China
Vietnam
Philippines
India
Brazil
Indonesia
Mexico
TurkeyAccording to the PriceWatch, the FOB price of Benzoic Acid in China settled at 792 USD per MT, decreasing 3.52% from Q4 2024. The downward price trend continued amid muted post-holiday restocking demand. Feedstock toluene prices in China remained stable, providing no major cost cushion.
Brazil and Mexico recorded lower CIF prices, in line with declining export prices. Vietnam witnessed marginal demand recovery but not enough to reverse the soft trend. Turkey remained cautious with imports due to weak downstream coatings consumption. The Philippines observed limited import bookings amid domestic stock availability.
Compared to Q4, price correction slowed but continued under pressure from global oversupply. Downstream sectors such as food preservatives and alkyd resin paints contributed little to demand growth during the quarter. Mild demand, ample stock, and low cost support kept prices on a sliding path through Q1.Â
According to the PriceWatch, the FOB price of Benzoic Acid in China dropped to 753 USD per MT, marking a 4.91% decline from Q1 2025. This downtrend in the price trend was largely attributed to weak seasonal demand from downstream preservatives and plasticizer industries. Feedstock toluene prices in Asia remained subdued, offering minimal cost support. Supply overhang from earlier quarters exerted further downward pressure on prices.
Vietnam and the Philippines witnessed CIF prices adjusting lower, reflecting China’s export trend. Turkey and Brazil showed limited procurement activity due to economic volatility and local inventory sufficiency. Mexico recorded slight stockpile build-up, reducing the need for imports.
Compared to Q1, the global price trend weakened further as importers reduced contract volumes. The overall sentiment in Q2 remained bearish due to persistent oversupply and lackluster buying from key industries like food preservation and alkyd resins.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q1 2024, China’s Benzoic Acid prices dropped by 7.39%, reaching 902 USD per MT. This decline was driven by reduced demand from Vietnam, Mexico, and Brazil, where slower industrial production led to weaker consumption in the coatings and plastics sectors.
Feedstock prices for toluene and xylene remained stable but were not enough to counteract the drop in demand. The overall China market faced pressure from lower CIF imports from key countries like Vietnam and Turkey, who reduced their purchase volumes. According to the PriceWatch price index, China’s prices experienced a significant decline, reflecting the weaker regional demand.
The PriceWatch price chart highlights this downward trend, with China’s market showing a sharp fall compared to Q4 2023. The broader market sentiment remained weak, with global demand showing little improvement. Â
According to the PriceWatch, China’s FOB price for Benzoic Acid climbed to 970 USD per MT, a 7.60% increase from Q1 2024. The quarter saw a positive price trend due to revived export activity and moderate feedstock cost recovery. Toluene values increased slightly, influencing marginal cost support.
Vietnam and Turkey recorded higher CIF prices driven by improved downstream coating and preservative consumption. Brazil’s imports surged due to reduced local production. Mexico maintained steady demand while the Philippines resumed shipments after Q1 disruptions. Compared to Q1, the quarter reflected better market sentiment and mild rebound in global consumption.
Export inquiries from Southeast Asia helped sustain the upward price trend. Chinese suppliers benefited from balanced supply and export opportunities, though gains remained limited by global economic caution.Â
According to the PriceWatch, China’s FOB Benzoic Acid price rose modestly to 981 USD per MT, a 1.17% increase from Q2 2024. The price trend showed slight improvement driven by steady toluene costs and short-term demand spikes. Seasonal uplift from downstream alkyd resin and food sectors in Vietnam and Mexico supported some export orders.
Turkey’s demand remained flat, but CIF prices held firm due to low inventory. Brazil and the Philippines recorded moderate restocking as global trade routes stabilized. Compared to Q2, the quarter marked stability after prior volatility. However, high inventories and cautious buyers limited the scope of recovery.
Chinese suppliers benefited from minor regional tightening, but export margins remained compressed. CIF price changes across countries were minor, reflecting subdued purchasing appetite despite the mild recovery in global manufacturing sentiment.Â
According to the PriceWatch, China’s FOB Benzoic Acid price dropped sharply to 820 USD per MT, down 16.41% from Q3 2024. This quarter recorded the steepest fall in the price trend, driven by excess production and limited overseas inquiries. Toluene feedstock remained inexpensive, reducing overall production costs.
Demand from downstream sectors in China and globally remained lackluster due to year-end inventory destocking. Importing nations like Brazil and Mexico registered steep CIF corrections as domestic industries postponed fresh purchases. Vietnam and Turkey showed minimal Q-o-Q recovery in demand, but CIF prices aligned with China’s aggressive offers.
The Philippines faced port congestion, further delaying shipments. Compared to Q3, the quarter was demand-weak and supply-heavy, prompting sharp discounts by Chinese exporters. Lower freight rates also contributed to soft CIF pricing across all importing nations.Â
According to the PriceWatch, China’s FOB price slipped to 792 USD per MT, registering a 3.52% fall from Q4 2024. India’s CIF price mirrored this trend, falling to 871 USD per MT, down 3.22% quarter on quarter. Ex-Kandla prices dropped to 1004 USD per MT, down 7.15% due to subdued trading and reduced industrial orders.
