Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend and Forecast

Hydrochloric Acid Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Hydrochloric Acid in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

 

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Price Trend for the Q3 of 2024

Asia

The Asian market experienced a somewhat downward trend during Q3'24, primarily influenced by weak demand from downstream industries. The steel manufacturing sector and construction industry showed particularly sluggish performance, though sectors like textiles, metal processing, and water treatment maintained moderate consumption levels.
 

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The market faced additional pressure from robust chlor-alkali production rates, leading to abundant inventory levels. Chinese producers particularly struggled with oversupply conditions, forcing them to implement aggressive pricing strategies to stimulate sales.

Europe

European HCl prices exhibited a mixed trend throughout Q3'24, with notable regional variations. The quarter began with elevated prices supported by strong downstream demand, but limited feedstock chlorine availability necessitated production adjustments. As the quarter progressed, a clear downward trend emerged, primarily driven by slowdowns in industrial production across the EU and eurozone. France emerged as a key market with significant price volatility, reflecting the broader regional challenges in balancing supply and demand dynamics.

North America

The US domestic market demonstrated a strong upward trend throughout Q3'24, driven by multiple factors. The quarter began with robust demand, but production disruptions and supply chain challenges, particularly due to hurricane-related impacts, led to critically low inventory levels. Port congestion and manufacturing facility shutdowns further strained supply availability. However, downstream demand from the steel sector remained relatively subdued, creating an interesting dynamic between supply constraints and moderate consumption patterns. The market particularly strengthened towards the quarter-end as winter preparation began.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the global Hydrochloric Acid market is expected to maintain its regional variations in the coming months, with supply chain dynamics and industrial demand patterns playing crucial roles.
 

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Price Trend for the Q2 of 2024

Product	Category	Region	Price	Time Period
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	China	13 USD/MT	April'24
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	China	18 USD/MT	June’24
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	India	74 USD/MT	April'24
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	India	75 USD/MT	June’24
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	England	April'24	173 USD/MT
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	England	June’24	172 USD/MT

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Asia

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) prices in Asia built on the momentum of the previous quarter during the second quarter of the year 2024. In China, the upstream dynamic supported the markets persistently as the high feedstock costs and low inventory levels kept the price graph inclined. The monthly average prices went from about 13 USD/MT in April to around 18 USD/MT in June’24. A strong run of the liquid chlorine markets kept the prices firm initially; however, as the demands started fading, a sustained limited availability of HCl drove the prices uphill.

In the Indian HCl market, on the other hand, the prices were relatively more stable. Since the gap between the supply and demand dynamic was marginal, the market trajectory remained more confined here. The monthly average prices went from about 74 USD/MT in April’24 to around 75 USD/MT in June’24. This shift in prices indicated borderline stagnancy in the Indian hydrochloric acid market, which was majorly driven by the lukewarm downstream demands and a stable supply outlook.

Europe

After a staggering rise in the past few months, the European hydrochloric acid market witnessed some stabilization over the said duration of Q2’24. Since the high feedstock prices already pushed the markets uphill, the gap between supply and demand outlooks finally started to normalize this time around. In England’s HCl market, the monthly average prices showed a marginal variation as they went from about 173 USD/MT (UK, 33-36%, CIF, Felixstowe) in April to around 172 USD/MT in June’24. Overall, a largely stable price trajectory was witnessed.

North America

Contrary to the Chinese HCl market, the American market showcased borderline stagnancy throughout the second quarter of the year 2024.  Globally, the HCl markets were mostly stable because of consistent supply and demand attributes. The supply of HCl remained stable throughout the quarter, supported by the efficient domestic manufacturing operations, pressuring the demand sector. Demand, on the other hand, within the US market was modest, ensuring the buoyancy in the domestic HCl market.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, given the recent fluctuations in global HCl markets, the prices are likely to incline going forward. The supply pressure is likely to start driving the market dynamics.
 

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

Product	Category	Region	Price	Time Period
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	India	67 USD/MT (FOB)	January 2024
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	India	71 USD/MT	March 2024
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	China	13 USD/MT	March 2024
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	MEA	100 USD/MT	March 2024

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Asia

Hydrochloric acid or HCl prices were observed to be wavering throughout the said period of Q1’24. With confined and narrow-ranged variations, the regional markets, particularly India and China, exhibited borderline stagnancy in prices during the said period. In the Indian market, the domestic average monthly prices escalated from around 67 USD/MT in January’24 to about 71 USD/MT in March’24. This raised the Indian market prices by approximately 5% as the months progressed.

