely delivery of Stearic Acid, exacerbating supply-side challenges and contributing to longer lead times. Despite these supply constraints, demand remained strong, particularly from the Mexican automotive sector, where new car sales grew by 7.03% year-on-year in October 2024. This robust demand supported continued consumption of Stearic Acid throughout the quarter.
As the quarter progressed, the impact of global palm oil supply tightening intensified, further elevating production costs and exerting upward pressure on Stearic Acid prices. In December, Stearic Acid (Rubber Grade) CFR Veracruz prices increased by 2% compared to November, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the supply chain and the broader tightening of palm oil supplies.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Stearic Acid market in the APAC region experienced significant upward pressure, primarily due to a 10% rise in palm oil prices in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia, which increased production costs. This, along with ongoing supply constraints from reduced palm oil availability, resulted in limited Stearic Acid production across key markets like Japan. Freight costs surged as well, exacerbating supply chain challenges, and contributing to higher import costs. Demand conditions showed modest improvements, particularly from the automotive sector, but overall demand remained subdued, with limited impact on price dynamics. Production disruptions in Southeast Asia, driven by adverse weather and shifts in palm oil usage for biodiesel, compounded the supply shortage. As the quarter progressed, inventory levels remained tight, with suppliers reluctant to negotiate on prices, further contributing to the market's upward momentum. While demand from downstream industries like rubber was mixed, these challenges placed significant strain on market participants, who faced difficulties in managing costs, securing sufficient stocks, and navigating uncertain production and logistical conditions.
Europe
The European Stearic Acid market in Q4 2024 experienced a significant 6% price increase compared to Q3, driven by a rise in palm oil production costs in Southeast Asia. A surge in palm oil prices, combined with limited production in Malaysia and Indonesia, resulted in higher costs for Stearic Acid manufacturing. Although demand remained relatively muted, particularly from the automotive and rubber industries, price levels remained elevated due to tight supply. The automotive sector's underperformance, especially in electric vehicle markets, continued to affect demand for rubber, a major end-use for Stearic Acid. Freight costs also contributed to the increase in overall market prices, with logistical challenges at European ports further exacerbating supply chain disruptions. By the end of December, Stearic Acid prices in Rotterdam showed a slight decline of 1%, although the overall quarter saw a price rise. Despite improvements in downstream demand in early December, suppliers focused on moving cargoes due to financial year-end pressures. Overall, market participants are facing challenges from high production costs, tight supply, and subdued demand, particularly from the automotive and rubber sectors.
South America
The South American Stearic Acid market, particularly in Brazil, experienced a notable uptick in Q4 2024, driven by increased production levels from Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as rising palm oil prices. The Brazilian market saw a 7% increase in prices compared to Q3 2024, with Stearic Acid (Rubber Grade CFR Santos) reaching historically high levels in early December. However, imports faced delays due to strikes at Santos port, impacting supply timelines. The automotive sector saw growth, with vehicle sales in Brazil experiencing a significant surge in October 2024, boosting demand for Stearic Acid, particularly in rubber processing. In addition, the US market also contributed to higher price levels in Brazil due to similar upward trends. Palm oil production costs surged due to a combination of policy changes and weather disruptions in Southeast Asia, tightening global supply. Despite the challenges, Stearic Acid demand remained resilient, with ongoing support from industries such as automotive and rubber. By the end of December, however, Stearic Acid prices saw a slight decline of 0.3% compared to the beginning of the quarter, reflecting the volatile market conditions. These developments indicate the market’s fragility in adjusting to both supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American Stearic Acid market experienced a steady increase in prices, driven by several key factors. Rising production costs in Southeast Asia, particularly due to concerns over palm oil production in major exporting countries, contributed to higher import costs for Stearic Acid.
Additionally, elevated freight charges and port congestion further impacted North American market prices. In Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, supplies of Stearic Acid were constrained by a shortage of palm oil. In Malaysia, palm oil prices surged by approximately 11% in late September 2024, following a 3.8% decline in production to 1.82 million tonnes. Further seasonal declines were anticipated, leading to a domestic shortage of Stearic Acid and increasing prices. In Indonesia, palm oil production fell by 2% in August 2024, exacerbating the supply issues. The government's decision to raise the palm oil content in biodiesel from 35% to 40% increased demand, further pushing palm oil prices up globally. Exports of palm oil products also dropped significantly, from 3,385 thousand tonnes in July to 2,241 thousand tonnes in August 2024, fueling the rise in Stearic Acid prices across the global market. Mexico saw notable price changes, with a 10% increase compared to the same quarter last year and a 4% rise from the previous quarter in 2024. A 2% price difference between the first and second halves of the quarter indicated a steady upward trend.
The quarter ended with Stearic Acid Rubber Grade priced at USD 1,425/MT CFR Veracruz. Overall, the pricing environment for Stearic Acid in North America during Q3 2024 reflected a significant upward trajectory.
