Citric Acid Price Trend and Forecast

Citric Acid Price Trend Q1 2025

In Q1 2025, the Citric Acid Monohydrate market in China (FOB Shanghai) saw a 4.8% decline, with prices falling to USD 601/MT driven by the Lunar New Year slowdown, leading to reduced industrial activity and temporary production halts. Additionally, declining raw material costs added downward pressure on prices.

Belgium’s market stabilized, as supply and demand dynamics balanced out, and key industries resumed procurement following the holiday period. The market outlook remained cautious, with steady but moderate demand from the food and beverage sector keeping price fluctuations in check.

Citric Acid Price Trend Q2 2025

In Q2 2025, Citric Acid prices FOB Shanghai showed a positive upward trend for both Monohydrate and Anhydrous forms. Citric Acid Monohydrate prices rose to approximately USD 637.67 per metric ton, a +6.04% increase from USD 601.33 in Q1, driven by recovering demand from the food and beverage sector, where it is widely used as a preservative and flavour enhancer.

Supply-side constraints, including tighter raw material availability and logistical challenges, also supported the price rise. Similarly, Citric Acid Anhydrous prices increased to about USD 710.33 per metric ton, up +3.76% from USD 684.58 in Q1, supported by steady demand from pharmaceutical and industrial users who rely on it for various formulations and processes.

Improved supply chain efficiencies further stabilized availability. Overall, Q2 2025 reflected healthier demand and tighter supply conditions for both grades, resulting in sustained price momentum in the citric acid market.

Citric Acid Price Trend Q3 2025

In Q3 2025, the global Citric Acid market showed regionally varied trends. Asia-Pacific experienced overall stability, with prices holding firm due to steady demand and consistent production levels, although some export-dependent countries saw mild softening.

In South Asia, Citric acid prices declined slightly amid subdued domestic consumption and increased import competition. Europe recorded a uniform downward trend across the region, driven by weak industrial demand and high inventory levels despite stable production.

In North America, market sentiment has been subdued with marginal price declines, supported by adequate supply and low spot market activity. Conversely, South America saw upward price movement, primarily due to higher import costs and increased procurement activity.

China: Citric Acid Export Price from FOB Shanghai, Grade: Anhydrous.

According to Price-Watch, in Q3 2025, Citric Acid price in China posted a slight increase of 0.10%, with offers ranging between USD 623–656 per metric ton. The Citric Acid price trend in China remained stable, supported by steady fermentation activity and unfluctuating feedstock Corn availability. Production levels were consistent, with stable shipment activity throughout the quarter.

The number of enquiries from Asian and Latin American markets stayed firm, with no significant export disruption. However, in September 2025, Citric acid prices in China decreased by 0.59%, reflecting minor market adjustments at quarter-end. FOB offers held within a tight range, as suppliers resisted downward revisions amid balanced supply demand conditions and mild overseas interest.

India: Citric Acid Domestic Price from Ex-Mumbai, Grade: Anhydrous.

According to Price-Watch, in Q3 2025, Citric Acid price in India declined by 0.75%, with trading levels recorded between USD 849–936 per metric ton during the quarter. The Citric Acid price trend in India weakened slightly as domestic demand from pharmaceutical and food processing sectors remained muted.

Increased availability of imported material from China added downward pressure on spot prices. The number of enquiries remained low, and most buyers relied on long-term contracts rather than fresh purchases.

In September 2025, Citric acid prices in India decreased sharply by 5.28%, reflecting heightened pressure from cheaper imports and continued weak domestic demand. Despite stable input costs for Corn and consistent output levels, market sentiment remained soft, with limited upward pricing flexibility across the quarter.

Argentina: Citric Acid Import Price from CIF Buenos Aires (CHINA), Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q3 2025, Citric Acid price in Argentina rose by 8.31%, with prices ranging between USD 770–841 per metric ton. The Citric Acid price trend in Argentina has been firmly upward, as buyers faced higher Offered Price due to shipping constraints and origin-country price adjustments.

