Formic Acid Pricing Assessment

  • Commodity Pricing

formic acid Markets Covered: 

cnChina
deGermany
trTurkey
inIndia
jpJapan
saSaudi Arabia
vnVietnam
krKorea
nlNetherlands

formic acid Markets Covered: 

Global formic acid Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In Q1 2025, Chinese Formic Acid prices rose slightly to $455/ton, up 1.79%. The modest recovery was driven by restocking and seasonal demand uptick, especially from stable-performing sectors like textiles and agriculture, signaling potential for gradual market improvement In Q1 2025, German Formic Acid prices slipped to $942/ton, a 2.28% decline from Q4 2024. Consistent but unspectacular demand from stable end-use sectors kept prices soft, while ample availability and cautious buying capped any upward movement. These Price Changes Impacted the importing countries like: India, Netherlands, Turkey, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and South Korea. 

Chinese Formic Acid prices slipped further to $447/ton in Q4 2024, marking a 4.89% decrease. Continued supply overhang and unchanged demand from stable downstream industries added pressure, with producers resorting to price cuts to manage excess stock and preserve margins. German Prices dropped to $964/ton in Q4 2024, down 2.63% from Q3. While downstream industries remained steady, subdued export orders and macroeconomic uncertainty across Europe dampened sentiment, encouraging price reductions to maintain trade volumes. These Price Changes Impacted the importing countries like: India, Netherlands, Turkey, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and South Korea. 

Chinese Formic Acid prices dropped to $470/ton in Q3 2024, down 8.56% from Q2. Although downstream sectors remained stable, high inventory levels and reduced export activity pushed suppliers to lower prices to maintain competitiveness. In Q3 2024, German formic acid prices eased to $990/ton, reflecting a modest 1.3% decline. Despite stable downstream performance, increased competition among regional suppliers and a slight easing in input costs led to minor price adjustments across the domestic market. These Price Changes Impacted the importing countries like: India, Netherlands, Turkey, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and South Korea. 

China Prices dipped slightly to $514/ton in Q2 2024, a 0.39% decrease from Q1. The market remained steady as downstream industries remained stable, but a lack of fresh demand or major supply disruptions kept prices mostly unchanged during this quarter. German Prices increased to $1,003/ton in Q2 2024, up 7.5% from Q1. The increase was supported by Inventory restocking and growing downstream market. These Price Changes Impacted the importing countries like: India, Netherlands, Türkiye, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and South Korea. 

In Q1 2024, Formic Acid prices in China $516/ton, down 11.95%. The decline was driven by stabilizing geopolitical tensions and a return to supply-demand equilibrium, which eased market pressures despite stable performance in downstream industries. Formic Acid prices in Germany averaged $933/ton, falling 7.99%. The drop resulted from easing energy costs and improved supply conditions, while downstream industries like agriculture and leather remained stable, limiting further market volatility. These Price Changes Impacted the importing countries like: India, Netherlands, Türkiye, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and South Korea. 

India formic acid Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

Prices saw a slight uptick to $533/ton in Q1 2025, rising by 1.33%. This increase was driven by restocking efforts and improved buying interest, while downstream industries continued stable operations with consistent raw material intake. 

In Q4 2024, prices fell further to $526/ton, down 3.66%. Domestic demand stayed constant, but competitive import offers, and high stock levels continued to suppress price momentum in the Indian Formic Acid market. 

Prices declined to $546/ton in Q3 2024, a 5.04% drop from the previous quarter. Despite steady downstream demand, increased local inventory and limited export activity led to price corrections across the Indian market. 

Prices inched up to $575/ton in Q2 2024, a slight 0.88% increase from Q1. Stable demand from end-use sectors and marginal rise in international prices supported the mild recovery in domestic Formic Acid market sentiment. 

In Q1 2024 Formic Acid price in India was at $570/ton, down 5.94%. The decline stemmed from softened import costs and balanced supply-demand, while downstream industries such as rubber and textiles maintained stable procurement activity. 

formic acid Parameters Covered: 

  • Methanol 
  •  China
  •  Germany
  • Animal Feed Preservation
  • Leather Tanning
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Rubber Industry
  • Agrochemicals
  • Textiles Dyeing and Finishing
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • India
  • Turkey
  • Japan
  • Netherlands
  •  Saudi Arabia
  •  Vietnam
  • South Korea

formic acid Parameters Covered: 

  • Methanol 
  •  China
  •  Germany
  • Animal Feed Preservation
  • Leather Tanning
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Rubber Industry
  • Agrochemicals
  • Textiles Dyeing and Finishing
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • India
  • Turkey
  • Japan
  • Netherlands
  •  Saudi Arabia
  •  Vietnam
  • South Korea

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global formic acid price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the formic 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 formic acid prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely formic acid market data.