South America
Throughout Q3 2024, the Stearic Acid market in South America experienced a significant uptrend in pricing, driven by multiple factors influencing the market dynamics. The 11% increase in prices from the same quarter last year was primarily propelled by rising feedstock costs, particularly in Southeast Asia. Factors such as reduced palm oil exports, production constraints, and port congestions in exporting countries contributed to the heightened production costs of Stearic Acid in the region. In Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, supplies of Stearic Acid were constrained by a shortage of palm oil. In Malaysia, palm oil prices surged by approximately 11% in late September 2024, following a 3.8% decline in production to 1.82 million tonnes. Further seasonal declines were anticipated, leading to a domestic shortage of Stearic Acid and increasing prices. In Indonesia, palm oil production fell by 2% in August 2024, exacerbating the supply issues. The government's decision to raise the palm oil content in biodiesel from 35% to 40% increased demand, further pushing palm oil prices up globally. Exports of palm oil products also dropped significantly, from 3,385 thousand tonnes in July to 2,241 thousand tonnes in August 2024, fueling the rise in Stearic Acid prices across the global market. Brazil witnessed the most substantial price changes, with a 4% increase from the previous quarter and a 2% price difference between the first and second half of Q3 2024. This trend indicates a steady rise in prices throughout the quarter, showcasing a positive pricing environment. The quarter-ending price of USD 1445/MT of Stearic Acid Rubber Grade CFR Santos in Brazil reflects the overall bullish sentiment in the market, driven by sustained demand, supply challenges, and external market influences.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC region experienced a significant 16% increase in Stearic Acid prices compared to the same quarter last year, driven by multiple factors. Rising feedstock Palm Oil prices, up by 6% from the previous quarter, played a crucial role in influencing market prices. The region saw a 3% price increase from the first to the second half of the quarter, indicating a steady upward trend. In Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, supplies of Stearic Acid were constrained by a shortage of palm oil. In Malaysia, palm oil prices surged by approximately 11% in late September 2024, following a 3.8% decline in production to 1.82 million tonnes. Further seasonal declines were anticipated, leading to a domestic shortage of Stearic Acid and increasing prices. In Indonesia, palm oil production fell by 2% in August 2024, exacerbating the supply issues. The government's decision to raise the palm oil content in biodiesel from 35% to 40% increased demand, further pushing palm oil prices up globally. Exports of palm oil products also dropped significantly, from 3,385 thousand tonnes in July to 2,241 thousand tonnes in August 2024, fueling the rise in Stearic Acid prices across the global market. Japan, in particular, witnessed the highest price changes in the region. The market displayed notable seasonality trends, with prices reflecting a consistent increase. The correlation between rising Palm Oil costs and Stearic Acid pricing was evident, with a stable and positive pricing environment prevailing throughout the quarter. The quarter-ending price of Stearic Acid Rubber CFR Tokyo in Japan stood at USD 1170/MT, underscoring the overall positive pricing sentiment in the region. The market dynamics were predominantly driven by the incremental costs of production inputs, signaling a stable and optimistic outlook for the Stearic Acid market.
Europe
During Q3 2024, the Stearic Acid market in Europe experienced a notable shift in pricing dynamics, marked by a 1% increase from the same quarter last year. Factors influencing this uptick included rising feedstock Palm Oil costs in exporting regions, such as Southeast Asia, leading to heightened production expenses. Additionally, high freight charges contributed to the expensive inventories entering the European market, further driving up prices. The negative correlation of -7% from the previous quarter in 2024 highlighted the volatility in pricing trends. In Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, supplies of Stearic Acid were constrained by a shortage of palm oil. In Malaysia, palm oil prices surged by approximately 11% in late September 2024, following a 3.8% decline in production to 1.82 million tonnes. Further seasonal declines were anticipated, leading to a domestic shortage of Stearic Acid and increasing prices. In Indonesia, palm oil production fell by 2% in August 2024, exacerbating the supply issues. The government's decision to raise the palm oil content in biodiesel from 35% to 40% increased demand, further pushing palm oil prices up globally. Exports of palm oil products also dropped significantly, from 3,385 thousand tonnes in July to 2,241 thousand tonnes in August 2024, fueling the rise in Stearic Acid prices across the global market. In the Netherlands, the market witnessed the most significant price changes, with a 3% difference between the first and second half of the quarter. This fluctuation indicates a period of instability and uncertainty in pricing. The quarter-ending price of USD 1553/MT of Stearic Acid Rubber Grade CFR Rotterdam in the Netherlands reflects the overall increasing sentiment in the market, showcasing a positive trajectory despite the challenges faced. The pricing environment in Q3 2024 has been characterized by a notable upward trend, influenced by various supply and demand dynamics impacting the Stearic Acid market in Europe.
FAQs
1. What is the current price of Stearic Acid?
Prices showed a downward trend across all major regions in Q2 2025. The price of Stearic Acid in the Netherlands declined by 13%, while in the U.S. and South Korea, it dropped by approximately 9% quarter-over-quarter.
2. Who are the top Stearic Acid producers globally?
Major producers include Wilmar International, Emery Oleochemicals, Godrej Industries, IOI Oleochemicals, and KLK OLEO, with production hubs spread across Southeast Asia, the U.S., and Europe.
3. What are the key applications of Stearic Acid?
Stearic Acid is primarily used in the manufacture of rubber processing chemicals, tires, cosmetics, personal care products, candles, lubricants, and as a release agent in plastics and pharmaceuticals.
4. What is the Stearic Acid Price Forecast for Q3 2025?
The price outlook remains stable to slightly soft across North America, Europe, and APAC. Bearish sentiment is likely to persist unless there is a rebound in downstream consumption or supply-side disruptions in key exporting regions.