The number of enquiries increased steadily as importers sought to secure supplies amid tighter global availability. However, in September 2025, Citric acid prices in Argentina decreased by 6.49%, suggesting some easing of pressure from earlier supply constraints.

Longer lead times were reported on shipments, prompting cautious forward booking. Despite moderate seasonal demand, rising logistics costs and steady upstream pricing contributed to firm market sentiment throughout the quarter.

Mexico: Citric Acid Import Price from CIF Manzanillo (CHINA), Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q3 2025, Citric Acid price in Mexico declined by 2.44%, with observed prices between USD 721–744 per metric ton. The Citric Acid price trend in Mexico reflected weakening downstream consumption and reduced restocking activity.

The number of enquiries remained limited as buyers showed caution amid high inventory levels and soft demand from the food and beverage sector. However, in September 2025, Citric acid prices in Mexico increased by 1.45%, indicating a modest rebound possibly triggered by reduced supply pressure or a slight pick-up in end-user demand.

Offers from Asian exporters were adjusted downward, reflecting subdued market activity. The market remained adequately supplied, and buyers delayed fresh purchases in anticipation of further price softening in upcoming months.

Japan: Citric Acid Import Price from CIF Tokyo (CHINA), Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q3 2025, Citric Acid price in Japan have increased by 7.63%, with offers ranging between USD 741–774 per metric ton. The Citric Acid price trend in Japan remained firm, supported by strong demand from the pharmaceutical and packaged food industries.

A steady number of inquiries have been reported throughout the quarter, with buyers prioritizing delivery reliability. However, in September 2025, Citric acid prices in Japan decreased by 0.50%, indicating a minor correction amid firm fundamentals.

Supply remained relatively stable, but rising freight rates led to higher land costs. Spot transactions remained active, and imports from Asia continued to dominate the Japanese market under stable supply chain conditions.

Netherlands: Citric Acid Import Price from CIF Rotterdam (CHINA), Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q3 2025, Citric Acid price in the Netherlands edged down by 0.32%, with pricing reported between USD 680–755 per metric ton. The Citric Acid price trend in the Netherlands remained largely stable, with cautious procurement observed among food and beverage processors.

Inventory levels were sufficient across distribution networks, limiting the urgency for spot purchases. In September 2025, Citric acid prices in the Netherlands decreased by 6.10%, reflecting growing supply pressure and cautious buyer sentiment amid well-stocked inventories and subdued demand.

The number of inquiries remained moderate, with sellers offering minor discounts remaining competitive. Regional market sentiment has been neutral as buyers closely monitored price movements without making aggressive forward bookings.

Belgium: Citric Acid Domestic Price from FD Antwerp, Grade: Monohydrate.

In Q3 2025, Citric Acid price in Belgium fell by 2.78%, with prices quoted in the range of USD 1310–1390 per metric ton. The Citric Acid price trend in Belgium weakened as local demand from food and industrial segments remained subdued. Spot market activity was minimal, and buyers showed limited interest outside of contract-based transactions.

In September 2025, Citric acid prices in Belgium decreased by 0.75%, continuing the soft trend amid competitive import pressures. Pricing faced pressure from low-cost CIF cargoes entering European ports, narrowing supplier margins. Enquiries remained modest, and overall trade volumes were steady, with little fluctuation reported across domestic supply channels.

Thailand: Citric Acid Export Price from FOB Laem Chabang, Grade: Anhydrous.

In the third quarter of 2025, Thailand’s Citric Acid prices saw a slight dip of 0.53%, with prices being offered in the range of USD 1215-1280 per MT. The price trend for Citric Acid in Thailand continued to be soft, as overseas demand had decreased particularly in North America and East Asia, leading buyers to remain cautious in their purchasing decisions.

While the number of inquiries has been slightly reduced, export volumes have been stable but continued to be below the level seen in preceding quarters. In September 2025, Citric Acid prices in Thailand have been down by 2.0%, as continued weak external demand and increased competition from producers in the region put pressure on prices.

