Pro Farmer Crop Tour reported below-average corn yields in key growing states, with South Dakota yields significantly down from last year and the three-year average. U.S. corn condition ratings declined to 60% good to excellent, below the five-year average. Export inspections surged compared to the prior year, supporting strong demand. The combination of tightening supply expectations and robust export demand is pushing prices higher.
Higher fertilizer and diesel fuel prices heading into fall 2026 are increasing production costs for corn growers. Elevated nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizer prices, driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran and Strait of Hormuz disruptions, combined with sharply higher diesel costs, are eroding corn's cost advantage over soybeans for the 2027 crop year.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citric Acid | China | FOB | USD 609.35/MT | June 2026 |
| Citric Acid | USA | CIF | USD 709.70/MT | June 2026 |
| Citric Acid | Germany | CIF | USD 764.05/MT | June 2026 |
| Citric Acid | India | CIF | USD 746.76/MT | June 2026 |
| Citric Acid | Japan | CIF | USD 672.40/MT | June 2026 |
| Citric Acid | China | FOB | USD 597.40/MT | May 2026 |
| Citric Acid | USA | CIF | USD 695.78/MT | May 2026 |
| Citric Acid | Germany | CIF | USD 727.66/MT | May 2026 |
| Citric Acid | India | CIF | USD 732.11/MT | May 2026 |
| Citric Acid | Japan | CIF | USD 659.21/MT | May 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest citric acid prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In China, the prices of Citric Acid were ~USD 587.41/MT in April and ~USD 609.00/MT in June, showing a ~3.7% increase. Chinese citric acid strengthened through the quarter despite softer fermentation feedstocks, indicating that product-level supply discipline and inventory management were more influential than raw-material inflation. Beverage manufacturing remained weak, limiting consumption growth, while broader chemical activity also slowed in May. The late-quarter rise therefore reflected tighter availability and firmer supplier positioning rather than a broad demand surge. A similar trend was observed in Indian market as the prices of Citric Acid increased from ~USD 698/MT to ~USD 747/MT during the quarter amid the rising demand from the beverage sector during the summer months.
Europe
In Germany, the prices of Citric Acid were ~USD 712.00/MT in April and ~USD 764.00/MT in June, showing a ~7.3% increase. European conditions remained firm as existing anti-dumping measures continued limiting unrestricted Chinese supply. An expiry review opened in April, keeping trade protection in place while producers faced moderately higher manufacturing costs. Non-durable consumer-goods production increased 1.7% month on month in the euro area during April, providing some support from food, beverage, personal-care and household applications.
North America
In the United States, the prices of Citric Acid were ~USD 674.86/MT in April and ~USD 710.00/MT in June, showing a ~5.2% increase. Trade policy remained the main support. Existing measures on Chinese citric acid were maintained, while June preliminary countervailing rates of 16.50% on Canadian suppliers and 63.88% on Indian suppliers increased uncertainty around key import channels. U.S. imports from China had already declined from 41.619 million pounds in 2023 to 32.843 million pounds in 2024, reinforcing the importance of alternative supply routes.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, citric acid conditions are expected to remain firm, supported by trade restrictions and controlled supply, while moderate food and beverage demand should limit sharper gains across major markets through the early part of next quarter overall.
Related Report
Need latest Citric Acid price?
Get real-time price assessments, periodic trends, forecasts and price driver insights across key global markets.
Unlock Price Insights NowOur Clients
Turn price intelligence into action with the Procurement Resource Database. Log in or subscribe to unlock live price trends, historical charts, supplier databases, cost curves, and analyst-backed insights across chemicals, agriculture, energy, packaging, and more. Use these tools to benchmark your contracts, plan budgets with confidence, and stay ahead of market moves on every product you buy.
0
+Products
0
+Regions
0
+Subscriptions
Asia
In Asia, citric acid prices strengthened during Q1’26 as firmer corn market conditions increased fermentation and production costs. In China, corn prices increased by nearly 3.52% between January and March, while quarterly prices rose around 5% compared with Q4’25, supported by cautious farmer selling, tightening tradable inventories, and stable procurement from processors and feed enterprises. These conditions supported higher manufacturing costs for citric acid producers across the region. Demand from food additives, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning product sectors remained stable, while Chinese exporters maintained competitive shipments across Asian and global markets. However, cautious procurement activity from downstream buyers limited sharper price escalation despite firm upstream sentiment.