Track PriceWatch's formic 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.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Formic Acid prices

  • Israel-Hamas Conflict (2023-Present): The ongoing conflict has disrupted trade routes and supply chains in the Middle East, affecting the availability and costs of raw materials critical for Formic Acid production, impacting markets globally, including South Africa and South Korea. 
  • Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present): This war has severely disrupted production and supply chains across Europe, particularly impacting Belgium, and the Netherlands. These disruptions have led to increased costs and heightened global price volatility for Formic Acid, affecting importing markets like India and China. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-Present): The pandemic caused initial disruptions in production and a sharp decline in demand across several sectors. As economies recovered, demand surged in markets such as India and China, significantly impacting Formic Acid prices. 
  • Environmental Regulations and Protests (2019-Present): Stricter environmental regulations in South Korea and India, along with protests against industrial pollution, have led to increased production costs and compliance challenges, contributing to price increases in the Formic Acid market. 
  • Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Wars (2018-Present): Ongoing trade tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, have created uncertainties in global supply chains. This has affected import/export dynamics for Formic Acid, especially in South Africa, South Korea, and key importing markets like Belgium and Singapore. 

 

These events underscore the Formic Acid market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the importance of continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics. 

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from various sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures our assessments reflect the most current market conditions for Formic Acid. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users across major Formic Acid production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Formic Acid supply chain, from raw material availability to production and distribution channels, including monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics. 

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, that can significantly impact Formic Acid prices. Our analysis considers potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters on Formic Acid production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand, to predict shifts in Formic Acid demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global Formic Acid production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to accurately assess current supply availability. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Formic Acid production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements.

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global Formic Acid pricing, including shifts in manufacturing bases and trade policies. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast Formic Acid prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes.

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. 

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Formic Acid pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

46.03

CAS No

64-18-6

HS Code

29151100

Molecular Formula

HCOOH
formic acid

Formic Acid is a colourless, pungent liquid widely used in industrial and agricultural applications. As a versatile chemical, it serves as a preservative in animal feed, a key component in leather production, and a powerful cleaning agent. Formic Acid is also used in the production of formate salts, which have applications in textiles, rubber, and pharmaceuticals. Known for its strong acidity and reducing properties, it is effective in various chemical reactions, making it essential in industries such as agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing.

Packaging Type

ISO Tank

Grades Covered

Industrial Grade (85%, 99%)

Incoterms Used

FOB China, FOB Germany, CIF Mersin (China, Germany), CIF Nhava Sheva (China), CIF Busan (China), CIF Tokyo (China), CIF Jeddah (China), CIF Haiphong (China), FD Rotterdam (Germany)

Synonym

Methanoic acid, Formylic acid

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

20-25 MT

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  Value  Units 
Appearance  Colorless to transparent liquid   
Formic Acid   85  % 
Chloride  0.006  % 
Sulphate  0.001  % 
Iron  0.0001  % 
Evaporation Residue  0.060  % 

Applications

Formic Acid is a highly versatile compound with numerous industrial applications that span various sectors. One of its primary uses is in the production of superabsorbent polymers, which are essential for manufacturing disposable diapers and feminine hygiene products. The unique ability of Formic Acid to absorb significant amounts of liquid makes it invaluable in personal care applications. Additionally, its properties allow it to act as a pH regulator and preservative, enhancing the overall performance of these products. In the construction industry, Formic Acid is utilized in paints, coatings, and emulsions. It improves flexibility, adhesion, and weather resistance, making coatings more durable and extending their lifespan. Formic Acid also plays a critical role in the formulation of adhesives and sealants, where its excellent bonding characteristics ensure strong and lasting applications. This is particularly important in both residential and commercial construction, where long-lasting performance is crucial. The automotive sector is another significant consumer of Formic Acid, using it in the production of lightweight composite materials. These materials contribute to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, aligning with the industry’s sustainability goals. The use of Formic Acid in automotive applications highlights its importance in promoting more eco-friendly manufacturing processes. With the growing emphasis on sustainability, bio-based or green Formic Acid has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative. Derived from renewable resources such as biomass, bio-Formic Acid not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also minimizes the carbon footprint of industrial processes. Its integration into various applications further underscores the commitment to sustainable practices across multiple sectors, including textiles and agriculture, where it enhances product performance while being environmentally friendly.

Formic Acid price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for formic acid. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

The pricing of formic acid is influenced by several factors, including the cost of raw materials such as methanol and carbon monoxide, production capacities, and transportation expenses. Additionally, fluctuations in demand from key industries like agriculture, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, along with geopolitical events and environmental regulations, can significantly impact pricing. Procurement heads should monitor these factors to make informed purchasing decisions.

Regional price variations for formic acid can arise from differences in raw material availability, production capabilities, and local demand. For example, regions with abundant feedstock resources may offer lower prices compared to areas with limited access. Understanding these regional differences allows procurement heads to optimize sourcing strategies, potentially reducing costs by exploring opportunities in cost-competitive markets and adjusting supply chains accordingly.

The price outlook for formic acid is shaped by trends in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, and global economic conditions. In the near term, procurement heads should expect potential price volatility due to fluctuations in feedstock prices and changes in regulatory policies. To plan effectively, they should monitor market reports, consider long-term contracts with suppliers, and explore alternative sourcing options to hedge against price increases and ensure cost stability.

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