For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Stearic Acid Price Index rose by 3.11% quarter-over-quarter, tightening import flows.
• The average Stearic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1350.00/MT, reflecting stable supply.
• Stearic Acid Spot Price firmed as East Coast inventories tightened and importers accelerated pre-surcharge buying.
• Stearic Acid Price Forecast for near-term shows upside potential due to freight and feedstock pressure.
• Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend rose as palm-stearin landed costs increased with shipping route disruptions.
• Stearic Acid Demand Outlook remains steady to firm, supported by tire, candle, and personal-care buying.
• Stearic Acid Price Index volatility moderated as suppliers managed spot allocations and distributors maintained stocks.
• Export demand remained muted while domestic processors prioritized captive consumption, tightening availability and supporting firmness.
Why did the price of Stearic Acid change in December 2025 in North America?
• Tighter import arrivals and higher freight costs constrained landed supply, prompting buyers to accelerate purchases.
• Palm-stearin feedstock costs firmed amid route disruptions, increasing landed costs and pressuring producer margins.
• Seasonal Q4 stocking by candle and tire sectors lifted offtake, reducing inventories and supporting firmness.
APAC
• In Japan, the Stearic Acid Price Index rose by 3.99% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting managed import tightness.
• The average Stearic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1241.67/MT, influenced by import logistics.
• Stearic Acid Spot Price showed stability amid balanced imports and measured downstream buying across Tokyo ports.
• Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend remained constrained as feedstock palm-stearin softened despite freight and currency pressures.
• Stearic Acid Demand Outlook moderate, tyre, cosmetic, and PVC sectors restocking before Lunar New Year.
• Stearic Acid Price Forecast indicates modest volatility, influenced by pre-holiday logistics, restocking, and feedstock movements.
• Inventory accumulation from Southeast Asian imports pressured the Stearic Acid Price Index, tempering spot premiums.
• Producer discipline and selective allocations supported prices despite ample availability, reflecting coordinated supply management efforts.
Why did the price of Stearic Acid change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Higher imports from Malaysia and Indonesia expanded supply, creating inventory pressure across Japanese terminals.
• Moderate downstream demand from personal-care, rubber, and PVC sectors limited absorption, weakening price momentum.
• Feedstock and freight dynamics plus yen depreciation increased landed costs; logistical constraints supported seller pricing.
Europe
• In Germany, the Stearic Acid Price Index rose by 2.06% quarter-over-quarter, amid tightened supplier allocations.
• The average Stearic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1338.33/MT, reflecting trade-weighted contributions.
• Stearic Acid Spot Price remained range-bound in Q4 as disciplined allocations limited short-term volatility, oversupply.
• Stearic Acid Price Forecast indicates mild near-term softness, modest recovery expected as restocking gradually resumes.
• Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend reflects stable palm stearin input costs, limiting processing margin pressures.
• Stearic Acid Demand Outlook remains subdued with routine industrial consumption weak cosmetic, candle sector enquiries.
• Stearic Acid Price Index posted modest gains while high inventories and Asian imports pressured markets.
• Major producers adjusted allocations selectively, supporting near-term firmness while freight delays modestly affected prompt availability.
Why did the price of Stearic Acid change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Abundant Asian imports and comfortable inventories pressured prices despite steady downstream consumption and cautious restocking.
• Stable palm stearin costs and softer euro altered landed costs, while logistics operated without disruption.
• Supplier allocation management and EU sustainability certification checks tightened prompt availability, supporting moderate upward pressure.
South America
• In Brazil, the Stearic Acid Price Index rose by 2.8% quarter-over-quarter, driven by imported feedstock costs.
• The average Stearic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1368.33/MT across CFR Santos deliveries.
• Stearic Acid Spot Price saw support as selective supplier allocations reduced spot volumes, tightening immediate availability.
• Stearic Acid Price Forecast indicates modest volatility between import parity and domestic production influences near-term.
• Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend rose on firmer palm-stearin offers and modest US dollar appreciation.
• Stearic Acid Demand Outlook remains steady with tyre, PVC, and personal-care buying sustaining Price Index stability.
• Port inventories in Santos and cargo arrivals pressured offers, weighing the Stearic Acid Price Index.
• Domestic tallow-based production focused on food and biodiesel, leaving high-purity supply reliant on imports regionally.
Why did the price of Stearic Acid change in December 2025 in South America?
• Steady import arrivals and ample port inventories removed supply constraints, reducing upward price pressure in December.
• Weak downstream procurement and conservative distributor stocking limited offtake, prompting traders to trim offers regionally.
• Firmer Southeast Asian palm-stearin offers and currency movements increased landed costs, supporting marginal domestic price strength.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Stearic Acid Price Index rose by 3.53% quarter-over-quarter, driven by recent feedstock cost increases.