Weak post-winter demand from preservatives and adhesive industries contributed to soft offtake. Indian importers received lower quotations from China due to abundant regional supply. Feedstock toluene remained stable but failed to support pricing. The domestic price trend weakened more sharply than import due to intensified local competition.
Compared to Q4 2024, both CIF and Ex-Kandla saw a consistent drop amid limited end-use industry momentum. Traders avoided bulk procurement due to pricing volatility, pressuring the price trend further in India.
According to the PriceWatch, the FOB price in China declined to 753 USD per MT, down 4.91% from Q1 2025. This extended the ongoing downtrend in the price trend as global demand remained soft. India’s CIF price also fell to 811 USD per MT, a 6.89% decrease due to muted restocking. Ex-Kandla price dropped significantly to 859 USD per MT, marking a sharp 14.46% fall. Weak buying interest from food preservatives and alkyd resin sectors in India limited imports.
Toluene feedstock costs in Asia remained under pressure, offering no support to producers. Indian importers exercised caution amid high inventory levels and sluggish seasonal offtake. Compared to Q1, both import and domestic markets in India witnessed steeper declines due to a combination of cheaper Chinese cargoes and weak downstream demand. The price trend continued downward across global and Indian markets under oversupply conditions.Â
According to the PriceWatch, China’s FOB price declined to 902 USD per MT, dropping 7.39% from Q4 2023. India’s CIF price followed, falling to 957 USD per MT, down 3.82% on weak demand. Ex-Kandla prices slightly dipped to 1176 USD per MT, slipping 0.57% due to tepid restocking. Seasonal slowdown post-winter and low toluene prices limited upward pressure. Indian importers avoided long-term contracts, opting for smaller parcels.
Downstream demand from food and chemical sectors remained low due to subdued manufacturing. Compared to Q4 2023, imports fell more than domestic prices, leading to wider spread. The price trend moved downward overall, reflecting global and domestic supply comfort. Limited cost push and oversupply continued to keep pressure on prices throughout the quarter.Â
According to the PriceWatch, China’s FOB price increased to 970 USD per MT, a 7.60% jump from Q1 2024. India’s CIF price rose sharply to 1032 USD per MT, gaining 7.87% due to stronger industrial consumption. Ex-Kandla prices edged up to 1188 USD per MT, increasing 1.00% supported by consistent offtake. The price trend turned upward with seasonal recovery in demand from preservatives and paints. Feedstock toluene firmed slightly in China, supporting upstream cost structure.
Indian traders ramped up imports to replenish low inventories from the previous quarter. Compared to Q1, Indian market activity showed positive signs driven by industrial restarts and favorable weather. Domestic prices lagged behind imports due to high competition and cost absorption. The quarter reflected demand-driven recovery, keeping the price trend firm across both imported and local markets.Â
According to the PriceWatch, China’s FOB Benzoic Acid price inched up to 981 USD per MT, showing a marginal 1.17% increase from Q2 2024. India’s CIF price also rose to 1059 USD per MT, a 2.61% gain supported by moderate demand recovery. Ex-Kandla price remained flat at 1189 USD per MT, rising just 0.11% as buyers were cautious. Upstream toluene costs stabilized, offering modest support.
Indian coatings and preservative segments showed slight restocking demand during this quarter. Chinese suppliers limited shipments due to regional maintenance, tightening availability. Compared to Q2, importers in India accepted small price hikes due to consistent consumption.
Domestic manufacturers held offers steady to compete with imports. The price trend remained relatively stable, with limited upside due to conservative buyer sentiment and stable raw material costs.Â
According to the PriceWatch, China’s FOB price fell sharply to 820 USD per MT, a 16.41% decline from Q3 2024. India’s CIF price followed, dropping to 900 USD per MT, down 14.98% on weaker demand and higher inventories. Ex-Kandla prices declined to 1081 USD per MT, a 9.08% reduction driven by destocking ahead of the year end. Indian downstream demand from coatings and food sectors stayed weak due to slower festive season recovery.
Feedstock toluene stayed low in Asia, reducing production costs. Lower international shipping costs encouraged discounted offers from Chinese exporters. Compared to Q3, Indian importers delayed orders, anticipating further corrections.
The price trend remained downward across all benchmarks due to soft fundamentals and macroeconomic uncertainty. Indian domestic sellers adjusted rates downward to compete with falling import values.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Benzoic acid, a white crystalline compound with a faint aromatic odour, serves as a key feedstock for various industries. Derived from toluene oxidation, it is widely used in food preservatives, pharmaceuticals, and plasticizers. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties make it essential for food preservation and cosmetic formulations, ensuring product longevity and safety.