Europe
In Europe, citric acid prices remained stable-to-firm during Q1’26 as feedstock market uncertainty and elevated agricultural input costs supported regional pricing sentiment. Stable downstream demand from food processing, beverages, and pharmaceutical applications supported market fundamentals, while continued investment in sweetcorn processing capacity in Spain reflected confidence in long-term corn-linked industrial consumption. However, moderate industrial activity and cautious inventory management prevented aggressive price increases during the quarter.
North America
In North America, citric acid prices followed a firm yet fluctuating trend during Q1’26 as strong export demand and resilient ethanol consumption supported upstream market sentiment. Although near-term corn availability remained comfortable, rising fertilizer and fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict increased uncertainty surrounding future planting economics and supply conditions. Demand from beverages, processed foods, pharmaceuticals, and industrial cleaning products remained healthy, while buyers maintained disciplined procurement strategies amid volatile agricultural and energy market conditions.
Citric acid (citrate) is basically a weak acid, which is formed in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Citric acid is utilised as an excipient in pharmaceutical preparations simply because of its antioxidant properties. It is found in citrus fruits. It is known for stability of its active ingredients, and thus, is widely utilised as a preservative.
C6H8O7
Food and beverage industry, Acidifier, Flavouring agent, Chelating agent, Antioxidant, Cosmetics and personal care industry, Fragrance and air fresheners, Pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, Plating agents and surface treating agent, Oxidising/reducing agent
77-92-9, 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, Citric acid, anhydrous, Citrate, Anhydrous citric acid
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Moellhausen S.P.A, Cargill, Incorporated, Tate & Lyle PLC, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, COFCO Biochemical (Anhui) Co., Ltd, S.A. Citrique Belge N.V, Acros Organics, Ing. Petr Švec - PENTA s.r.o, Hemadri Chemicals
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.
Surface fermentation is the process that is utilised for producing citric acid, with aspergillus along with rice bran or wet corn grains.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
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.
Experience how Procurement Resource transforms raw material price data into clear, decision ready intelligence. Optimise your performance with reliable, expert market data and analysis. Schedule your demo today to experience a live walk-through where our experts will showcase interactive price charts, forecasted prices, and insights driving the prices for your key commodities, tailored to your workflows. Contact us now!
Our Team will be happy to assist you
We are just a text away
Still Need Help?
This report includes a detailed study of production of citric acid through solid state fermentation.
The report revolves around the economics of preparation of citric acid by submerged fermentation.
This report provides an extensive cost evaluation of Citric Acid production via surface fermentation. The manufacturing process of Citric Acid occurs via surface fermentation, which is a stationary batch process completed within 8 to 12 days.
Unlock full access to Procurement Resource's price databases, interactive charts, and short-term forecasts for thousands of commodities. Elevate your sourcing decisions by comparing prices across regions, downloading historical data, and layering in analyst-backed insights, all with our flexible plans that scale as your portfolio grows.
Still have any Questions
Contact Us
Price Trend Dashboard - What's Included
Price trends across a diverse portfolio of categories and products, spanning board to niche chemicals
Coverage extendable to grade-specific chemicals based on procurement requirements
Regular price tracking supported by robust historical datasets
News, policy updates, and key market drivers impacting price movements
Short-term and long-term price outlooks and forecasts
Supply-demand dynamics and capacity-driven market analysis
Track prices, market movements, supply-demand dynamics, and industry developments across hundreds of commodities through a centralized intelligence platform built for informed procurement decisions.
Understand market fluctuations using analyst-backed forecasts, historical pricing patterns, and evolving industry trends to strengthen sourcing strategies and budget planning.
Leverage cost models, pricing benchmarks, and procurement insights to evaluate purchasing opportunities, improve negotiations, and enhance operational efficiency.
Access region-specific price trends, trade activities, capacity changes, and supply chain developments influencing commodity markets worldwide.