Demands were steady, the major pressure was coming from the upstream side as the crude oil and energy prices surged consistently throughout the said period. In the Chinese market, however, the demand outlook was not as supportive; the prices here swung between really close limits. HCl prices averaged around 13 USD/MT here as the price graph underwent an almost parallel run. Overall, largely stable market dynamics were witnessed.

Europe

The hydrochloric acid price trends in the European markets were much influenced by the buoyancy in the Asian markets. Prices exhibited an almost similar pattern here as well. With mild inclinations and declinations occasionally, the price trend observed limited variations for the entire period.

In Europe, the disturbances caused by the Russia and Ukraine conflict were still affecting the overall trade dynamics. The metal and steel industry was facing a downtime because of hampered consumption patterns. Because of this, the HCl demands also plunged occasionally as steel pickling contributes a lot to HCl consumption. Overall, a varied price trend was witnessed in Q1’24.

North America

The American HCl market also mirrored its Asian and European counterparts during the given span of Q1’24. The first half of the quarter saw a sudden fall in the downstream prices as the New Year began with plunging demands in the international market; however, the price graph almost plateaued in the latter half. The metal industry in America was also going through a tough time. Owing to these reasons, the HCl price trend was observed to be wavering at the lower end of the curve.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, given the current trade dynamics and the market situations, the HCl prices are not expected to reverse very quickly; the market will take time to improve.
 

Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Product	Category	Region	Price	Time Period
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	China	23 USD/MT	October’23
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	China	15 USD/MT	December’23
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	India	71 USD/MT	October’23
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	India	65 USD/MT	December’23
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	Europe	140 USD/MT	October’23
Hydrochloric Acid	Chemicals	Europe	165 USD/MT	December’23

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Asia

Hydrochloric Acid, or HCl, is one of the most popular chemicals in the world; because of its easy availability, simple production process, and high acidic strength, it is widely used in critical applications. So, the demands from the consumption sector and the supply situation determine the hydrochloric acid price patterns.

During the last quarter of the year 2023, the Asian HCl market was performing underwhelmingly throughout the three-month span. The Chinese market subsided by a whopping 34% as the average monthly spot price slid from around 23 USD/MT in October to about 15 USD/MT in December’23. On the other hand, the Indian market also showed a weakening trend, but it held relatively better than Its Chinese counterpart.

In the Indian domestic market, the prices ended up depreciating by approx. 8% as they shifted from around 71 USD/MT in October to about 65 USD/MT in December of 2023. Overall, dull market trend were witnessed across the region for HCl during the said period.

Europe

Compared to the Asian HCl market the European hydrochloric acid market performed much better during the discussed period. The HCl market in the United Kingdom showed a handsome appreciation of about 17% as the prices rose from 140 USD/MT in October’23 to around 165 USD/MT in December’23. High demands from the consumption sectors drove these price patterns, and the market analysis suggests that the prices will keep the uphill trajectory in the coming months as well.

North America

The American market experienced mixed market trend during the fourth quarter of the year 2023. The market started well as industrial demands rebounded for HCl since the beginning of this quarter, and as the USD strengthened, the demands rose further. However, the inventory levels were also high during this time, which, coupled with the freight hurdles during the latter phase of the quarter, pulled the trend down.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, HCl price trend are likely to continue to fluctuate variably in the coming months, given the current market dynamics and pricing fundamentals.
 

Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend for the July - September of 2023

Asia

The hydrochloric acid market was largely stable during the said period of Q3’23. The regional prices fluctuated within a very confined scope. The downstream demand spectrum was more tilted downwards during this time. With a fall in mining activities and steel industry operations, hydrochloric acid consumption faced minor jerks.

The Chinese hydrochloric acid market witnessed the average quarterly spot prices revolving around 23 USD/MT during the given quarter of the year 2023. Despite the cold demand outlook, the stability in prices suggested its parity with the incoming supplies as the observed price graph for the concerned period was almost plateaued in nature.

