Copper smelters are relying on by-product sulfuric acid revenues to offset losses from negative concentrate treatment charges. Strong acid prices are supporting smelter profitability, with prices remaining elevated. The trend underscores the key role of sulfuric acid in smelter economics and suggests continued price strength.
Alum Price Trend Analysis 2026: Supply Demand Analysis, Market Insights, Price Drivers, Historical Prices & Latest News
Written ByPragati Agarwal
Alum Price Trend Q2 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alum Price Trend | China | FOB | USD 144.08/MT | May 2026 |
| Alum Price Trend | India | CIF | USD 211.42/MT | May 2026 |
| Alum Price Trend | Germany | CIF | USD 237.53/MT | May 2026 |
| Alum Price Trend | Australia | CIF | USD 194.91/MT | May 2026 |
| Alum Price Trend | Brazil | CIF | USD 276.08/MT | May 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Alum prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Alum Price Trend Q1 2026
- Global alum markets remained firm during Q1’26 amid rising raw material costs, freight volatility, and supply-chain disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
- Feedstock pressure increased due to elevated sulfuric acid and alumina-related costs, while Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions raised logistics expenses and tightened regional chemical supply chains.
- Demand from water treatment, paper, textile, and construction chemical sectors remained stable, supporting consistent downstream procurement activity during the quarter.
Global alum prices remained firm during Q1’26 as higher sulfuric acid and alumina-related feedstock costs increased production expenses across major regions. The Iran conflict and disruptions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz intensified freight volatility and delayed chemical shipments, increasing supply-chain uncertainty throughout the quarter. Rising transportation and energy costs further pressured manufacturing economics, particularly across Asia and Europe. Demand from municipal water treatment facilities remained stable globally, while paper manufacturing, textiles, and construction-related applications maintained steady consumption patterns. Industrial buyers largely adopted cautious procurement strategies due to fluctuating raw material costs and geopolitical uncertainty, although downstream demand fundamentals remained comparatively resilient. Asian markets witnessed firm consumption from infrastructure-linked water treatment activity, while European buyers faced additional pressure from elevated logistics and energy expenses. North American markets remained relatively balanced due to stable domestic industrial demand and moderate procurement activity.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, alum prices are expected to remain firm as sulfuric acid costs and freight volatility continue supporting the market, although moderate downstream demand may limit stronger upward momentum.
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A Strait of Hormuz blockade and export bans from Russia and Kazakhstan severely curtailed sulfur supply, pushing global sulfuric acid prices to multi-year highs. The Chinese smelter acid index gained 94% and CFR Indonesia sulfuric acid rose 185% in H1. Despite a post-ceasefire retreat, inventories remain low and supply recovery is slow, keeping prices elevated.
CEO of Brazil Potash notes 80% of seaborne potash comes from three countries, causing extreme price swings from $280 to $1200/T due to geopolitical disruptions. Regional sources are vital for reducing vulnerability. Direction: continued volatility until supply chains diversify.
Guinea's rainy season and pending quota policies prompted mines to limit shipments, lending support to bauxite prices, while high alumina refinery inventories (95 days) restrained buying interest. The SMM Imported Bauxite Index edged up to $70.11/mt. Prices are expected to consolidate near current levels as opposing forces persist.
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In 2025, alum prices showed a mixed but mostly firm trend across major regions due to changes in raw material costs, supply conditions, and seasonal demand. In the first quarter, the prices of alum rose as the prices of the raw materials increased, and suppliers started to adjust the prices during the holiday season. The steady demand from the agricultural and water treatment sectors also helped to boost the prices, as the sectors were preparing for the upcoming season of application.
During the second quarter of the year, the prices were still affected by the increase in production costs and lack of supply. However, the downstream demand was sluggish. The manufacturing companies managed the output and inventory levels carefully to avoid oversupply. In the third quarter of the year, the alum prices became stable to slightly lower due to the fact that the customers had already stocked up in the second quarter. In the fourth quarter of the year, the alum prices slightly rose due to the lack of supply and reduced imports. In addition, the logistics and trade policies affected the market. In conclusion, the alum prices were stable throughout the year with slight fluctuations.
About Alum
Alum is the hydrated double sulfate salt of aluminium which consists of one X cation. This cation can be substituted by many elements depending on which the properties of Alum changes. The most common Alum is the aluminium potassium sulfate, where the X cation is replaced with a Potassium ion. It has been widely used as a flocculation agent since ancient times. It is used widely in several industries like textiles, paper processing, leather, etc.
Alum Product Detail
Hs Code
283330
Chemical Formula
KAl(SO4)2 or AlKO8S2
Cas Number
10043-67-1
Molecular Weight
258.21g/mol
Industrial Uses
Electroplating, Pulp and Paper Processing, Disinfectants or Biocides, Sewer and Wastewater Treatment, Leather Tanning and Processing, Textiles
Synonyms
Aluminium potassium sulfate, Potassium alum, Potash alumAluminium potassium bis(sulphate)
Supplier Database
Merck KGaA, Zibo Dazhong Edible Chemical, Nutrien
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Alum Production Processes
- Production of Alum from Alunite; Via Precipitation
An equimolar mixture of hydrated aluminium sulfate and potassium sulfate is dissolved in minimal quantity of water in the presence of sulfuric acid. This mixture is subjected to crystallization, and crystals of potash alum are obtained.
About the Author
Pragati Agarwal
Senior Business Insights Analyst
Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.
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