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United StatesIn 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.
In Q4 2024, China’s Citric Acid Monohydrate prices (FOB Shanghai) saw a slight recovery, reaching USD 631/MT, rising by 1.1%, supported by improved seasonal demand in the food and beverage industry. However, overall market activity remained moderate due to continued year-end inventory adjustments and cautious procurement strategies. Belgium’s market followed a similar trend, as manufacturers focused on inventory liquidation before the year-end. The combination of lower international oil prices and reduced freight costs contributed to this bearish outlook.
In Q3 2024, the Citric Acid Monohydrate market in China (FOB Shanghai) experienced a bearish trend, with prices declining to USD 625/MT by 4.5% due to weaker international oil prices and reduced transportation costs. The food and beverage industry maintained stable demand, but the pharmaceutical sector showed cautious purchasing behaviour. Additionally, improved production efficiency and year-end destocking strategies in major markets contributed to the price decline. In Belgium, the market remained stable, supported by steady demand from key industries, although softer raw material costs prevented any significant price surges.
In Q2 2024, the Citric Acid Monohydrate market saw a modest recovery, with prices in China (FOB Shanghai) rising to USD 654/MT, showing a 1.6% stabilized trend from Q1. This uptick was largely due to higher demand from the food and beverage industry, where Citric Acid is used as a preservative and flavour enhancer. The pharmaceutical sector also contributed to the demand increase as Citric Acid continues to be a key component in medicines. In addition, tighter global supplies and logistics disruptions caused by freight challenges played a role in supporting price stability, particularly in major export hubs like Thailand.
In Q1 2024, the global Citric Acid Monohydrate market experienced a sharp decrease in prices, particularly in China (FOB Shanghai), where prices were reported at USD 644/MT, reflecting a 7.3% drop from the previous quarter. This decrease trend was primarily driven by lower raw material costs and a temporary dip in demand after the end of the festive season in late 2023. However, strong demand in sectors like food and beverages, along with an increase in production capacity, helped maintain market stability.
In Q1 2025, Indian (Ex-Mumbai) prices of Citric Acid Anhydrous fell slightly to USD 917/MT, down from a fall of 0.1%. The slight fall was mainly due to subdued industrial activity around the Lunar New Year period in key export markets, thereby leading to softer overseas demand. Combined with this, softening raw material prices and cautious buying habits by domestic consumers kept the market sentiment low, with little price movement observed during this quarter.
Q4 2024 saw a consistent price trend for Citric Acid Anhydrous in India (Ex-Mumbai) with prices holding steady at USD 918/MT. The market was in balance as regular demand from the food and beverage sector continued, although year-end stock clearance and cautious buying by consumers kept prices from rising. Dipping international crude oil prices and reduced freight charges also helped to bring about this consistent market trend, allowing manufacturers to provide steady supply without sharp pricing.
In Q3 2024, the Citric Acid Anhydrous market in India (Ex-Mumbai) saw a slight fall in prices, to USD 918/MT, 0.6% lower compared to the previous quarter. This decline was mainly triggered by over-supply in the domestic market as production was ramped up in the first half of the year by the manufacturers. While the food and beverages industry-maintained level demand, pharma buyers tapered off purchases, promoting more cautious market sentiment.
In Q2 2024, prices for Citric Acid Anhydrous in India (Ex-Mumbai) surged to USD 924/MT, an increase of 5% compared to the previous quarter. The price rise was dominated by increased seasonally strong demand from the beverage and food sector, especially from summer beverages. Increased logistics rates and improved export demand also had a positive bearing on prices. Production was healthy, with local producers responding positively to increased order volumes locally and from neighbouring countries.
In Q1 2024, the Citric Acid Anhydrous price in India (Ex-Mumbai) registered a small price increase, up to about USD 880/MT, representing a 1.1% increase over the previous quarter. This price hike was supported by strong demand from the food and beverages sector following the festive season and tight inventory levels during the initial months of the year. Raw material prices remained at moderate levels, and suppliers-maintained supplies in balance, having the effect of supporting market prices during this period.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global citric acid price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the citric 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 citric acid prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely citric acid market data.
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These factors highlight the Citric Acid market’s sensitivity to global disruptions and energy price fluctuations, which have caused significant price volatility over the years.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Citric Acid pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Citric Acid is a colourless weak organic acid which occurs naturally in citrus fruits. It is used widely in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cleaning products due to its antioxidant properties and ability to act as a natural preservative, pH regulator, and chelating agent.
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 | Citric Acid Anhydrous | Citric Acid Monohydrate |
| Appearance/Characteristics | White Crystal Powder | Colourless crystals or white crystalline powders |
| Identification | Pass test | Pass test |
| Clarity & Colour of Solution | Pass test | Pass test |
| Moisture | ≤1.0% | 7.5-8.8% |
| Heavy Metals | ≤10ppm | ≤5ppm |
| Oxalate | ≤360ppm | ≤100ppm |
| Readily Carbonizable | Pass test | Not darker than STANDARD |
| Sulphated Ash | ≤0.1% | ≤0.05% |
| Sulphate | ≤150ppm | ≤150ppm |
| Chloride | – | ≤50ppm |
| Calcium | – | ≤75ppm |
| Purity/Assay | 99.5%-100.5% | 99.5%-100.5% |
| Bacterial Endotoxin | ≤0.5 IU/Mg | ≤0.5 IU/Mg |
| Aluminium | ≤0.2ppm | ≤0.2ppm |
| Light Transmittance | – | ≥97.0% |
| Iron | – | ≤5ppm |
| Arsenic | ≤1 | ≤1ppm |
| Mercury | ≤1 | ≤1ppm |
| Lead | ≤0.5 | ≤0.5ppm |
| Mesh Size | 30-100 MESH / 10-40 MESH | – |
| Tridodecylamine | – | ≤0.1ppm |
Applications
Citric Acid is widely used in industrial applications as feedstock/base material, primarily in the food and beverage sector, where it serves as a key ingredient for flavour enhancement, preservation, and pH regulation. Beyond food processing, Citric Acid is in high demand within the cleaning products industry due to its ability to act as a natural chelating agent, breaking down stains, limescale, and grease. It is also essential in the pharmaceutical sector, where it helps with formulation and stabilization of medicines, and in the cosmetics industry for pH balancing and exfoliating properties. Its eco-friendly and biodegradable nature makes it a popular choice in green cleaning solutions and personal care products.
Citric Acid prices are influenced by several factors, including the cost of raw materials like corn or sugar used in fermentation processes, fluctuations in energy and transportation costs, and supply-demand dynamics. Environmental regulations, particularly those affecting the chemical production industry, also play a role in driving up operational costs. Additionally, market trends such as demand from the food and beverage industry, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products can create price volatility. Monitoring these key drivers is essential for procurement heads aiming to optimize Citric Acid sourcing.
The availability and price of raw materials, particularly corn or sugar, significantly impact Citric Acid prices. Any disruptions in corn or sugar production, such as poor harvests or trade restrictions, can lead to a shortage in supply, driving up Citric Acid prices. Conversely, when these raw materials are abundant, prices may stabilize or slightly decrease. For procurement professionals, it is critical to monitor agricultural trends and secure contracts with reliable suppliers to mitigate risks associated with raw material fluctuations.
Yes, Citric Acid prices can vary by region due to differences in production capacity, raw material availability, and transportation costs. For example, China is a major producer of Citric Acid, often leading to lower prices compared to regions with lower production volumes, such as Europe or North America. Procurement heads should consider these regional variations when developing their sourcing strategies, looking for opportunities to source from cost-competitive regions while factoring in the total cost of logistics and tariffs.
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