In a similar market run to the Chinese market, the Indian hydrochloric acid industry also witnessed relative uniformity in prices. Supported by the consistency in the supply and demand spectrum, the hydrochloric acid spot prices averaged at around 71 USD/MT during the entire span of the quarter. So, the general market outlook remained moderate for hydrochloric acid.

Europe

Driven by the dull industrial outlook, the hydrochloric acid market trend mostly wavered at the lower end of the price curve. Even though the declinations were marginal, the hydrochloric acid price graph was tilted downwards. In England’s domestic hydrochloric acid market, the average monthly prices went from around 145 USD/MT (CIF, Felixstowe) in July’23 to about 138 USD/MT (CIF, Felixstowe) in September’23 with an approximate degradation of around 4%. Overall, tepid market sentiments were observed.

North America

In the US domestic market, the prices started slowly at the beginning of the quarter in July; however, a consistent stock movement prompted marginal improvements in the hydrochloric acid pricing dynamics at the end of the quarter. The general market experience was mixed throughout.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, Hydrochloric Acid pricing dynamics are projected to fluctuate going forward as per regional industrial performances. The demands from consuming industries will continue to drive the Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend.
 

Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

In the Asia Pacific market, the price trend for hydrochloric acid were volatile during the said period. The prices registered a series of inclines and declines. However, the overall sentiment remained negative. The spot prices of hydrochloric acid averaged around 24 USD/MT in the Chinese domestic market. The reopening of China after covid was rather disappointing as the stagnant downstream demand coupled with over-stocked inventories caused the manufacturers to actively engage in destocking. Hence, the price trend suffered in the Chinese domestic market.

A similar trend was observed in the Indian market. Though a gradual incline was seen, the prices kept on the lower side as the market was still reeling under the stresses of the previous year. The spot prices of hydrochloric acid averaged around 79 USD/MT in the Indian domestic market.

Europe

The European region suffered from the weak demand for hydrochloric acid and increased inventory levels. The weak consumption from the steel and disinfectant industries aided the southward movement of prices. With China actively dumping its products in the European region, the manufacturers were forced to lower their quotations in order to stay competitive. Hence, weak demand, oversupply, and runaway inflation kept the price trend for HCl towards the lower end. HCl prices averaged around 145 USD/MT ( (33-36%) CIF Felixstowe, UK) in June’23.

North America

The prices of hydrochloric acid followed a downward trajectory in the North American region. This declining price trend was majorly due to the low demand from the steel and disinfectant sectors and the poor performance of the domestic market. In addition, the declining feedstock prices coupled with the cheap imports from China negatively impacted the pricing fundamentals.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend for Hydrochloric acid are likely to remain unsettled in the coming quarter. The demand from steel and disinfectant sectors, which are the primary employers of hydrochloric acid, seems weak and will negatively affect the prices.
 

Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend for the Second Half of 2022

Asia

The second half of 2022 started with a strong push for the Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend. The production costs could not recover from the toll that rising inflation had taken. As upstream costs kept hiking demand also soared and a sharp rise in price trend was observed. But as Q4 approached the market became afloat. Chinese products got market access as the covid restrictions eased down, helping the production costs, but fluctuating demand patterns were still detrimental.

Europe

European industry felt the wrath of the energy crisis brought upon by the Russia – Ukraine conflict more than most other places. Production costs soared as fuel and electricity prices went up. High inflation also affected severely, overall affecting the upstreaming costs.

Initially, though demands showed some dips, the hydrochloric acid prices were still somewhat stagnant as downstream trend and demand were still supported. But as the year-end approached a serious fall in demand was observed, and production was cut as coasts rose further. So, the sagging price trend of hydrochloric acid was almost inevitable.

North America

In Q3 2022 North American hydrochloric acid market started on a strong foot, as inflation elsewhere solidified USD, and upstream costs supported the market trend. Demand stayed stable for the initial period, but as Q4 approached the demand took a slump, and price trend also took a hit. As global inflation rose the industrial slowdown was unavoidable. So, H2 2022 saw a rise and then a fall in hydrochloric acid prices.

Analyst insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend do not look very good for the coming months as well, especially as inflation is catching root, and market demand is not going up anytime soon. India and China still look like bright spots for Asia as the market demands are still sustainable in those markets.
 

Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend For the Second Quarter of 2022

Asia

The Chinese hydrochloric acid (HCl) market fluctuated due to feedstock volatility in the said quarter. The price of primary feedstock chlorine fell owing to the stagnant demand in both upstream and downstream industries. The muted domestic demand coupled with the low global exports caused the price trend of HCl to weaken.

The price of HCl averaged 275-282 RMB/MT in the Chinese domestic market. However, the prices are expected to grow much faster as the factories are renewing production post the upliftment of covid-19 restrictions. Hence, the demand for feedstock HCl is likely to rise in the downstream sectors.

Europe

The continuing Russia-Ukraine war has unleashed economic and political backlash in Europe, causing inflation to rise uncontrollably. Due to the constant supply disruptions and reduced market activity, the prices of HCl suffered in the domestic arena. However, towards the end of this quarter, a slight price rise was seen due to the renewed demands from the steel sector. Per ton price of HCl averaged 140 USD FOB Hamburg during this quarter.

North America

The price trend for HCl remained stable across the US domestic market. The solid downstream demand and supply chain shortages caused the prices to inflate. The renewed construction activities further led HCl prices to rise.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the prices of hydrochloric acid are expected to rise in the upcoming quarter. With industries actively increasing production rates after dealing with covid aftermath, the demand for hydrochloric acid is growing as it is a platform chemical. Also, the depreciation of currencies against the US dollar is causing a rise in commodity prices in their respective market.
 

Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend For the First Quarter of 2022

Asia

In the third week of January, the domestic price of hydrochloric acid fell slightly. The quotation fell from 324 RMB/MT a week before to 276 RMB/MT, a 14.81% decrease and a 47.20% increase year on year.

From the perspective of the hydrochloric acid industrial chain's upstream and downstream industrial chains, the upstream liquid chlorine market fell slightly, reducing support for HCl. The price of downstream PAC increased slightly, with the quotation rising from 2,445.56 RMB/MT to 2,467.78 RMB/MT, a 0.91% increase. Overall, downstream products were uninterested in purchasing HCl, which had a negative impact on the price of the chemical.
 

Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend For the Fourth Quarter of 2021

Asia

After October, the majority of Asian countries' prices fluctuated within a limited range. The drop in demand for hydrochloric acid in India following the festive season had a direct impact on its cost. There was substantial production of caustic soda, which caused a decline in chlorine prices apart from its narrowed demand, which further affected overall hydrochloric acid prices in Q4.

Pricing for industrial grade HCl eventually settled at 54 USD/MT in December. In China, an unexpected drop in overall steel usage due to the construction sector's debt problems resulted in a significant drop in the chemical’s prices in the near term. Hydrochloric acid prices in China fluctuated throughout the fourth quarter due to a lack of demand for the commodity despite its plentiful supply.

Europe

Following the limited product availability, HCl market sentiment remained stable throughout Q4. Hydrochloric acid prices rose sharply at the start of November as the availability of chlorine remained limited, with companies looking for the best deal to offset increasing energy costs. Natural gas prices in Europe rose at an unprecedented rate, raising fears of a severe power shortage.

Several European chemical companies raised their product prices in response to sharp increases in energy prices. As Q4 continued in November, HCl prices were estimated to be 125 USD/MT FOB Hamburg (Germany). With the restoration of operations at the Vinnolit Caustic Soda facility, the supply situation improved slightly by the end of December.

North America

Due to a prolonged shortage of chlorine in the region, the acid’s price in North America increased significantly in early Q4. Despite the fact that the steel sector's performance remained strong throughout Q4, the year-end downturn resulted in a significant decline in overall HCl consumption. In the United States, major steel producers such as Nucor, Steel Dynamics, and Cleveland-Cliffs reported a drop in sales in late November that continued into December. Hydrochloric acid prices (35-37%) began to fall in the United States in December, falling to 165 USD/MT ex-Works USCG.
 

Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend For the First, Second, and Third Quarters of 2021

Asia

During the first quarter of 2021, the Asian HCl market displayed a mixed attitude. The Chinese Lunar New Year vacations cut inventory levels among key Chinese manufacturers, causing prices to rise in Q1 2021. From January to March, FOB HCl prices for China increased from 245 USD/MT to 280 USD/MT. On the other hand, in the Indian market, an opposite pricing trend was observed, with the average price of HCl (33 percent grade) falling by 10% due to adequate stock availability and lower demand from the downstream sector.

