For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• The Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) Price Index in APAC remained relatively steady, with FOB Qingdao prices moving within a narrow band of USD 485–490/MT across March to June 2025. Despite this stability, trading activity saw fluctuations as buyers in Southeast Asia adjusted procurement patterns to match shifting freight rates and seasonal water treatment demand.
• Why did the price of Trisodium Phosphate change in July 2025 in China? Early July 2025 saw prices stabilize further, supported by steady downstream requirements from urban wastewater treatment projects and phosphate-based fertilizer blending, while export momentum to South Asia remained firm amid easing port congestion.
• The TSP Price Forecast for early Q3 points to slight upward pressure, supported by robust infrastructure-linked water treatment demand and stronger seasonal fertilizer consumption in domestic and export markets.
• The Trisodium Phosphate Production Cost Trend stayed mixed, as phosphate rock and ammonia feedstock prices softened slightly, but elevated inland transport charges and container shortages continued to offset potential cost relief.
• TSP Demand Outlook stayed moderately bullish as China’s industrial and agricultural sectors increased consumption during the monsoon, while Southeast Asian importers remained active as freight rates normalized.
• Export flows to South Asia and Africa held steady, aided by stable Chinese port logistics and competitive FOB pricing, keeping suppliers’ margins intact.
• Domestic procurement in northern and central China also held firm, driven by water quality management programs and ongoing phosphate-based cleaning and detergent applications.
North America
• The Trisodium Phosphate Price Index in North America showed more volatility, with CFR Los Angeles prices moving from USD 605/MT in March to USD 630/MT by June 2025, despite a dip to USD 570/MT in April. This quarter’s rebound reflected recovering phosphate demand from cleaning and surface treatment segments, alongside resurgent fertilizer blending orders.
• Why did the price of Trisodium Phosphate change in July 2025 in the U.S.? In early July 2025, prices stabilized as peak summer procurement slowed and Asian supply steadied, curbing earlier volatility.
• The TSP Price Forecast signals flat-to-firm pricing into mid-Q3, with upside limited unless new freight surcharges emerge or fertilizer blending orders accelerate ahead of late-summer agricultural schedules.
• The TSP Production Cost Trend remained high due to shipping surcharges on Asian cargoes and inland handling fees, even as phosphate feedstock prices trended slightly down in Asian markets.
• TSP Demand Outlook softened slightly as most U.S. agricultural buyers and industrial users secured inventories under spring procurement programs. However, paper, detergent, and surface cleaning industries kept steady baseline demand, cushioning any price pullbacks.
• Imports climbed steadily during Q2, helping rebuild Gulf and West Coast inventory coverage, though levels remain marginally below long-term averages, giving suppliers measured leverage.
• Chinese and South Korean producers operated at regular rates, while increased spot offers from Chinese suppliers in late Q2 helped stabilize regional supply chains.
Africa (South Africa)
• The Trisodium Phosphate Price Index in Africa (South Africa) climbed throughout the quarter, with CFR Durban prices moving from USD 625/MT in March to USD 695/MT by June 2025, reflecting strong downstream demand and supply-side constraints from key exporters.
• Why did the price of Trisodium Phosphate change in July 2025 in South Africa? In early July 2025, prices stabilized slightly as inventories replenished, although continued port congestion at Durban and firm seasonal fertilizer demand prevented any notable price softening.
• The TSP Price Forecast suggests steady-to-slightly bullish pricing through early Q3, driven by persistent agricultural consumption and limited alternative supply channels from Asia and Europe.
• The TSP Production Cost Trend eased marginally as global phosphate rock and ammonium biphosphate prices softened, though persistent container delays and higher South African handling charges kept delivered costs elevated.
• TSP Demand Outlook remains optimistic as regional agriculture expands procurement for crop cycles, while industrial cleaning and water treatment sectors maintain steady requirements.
• Imports from China, India, and France continued to dominate the supply mix, though shipping constraints limited the pace of inventory growth, supporting supplier pricing discipline.
• Domestic procurement trends point to consistent replenishment activity through Q3, as distributors anticipate ongoing agricultural and industrial demand through late 2025.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) prices in the U.S. followed a downward trajectory through most of Q1 2025, influenced by weak demand across key industrial sectors. The quarter began with reduced buying activity, particularly from institutional cleaning and water treatment applications, as market sentiment was dampened by proposed U.S. tariffs on industrial imports.
Although feedstock costs such as soda ash and phosphate rock remained steady, rising logistics and labour expenses created cost-side pressures for domestic producers. Production levels remained stable, with no major outages, and Asian import flows helped maintain ample availability. February marked the lowest point in pricing, reflecting subdued demand and cautious inventory management.