Packaging Type
Benzoic Acid Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid  |
| Boiling Point (760 mm Hg) | 249.2 °C |
| Flake Thickness (mm)Â | 1.2Â |
| Odour | Faint, slightly aromatic |
| Specific Gravity (25 °C) | 1.2659 |
| Melting Range | 121-123 °C |
Benzoic Acid Applications
Benzoic Acid is used mainly as a feedstock/intermediate to make other chemicals including:Â
Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Benzoate: Widely used as food preservatives.Â
Benzyl Benzoate: Used in plasticizers, fragrances, and as a solvent.Â
Benzoyl Chloride: Intermediate to produce dyes, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals.Â
Alkyd Resins: Key component in manufacturing paints, coatings, and varnishes.Â
Caprolactam: Used in the production of nylon and synthetic fibers.Â
Â
Rising Energy Costs: Disruptions in natural gas and crude oil supplies from Russia led to higher energy prices, increasing production costs for benzoic acid.Â
Feedstock Price Increases: Prices of key raw materials like toluene, derived from crude oil, surged due to geopolitical tensions, affecting benzoic acid production costs.Â
Supply Chain Disruptions: Trade routes and logistics in Eastern Europe were severely impacted, causing delays and limited availability of benzoic acid and its feedstocks.Â
Sanctions on Russia: Economic sanctions reduced the supply of key petrochemicals, creating a supply shortage in global markets.Â
Surge in Demand for Preservatives: Increased demand for processed and packaged foods during lockdowns drove higher consumption of benzoic acid, a key food preservative.Â
Supply Chain Disruptions: Global lockdowns and restrictions disrupted transportation, manufacturing, and logistics, causing supply shortages for benzoic acid and its raw materials.Â
Fluctuations in Feedstock Prices: Prices of toluene, a key feedstock for benzoic acid, were affected by volatility in crude oil prices, which initially plummeted and later stabilized.Â
Reduced Industrial Activity: Shutdowns in various industrial sectors, such as coatings and plasticizers, reduced demand for benzoic acid, creating an imbalance in certain regions.Â
Market Speculation and Stockpiling: Uncertainty about supply availability led to speculative buying and stockpiling, further amplifying price volatility.Â
Trade Wars and Tariffs: The U.S.-China trade war-imposed tariffs on petrochemicals and derivatives, increasing production costs and disrupting global supply chains for benzoic acid.Â
Crude Oil Price Volatility: Geopolitical conflicts, such as U.S. sanctions on Iran and tensions in the Middle East, led to fluctuations in crude oil prices, directly impacting the cost of toluene, a key feedstock for benzoic acid.Â
Supply Chain Challenges: Political instability and trade restrictions affected the transportation and availability of raw materials, creating supply shortages in some regions.Â
Shifting Global Trade Patterns: Manufacturers re-evaluated sourcing strategies due to geopolitical uncertainty, increasing logistics and operational costs for benzoic acid production.Â
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global benzoic acid price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the benzoic acid market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence benzoic acid prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely benzoic acid market data.
Track PriceWatch's benzoic acid price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Benzoic Acid pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Benzoic acid, a white crystalline compound with a faint aromatic odour, serves as a key feedstock for various industries. Derived from toluene oxidation, it is widely used in food preservatives, pharmaceuticals, and plasticizers. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties make it essential for food preservation and cosmetic formulations, ensuring product longevity and safety.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid  |
| Boiling Point (760 mm Hg) | 249.2 °C |
| Flake Thickness (mm)Â | 1.2Â |
| Odour | Faint, slightly aromatic |
| Specific Gravity (25 °C) | 1.2659 |
| Melting Range | 121-123 °C |
Applications
Benzoic Acid is used mainly as a feedstock/intermediate to make other chemicals including:Â
Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Benzoate: Widely used as food preservatives.Â
Benzyl Benzoate: Used in plasticizers, fragrances, and as a solvent.Â
Benzoyl Chloride: Intermediate to produce dyes, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals.Â
Alkyd Resins: Key component in manufacturing paints, coatings, and varnishes.Â
Caprolactam: Used in the production of nylon and synthetic fibers.Â
Â
The pricing of benzoic acid is influenced by several factors, including raw material costs such as propylene, fluctuations in supply and demand within industries like paints, coatings, and adhesives, as well as external elements like geopolitical events, trade tariffs, and energy prices. These factors combine to create variability in pricing depending on global economic conditions.
Regional production plays a significant role in benzoic acid pricing. Regions with high production, like Asia-Pacific, tend to have more competitive pricing due to local availability, whereas regions that rely on imports, such as North America and Europe, often face higher costs due to transportation fees, import duties, and potential supply chain disruptions.
The latest pricing trends for benzoic acid often reflect fluctuations in the cost of raw materials and changes in global supply chains. To secure better rates, procurement heads can consider locking in long-term contracts with suppliers, monitoring global price trends and indices, and optimizing bulk purchasing strategies to take advantage of volume discounts.