In the second quarter of 2021, the downstream demand for HCl in China remained low, while supply remained plentiful enough to meet the overall need. Meanwhile, Kamira announced that it will enhance its production capacity for sodium hypochlorite and polyaluminum chloride, both of which use HCl as a crucial ingredient. These expansions further increased the demand for the chemical in the market. Prices in India fell sharply at this time to a lacklustre buying demand as a result of the country's pandemic and abundant inventory levels.

HCl prices increased throughout the Q3 2021 quarter, owing to a scarcity of feedstock and strong demand from downstream industries. Despite the supply chain interruption induced by congestion at numerous ports, a small increase in HCl pricing was seen in China due to the product's considerable availability in this timeframe.

In India, HCl prices rose significantly, owing to strong demand from downstream industries in both the domestic and foreign markets. During this quarter, manufacturers focused mostly on exports, which helped to keep the chemical’s market in India afloat. As a result, the price of HCl Industry Grade (33%) Ex-Depot Mumbai increased significantly in September, reaching 51.55 USD/MT.

Europe

HCl demand from downstream industries fell in the first quarter of 2021. Lower downstream consumption was one of the main explanations, notwithstanding an increase in COVID-19 instances across the region. The steel manufacturing sector saw a minor increase in demand as a result of marginal sectoral recovery across the region, which was aided by government programmes. As a result, prices fell marginally over this time period. FOB hydrochloric acid prices in Germany fell from 115 USD/MT to 113 USD/MT from January to March 2021.

During the third quarter, the European Hydrochloric Acid market remained constant. Throughout the quarter, demand grew steadily, but supply remained tight, allowing the price trend to continue. In Q3, the price in Europe increased steadily, owing to strong demand from downstream industries in both domestic and international markets. As a result of the energy crisis, an increase in the feedstock chlorine prices was seen as operations reduced at chlor-alkali facilities across Europe.

North America

Due to a lack of feedstock chemicals and interrupted production activity, HCl prices rose dramatically across the region. Multiple hurricanes had already caused a severe shortage of the chemical in Q4 2020, but devastating winter storms halted all manufacturing efforts again in Q1 2021.

Winter storms forced major factories, such as Olin Corporation's freeport Texas units, to declare force majeure in mid-February. Similarly, as a result of this unusual climate disaster, numerous additional HCl and feedstock chemical plants closed down, resulting in a 30% increase in average FOB costs within the quarter, which settled at 420 USD/MT in March 2021.

Prices were stable in the third quarter, owing to constrained supply and improving demand from downstream industries. Due to a severe lack of chlorine in the region, the prices in North America increased by a factor of ten during this quarter. When Hurricane Ida hit the Gulf Coast of the United States in late August, many chemical plants were still reeling from the effects of winter storm Uri. As a result, the price of HCl kept going up because there was a limited supply of feedstock and a lot of demand from downstream industries.
 

Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend For the Year 2020

Asia

The food and beverage industries, as well as the textile industries, were significantly impacted by COVID-19 in 2020. The drop in demand for chemicals and petrochemicals resulted in a drop in the chemical’s demand. During the projected period, however, increased demand for HCl in the steel and textile industries will boost its market. Due to the pandemic, there was an overall decline in demand as well as prices in both India and China.

Europe

Due to the dissolution of upstream isocyanate factories in numerous locations, the European region experienced an HCl supply crisis in 2020. Offers increased after Covestro and BASF announced the shutdowns of their isocyanate factories in August.

Demand patterns were not strong, particularly in Iberia, due to restricted sectoral offtakes from the metallurgy and automobile industries. Because the tourism industry was suffering from the travel restrictions, consumption by downstream businesses such as water purification remained low. According to a market source, NWE (northwest Europe) hydrochloric acid prices increased 10% month over month, an extension of gains due to production problems.

North America

In 2020, HCl supply in the Americas decreased significantly as manufacturers lowered production rates due to a significant drop in demand for other chlor-alkali chemicals. As the car sector steadily recovered from the pandemic's blows, acid demand from the oil and gas industries was pressed due to restrictions on its use in hydraulic and fracturing processes. Trade difficulties pulled severely on HCl contracts due to limited demand for automotive gasoline and unnecessary delays in the start of steel operations due to coronavirus-related limits and seasonal storms.

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