However, by March, a mild uptick in procurement—mainly from detergent manufacturers and municipal water treatment facilities—offered some price support. Export activity to Latin America and the Caribbean remained stable but cautious. As Q2 begins, the market outlook is cautiously optimistic. A sustained price rebound will depend on broader demand recovery in industrial, municipal, and institutional sectors, coupled with improved clarity on U.S. trade policies and their downstream implications.
APAC
Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) prices in China witnessed a marginal uptrend in Q1 2025, supported by firm feedstock values and gradual demand recovery. In January, stable domestic production and restocking in detergents and water treatment drove prices slightly higher. February saw a brief dip as industrial demand softened, but steady FMCG-related offtake provided a cushion. By March, improved order volumes from detergents, municipal water treatment, and industrial surface cleaning helped lift sentiment, with some export traction to Southeast Asia. TSP manufacturing remained stable across the quarter, with no major plant disruptions and consistent supply of phosphoric acid and soda ash. Inventory levels were well-managed, while post-holiday logistics normalization aided distribution. Demand from detergents remained seasonally firm, while industrial cleaning and dyeing segments showed modest growth. However, food-grade, agrochemical, and metal treatment use remained subdued. Heading into Q2, continued demand from water treatment and industrial cleaning could offer price support, though broader momentum depends on recovery in non-FMCG sectors and sustained export interest.
Europe
Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) prices in Germany saw a mild upward trend through Q1 2025, driven by a seasonal recovery in demand from detergent, water treatment, and industrial cleaning sectors. While overall market sentiment remained cautious, procurement activity picked up gradually, particularly toward the end of the quarter, supported by spring restocking and improved retail turnover. Production operated at typical utilization levels, with stable feedstock costs—especially soda ash and phosphates—helping maintain balanced manufacturing economics. Import volumes remained steady, aided by favorable freight rates from Asia, though logistics costs within the EU remained elevated due to labor and fuel expenses. Demand from food-safe and institutional cleaning applications provided a consistent consumption base, while industrial cleaning and municipal water treatment showed signs of revival. Buyers adopted slightly longer procurement cycles amid trade policy uncertainty, leading to firmer transactional volumes. Looking ahead, TSP prices are likely to remain stable with a mildly positive bias, contingent on broader industrial recovery and sustained seasonal demand into Q2 2025.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the U.S. trisodium phosphate market remained stable, reflecting balanced supply and demand dynamics. By early January 2025, steady production rates and adequate availability of phosphate rock ensured consistent supply levels.
Manufacturers adjusted output to align with moderate demand, effectively preventing price fluctuations. Domestic demand was primarily supported by the water treatment and industrial cleaning sectors, with increased activity during the winter months driving consumption. Municipal water treatment facilities prioritized trisodium phosphate for ensuring water quality, while industrial facilities utilized it extensively for year-end maintenance and cleaning processes. On the supply side, production operations encountered minor disruptions due to labor shortages and logistical challenges, leading to extended delivery times in some regions.
Despite these issues, manufacturers maintained a focus on optimizing supply chains, ensuring reliable distribution to downstream sectors. Tight global phosphate supplies, influenced by export restrictions in China and domestic production constraints, further underscored the market’s resilience. Looking ahead, expanding investments in water treatment infrastructure and heightened industrial activity are expected to drive steady demand growth for trisodium phosphate into Q1 2025 and beyond.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Indian trisodium phosphate market displayed dynamic trends driven by seasonal factors, feedstock fluctuations, and robust demand from the water treatment and industrial cleaning sectors. In October, prices declined as lower phosphoric acid costs and high domestic supply led to discounted stock offerings. Municipal water treatment projects and government-backed hygiene initiatives supported demand, while industrial activity during the festive season further boosted consumption. Urban regions such as Maharashtra and Gujarat experienced heightened demand due to infrastructure projects and industrial growth. By November, consistent imports from Asian markets, particularly China, ensured stable supply, while seasonal demand increased due to water treatment activities addressing winter-specific challenges like freezing and reduced flow rates. Rising input costs and inflationary pressures prompted an uptick in selling prices. In December, the market maintained stable growth as municipalities prioritized water quality during winter, and industrial cleaning needs surged for year-end maintenance. Despite challenges such as transportation inefficiencies and higher raw material costs, India’s trisodium phosphate market remained resilient, supported by sustainable production practices. Continued urbanization, industrialization, and investments in water infrastructure are expected to drive steady growth into 2025.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the European trisodium phosphate market displayed stability, supported by consistent demand from key sectors such as water treatment and industrial cleaning. By December, production levels remained steady, with manufacturers aligning output to meet moderate but sustained domestic and regional demand. Municipal water treatment facilities drove significant consumption, prioritizing trisodium phosphate for maintaining water quality during colder months, while industrial applications saw increased usage for end-of-year maintenance and cleaning activities On the supply side, European producers maintained stable operations, supported by reliable access to raw materials and efficient supply chains. However, minor logistical challenges, including transportation delays and fluctuating energy costs, presented some obstacles. Additionally, environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives prompted manufacturers to adopt greener production processes, aligning with European Union policies. Demand for trisodium phosphate in Europe was bolstered by continued investments in water treatment infrastructure and industrial efficiency, particularly in regions with aging municipal systems. Looking forward, the market is expected to remain resilient, with steady growth anticipated in Q1 2025, driven by ongoing urbanization, infrastructure upgrades, and industrial development across the continent.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Trisodium Phosphate prices exhibited limited volatility, fluctuating within a tight range amid several influencing factors. The U.S. economy showed resilience, although inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties continued to pose challenges.