United States: Citric Acid Import Price from CIF Houston (THAILAND), Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q3 2025, Citric Acid price in the United States declined by 0.58%, with prices ranging between USD 1375–1480 per metric ton. The Citric Acid price trend in the United States weakened slightly amid moderate demand from end-use sectors.

Import volumes from Southeast Asia remained consistent, with no major logistical delays reported. In September 2025, Citric acid prices in the United States decreased by 5.14%, reflecting cautious buying sentiment amid ample inventories and stable import supply.

The number of enquiries was moderating as most buyers fulfilled needs via long-term agreements. Spot activity has been limited, and market participants showed little urgency to engage in new deals amid sufficient stock levels and ongoing negotiations for Q4 contracts.

Citric Acid Price Trend Q4 2025

In Q4 2025, global Citric Acid prices for Anhydrous grade across key markets like China, India, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, USA, Netherlands, and Thailand mostly declined within a quarter-on-quarter range of roughly -0.1–9% (with Belgium’s Monohydrate bucking the trend at +9.89%), reflecting a broadly soft downtrend driven by production surpluses, seasonal feedstock easing (e.g., corn), and sharp freight reductions on key routes like Trans-Pacific and Asia-to-USA.

Supply abundance stemmed from Chinese export competitiveness, East Asian import influxes, stable Thai output, and high inventories in regions like Argentina and Mexico, while demand softened post-summer in beverages and food processing amid year-end destocking.

Trading leaned cautious with strategic procurement for holidays and Q1 cycles providing late-quarter support, though macroeconomic caution and alternatives pressured declines; overall, the quarter closed with ample supply, mixed sectoral demand (firm in confectionery/dairy), and a mildly bullish bias hinging on Lunar New Year production lulls, freight stability, and downstream restocking rather than speculation.

China: Citric Acid Export Prices from FOB Shanghai, China; Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q4 2025, China Citric Acid price for Anhydrous FOB Shanghai fell by -1.91%, and its quarterly price range was $640-$680 per MT. This downward price trend in China was primarily driven by a surplus in domestic production and a seasonal softening in feedstock corn prices, which allowed manufacturers to offer more competitive export rates.

Despite the quarterly dip, the market showed resilience towards the end of the period. In December 2025, Citric Acid prices in China increased by 2.73%, as exporters raised offers in anticipation of the production lull surrounding the upcoming Lunar New Year and an uptick in pre-holiday purchasing from international buyers.

India: Citric Acid Domestic Prices from Ex-Mumbai, India; Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q4 2025, India Citric Acid price for Anhydrous Ex-Mumbai fell by -8.69%, and its quarterly price range was $805-$860 per MT. The price trend in India was significantly impacted by an influx of low-priced imports from East Asia and relatively muted demand from the domestic beverage sector following the peak summer season.

Although the quarterly average dropped sharply, market sentiment improved in the final month. In December 2025, Citric Acid prices in India rose by 1.43%, reflecting a minor correction as domestic stock levels tightened and pharmaceutical manufacturers began their first-quarter procurement cycles.

Argentina: Citric Acid Imported Prices from CIF Buenos Aires From China, Argentina; Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q4 2025, Argentina Citric Acid price for Anhydrous CIF Buenos Aires (CHINA) fell by -6.92%, and its quarterly price range was $765-$820 per MT. This downward price trend in Argentina was largely facilitated by a sharp decrease in freight charges from Q3 to Q4, which significantly lowered the landed cost of Chinese material. Lower production costs in the origin market were effectively passed through to South American importers.

In December 2025, however, Citric Acid prices in Argentina decreased by -1.57%, as high local inventory levels and a cautious macroeconomic environment limited the impact of the price firming seen in the Chinese export market.

