The global Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) market experienced varied price movements in January 2025, influenced by supply-demand dynamics, seasonal factors, and fluctuating feedstock costs. The European market saw stable prices due to unchanged demand and supply constraints, while North America and the Middle East & Africa (MEA) experienced upward trends. Asia-Pacific (APAC) followed a mixed price trajectory.
In Europe, HCl prices remained steady due to moderate procurement levels from downstream industries and supply constraints in parts of France. The market was also affected by a reduction in European chlor-alkali production in December 2024, which impacted HCl production costs and supply levels.
In contrast, the North American market saw a 7.06% price increase in January, driven by elevated production costs and tight supply conditions. Tariff tensions with Canada, a key supplier, added to the supply concerns and price increases.
The MEA region experienced a 2.08% price rise in Saudi Arabia as local buyers and neighboring countries accelerated their purchasing activity to build inventories ahead of Ramadan.
The APAC market showed a mixed trend, with Japan recording a 4.32% increase due to strong stocking activities from domestic buyers and neighboring importers, particularly South Korea. However, China experienced a declining trend, characterized by weekly price fluctuations, due to stable feedstock costs, weak demand, and reduced market activity ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays.
Overall, the global HCl market was shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including supply-demand dynamics, seasonal fluctuations, and feedstock costs, leading to varying price movements across different regions.