• The average Stearic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1309.33/MT CFR-New York, per market assessments released.
• Stearic Acid Spot Price strengthened amid import delays and Gulf terminal drawdowns, supporting Price Index uptick.
• Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend reflected higher palm oil and tallow costs, squeezing industry margins.
• Stearic Acid Demand Outlook is mixed with personal care and tire-build demand offsetting weaker rubber procurement.
• Stearic Acid Price Forecast suggests modest gains as inventories draw down and seasonal procurement increases before Q4.
• Exports from Malaysia/Indonesia and lower freight costs influenced import cadence, affecting Stearic Acid Price Index movements.
• Refinery run rates and energy costs moderated, limiting upside despite feedstock-driven pressure on Stearic Acid Price Index.
Why did the price of Stearic Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
• Import delays and Gulf terminal stock drawdowns tightened spot availability, supporting modest price increases further.
• Rising palm oil and tallow feedstock costs increased production expenses, transmitting upward pressure through the supply chain.
• Seasonal tire-build and personal care restocking raised offtake even as rubber sector demand remained subdued.
APAC
• In Japan, Stearic Acid Price Index rose by 4.1% quarter-over-quarter, supported by higher feedstock costs.
• The average Stearic Acid price for the quarter was USD 1194.00/MT, based on CFR Tokyo.
• Stearic Acid Spot Price firmed in August as seasonal tyre production tightened availability, supporting offers.
• Stearic Acid Price Forecast shows firmness in Q4 as freight and feedstock costs remain elevated.
• Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend increased with rising palm-oil bunker-fuel, regionally further pressuring mill margins.
• Stearic Acid Demand Outlook improved marginally from rubber and automotive, though overall procurement remained cautious.
• Stearic Acid Price Index volatility narrowed as buyers digested inventories; exporters moderated offers, stabilising trade.
• Import-flows remained ample in September, creating spot competition despite occasional supply concerns from Malaysia.
Why did the price of Stearic Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Palm oil feedstock increases raised landed import costs, transmitting cost-pressure through offers to Japanese buyers.
• Rising intra-Asia freight and port congestion increased shipping costs and extended delivery lead times notably.
• Seasonal tyre and automotive upticks absorbed prompt cargoes, tightening availability despite weaker industrial-demand overall.
Europe
• In Germany, the Stearic Acid Price Index fell by 3.17% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak downstream demand.
• The average Stearic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1374.67/MT CFR-Hamburg, reflecting subdued buying.
• Stearic Acid Spot Price remained constrained as import costs and weak orders limited selling momentum.
• Stearic Acid Price Forecast shows modest upside risk from feedstock inflation yet constrained by cautious buyers.
• Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend rose as palm oil and freight inflation increased manufacturers' operating expenses.
• Stearic Acid Demand Outlook remains weak with rubber and automotive procurement subdued through summer season.
• Stearic Acid Price Index volatility stayed low because ample inventories and steady imports offset higher logistics costs.
• Major domestic producers ran normally, supporting supply; export demand remained muted, constraining short-term spot liquidity.
Why did the price of Stearic Acid change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Weak downstream demand and inventory digestion curtailed purchases, outweighing feedstock cost pressures during September.
• Rising palm oil and freight expenses increased landed costs, pressuring margins for import-dependent suppliers significantly.
• Seasonal holiday buying reductions and logistical bottlenecks caused timing mismatches, tempering short-term upward price momentum.
South America
• In Brazil, the Stearic Acid Price Index rose by 3.39% quarter-over-quarter, due to import-freight pressure.
• The average Stearic Acid price for the quarter was USD 1331.00/MT CFR-Santos, reflecting freight and feedstock pressure.
• Rising Palm Oil elevated Stearic Acid Production Cost Trend, compressing margins and raising import parity.
• Freight spikes and port delays tightened availability, lifting the Stearic Acid Spot Price and premia.
• Subdued tyre and automotive procurement tempered consumption, weakening the Stearic Acid Demand Outlook across segments.
• Inventory draws and imports kept the Stearic Acid Price Index range-bound through balanced near-term supply.
• Operational continuity limited supply shocks, while logistical friction shaped the Stearic Acid Price Forecast higher.
• BRL appreciation trimmed CIF parity effects, yet freight inflation and import premia kept upward pricing.
Why did the price of Stearic Acid change in September 2025 in South America?
• Higher-cost Southeast Asian offers raised landed parity significantly, pressuring domestic CIF levels and seller offers.
• Surging freight rates and episodic port delays increased logistics expenses, tightening availability and elevating premia.
• Weak downstream procurement limited absorption, preventing full cost pass-through despite higher feedstock and transport charges.
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.