Mexico: Citric Acid Imported Prices from CIF Manzanillo From China, Mexico; Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q4 2025, Mexico Citric Acid price for Anhydrous CIF Manzanillo (CHINA) fell by -1.81%, and its quarterly price range was $715-$780 per MT. The price trend in Mexico was influenced by a moderate decrease in freight charges on the Trans-Pacific route, which helped stabilize landed costs despite fluctuating demand from the regional food processing industry.

The market remained well-supplied throughout the quarter, keeping price volatility low. In December 2025, Citric Acid prices in Mexico saw a slight decline of -1.07%, as buyers prioritized clearing year-end inventories over fresh spot purchases, amidst a temporary cooling in the regional logistics chain.

Japan: Citric Acid Imported Prices from CIF Tokyo from China, Japan; Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q4 2025, Japan Citric Acid price for Anhydrous CIF Tokyo (CHINA) fell by -1.63%, and its quarterly price range was $760-$800 per MT. The price trend in Japan was supported by stable freight charges from Q3 to Q4, allowing the market to closely track the bearish movements in Chinese feedstock indices.

Japan’s high demand for natural additives in convenience foods provided a steady baseline, preventing a steeper quarterly drop. In December 2025, Citric Acid prices in Japan rose by 2.31%, as industrial consumers sought to secure high-purity material ahead of the January holiday breaks and responded to the firming export quotations from major Chinese suppliers.

Netherlands: Citric Acid Imported Prices from CIF Rotterdam from China, Netherlands; Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q4 2025, Netherlands Citric Acid price for Anhydrous CIF Rotterdam (CHINA) fell by -0.12%, and its quarterly price range was $725-$780 per MT. The price trend in the Netherlands remained relatively stable, as a sharp decrease in freight charges from China offset the inflationary pressures of regional logistics within Europe.

Consistent demand from the food preservation and detergent industries provided a strong support floor throughout the quarter. In December 2025, Citric Acid prices in the Netherlands increased by 2.35%, following the price gains in the Chinese supply market and a late-season surge in demand from European food processors.

Belgium: Citric Acid Domestic Prices from FD Antwerp, Belgium; Grade: Monohydrate.

In Q4 2025, Belgium Citric Acid price for Monohydrate FD Antwerp rose by 9.89%, and its quarterly price range was $1310-$1580 per MT. Unlike the anhydrous grade in other regions, the price trend in Belgium was driven upward by localized supply constraints and a specific preference for monohydrate crystals in the regional confectionery and dairy sectors.

The market maintained its bullish stance through the end of the year; in December 2025, Citric Acid prices in Belgium rose by 3.47%, as buyers faced limited spot availability and producers successfully implemented price hikes to cover rising operational and energy costs in the Eurozone.

Thailand: Citric Acid Export Prices from FOB Laem Chabang, Thailand; Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q4 2025, Thailand Citric Acid price for Anhydrous FOB Laem Chabang fell by -0.10%, and its quarterly price range was $1205-$1280 per MT. The price trend in Thailand was characterized by extreme stability, as steady export demand to the North American and Oceanic markets balanced the fluctuations in raw material costs.

In December 2025, Citric Acid prices in Thailand increased by 2.73%, mirroring the price movements in the broader Asian hub and reflecting a seasonal tightening in regional supply as producers focused on fulfilling year-end contract obligations.

USA: Citric Acid Imported Prices from CIF Houston from Thailand, USA; Grade: Anhydrous.

In Q4 2025, USA Citric Acid price for Anhydrous CIF Houston (THAILAND) fell by -4.19%, and its quarterly price range was $1345-$1395 per MT. The price trend in the USA benefited from a sharp decrease in freight charges for the Southeast Asia-to-USA route, easing the overall import burden for Gulf Coast terminals.

Additionally, stable domestic availability of alternative acidulants pressured importers to keep offers competitive. In December 2025, Citric Acid prices in the USA remained nearly flat with a slight dip of -0.18%, as the market entered a year-end lull characterized by inventory destocking and a temporary pause in large-scale spot transactions.