Supply trends were shaped by stable manufacturing performance and changing trade dynamics. A minor drop in the PPI for manufacturing industries, from 249.624 in Q2 to 248.383 in Q3, signaled slight production cost savings. The restocking of inventories, following Q1 drawdowns, helped Q2 GDP grow by 3.0%, with 2.7% annual growth expected.
Consumer spending and corporate investments, driven by initiatives like the CHIPS Act, kept demand robust, as inflation dropped below 3.0% in July. However, geopolitical tensions in key regions, along with potential tariffs on imports, raised concerns about supply chains and trade disruptions. The Fed’s forthcoming rate cuts are intended to stimulate household spending and growth, though labor market shifts and trade uncertainties may affect supply dynamics heading into 2025.
Asia
In Q3 2024, the Trisodium Phosphate market in the APAC Region witnessed a decline in prices, influenced by several key factors. The market was characterized by a decrease in demand from various industries, including water treatment and paper manufacturing. Additionally, logistical issues and rising transportation costs impacted the overall pricing environment. In China, which experienced the most significant price changes, the market trends reflected a seasonal fluctuation, with demand slowing down during the quarter. The correlation between price changes and seasonality was evident, as the market reacted to decreased consumption rates and muted inquiries from both domestic and overseas markets. The quarter saw a 2% decrease from the previous quarter, with a notable -1% price difference between the first and second half of Q3. The quarter-ending price for Trisodium Phosphate in China stood at USD 480/MT FOB Qingdao, signaling a consistently decreasing sentiment in the pricing environment. The market also faced disruptions, with no major plant shutdowns reported during the quarter.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2024, Trisodium Phosphate prices in Europe exhibited limited fluctuations due to economic uncertainties linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict and slow growth in Europe and the U.S. Freight markets faced multiple challenges, with carriers like MSC and CMA CGM pushing FAK rates to $6,500 per container because of tight space and added surcharges. Red Sea disruptions and delays at Singapore ports further strained logistics. Air freight rates from Northeast Asia to Europe surged by 40% year-over-year, driven by a surge in e-commerce and semiconductor demand. Despite expanded capacity, supply chain imbalances remained unresolved. Geopolitical tensions and upcoming seasonal demand suggest continued volatility into Q4 2024. Meanwhile, Germany’s industrial sector continued to struggle, with weak production, high energy prices, and falling export demand, affecting the broader eurozone economy. Additionally, outlook for Q4 2024 seems dull too, as the geopolitical situation of the world is still disbalanced and in a threatening situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the current price of Trisodium Phosphate in APAC?
By June 2025, TSP prices in China stood at approximately USD 490/MT FOB Qingdao.
2. What is the current price of Trisodium Phosphate in North America?
By June 2025, TSP prices in the USA stood at approximately USD 630/MT CFR Los Angeles.
3. What is the current price of Trisodium Phosphate in Africa (South Africa)?
By June 2025, TSP prices in South Africa stood at approximately USD 695/MT CFR Durban.
4. Why did Trisodium Phosphate prices change in July 2025?
• APAC: Prices stabilized as water treatment and fertilizer demand held steady, with export flows sustained.
• North America: Prices steadied as summer procurement slowed and Asian supply normalized.
• Africa: Prices stabilized, supported by firm fertilizer demand and ongoing logistics bottlenecks at Durban.
