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China
Thailand
Japan
India
Korea
United States
Brazil
AustraliaIn Q1 2025, the Lactic Acid market in China (FOB Qingdao) saw a 7% price drop, with prices falling to USD 1080/MT, influenced by the Lunar New Year holiday, which led to temporary production slowdowns and weaker industrial activity. Additionally, a decline in raw material costs further pushed prices lower. In Thailand, the market contrasted China’s trend, experiencing a steady rise as regional demand rebounded and export volumes increased. However, supply-side constraints, including shipment delays and port congestion, played a key role in influencing price movements across major markets.
In Q4 2024, China’s Lactic Acid prices (FOB Qingdao) continued their downward trend, declining by 4.1% to USD 1160/MT, primarily due to weaker demand from pharmaceutical manufacturers and excess stock availability. The food and beverage industry saw moderate purchasing, but overall market sentiment remained bearish due to ongoing inventory adjustments and cautious procurement strategies. Thailand followed a similar pattern, with localized production stability preventing any major price surges. Meanwhile, delayed shipments and fluctuating freight rates added pressure on the global supply chain.
In Q3 2024, the Lactic Acid market in China (FOB Qingdao) experienced a 4% decline, with prices dropping to USD 1210/MT. This bearish trend was driven by weaker demand from the food and beverage sector and cautious purchasing in the pharmaceutical industry. Market sentiment remained weak due to reduced export volumes and increased domestic production, leading to excess supply. In Thailand, a similar trend was observed, with softening market activity and inventory liquidation playing a role in keeping prices under pressure. Additionally, logistical challenges in key exporting regions contributed to fluctuations in supply, impacting overall market stability.
In Q2 2024, Lactic Acid prices in China (FOB Qingdao) showed a positive trend, rising to USD 1256/MT, reflecting a 5% increase from Q1. The upward movement was driven by higher demand in food applications, where Lactic Acid is widely used as a preservative and acidulant. Additionally, increased demand for Polylactic Acid (PLA) in bioplastic manufacturing further supported the market. Technological advancements in Lactic Acid production processes also contributed to improved supply efficiency, keeping the market balanced despite rising costs.
In Q1 2024, the global Lactic Acid market in East Asia, particularly China (FOB Qingdao), experienced a decrease in prices. Prices were reported at USD 1196/MT, showing a 3.4% decline from the previous quarter. This dip was influenced by moderate demand from the food and beverage sector and a general slowdown in industrial activities following the Lunar New Year celebrations. While demand for food applications remained steady, other sectors saw limited growth, leading to a softening in the overall market sentiment.
In Q1 2025, Indian Lactic Acid prices (CIF Nhava Sheva) dropped further to USD 1180/MT, 3.3% below Q4 2024. The drop was dominated by weakened industrial utilization following Lunar New Year, lower raw material prices, and supply chain issues such as delayed shipments and congestion at ports that affected overall supply.
In Q4 2024, Indian Lactic Acid prices (CIF Nhava Sheva) fell to USD 1220/MT, which was 5.4% lower than in Q3. This was mainly due to weaker demand from the pharma sector, destocking to adjust overstocking, and delayed shipments and rising freight charges, which led to short-term supply constriction.
In Q3 2024, Indian Lactic Acid prices (CIF Nhava Sheva) dropped to USD 1290/MT, decreasing by 2.3% from Q2. This resulted from weaker demand from the food and beverage sector during the off-season, excess supply because of greater domestic output, and export disruptions caused by supply chain problems and delays.
In Q2 2024, India’s Lactic Acid prices (CIF Nhava Sheva) reached USD 1320/MT, a rise of 5.6% from Q1. This hike was primarily due to higher demand from the food and beverages sector, higher interest in the bioplastics segment for Polylactic Acid (PLA), and improved production efficiency, which kept the market in balance despite rising the demand.
In Q1 2024 CIF Nhava Sheva prices of Lactic Acid, declined slightly to USD 1250/MT, decreasing by 0.8% from the previous quarter. This decrease resulted from weakened demand for the product by food and beverage companies, seasonal slowdowns, and oversupply of the product in the market, prompting buyers to follow cautious buying strategies.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global lactic acid price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the lactic acid market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
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These events highlight the sensitivity of the Lactic Acid market to both geopolitical and environmental factors, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring to manage supply-demand dynamics effectively.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Lactic Acid pricing assessments. Our approach helps clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Lactic Acid is a weak organic acid which is colourless or slightly yellowish liquid with a sour taste and is naturally produced in the human body during exercise. It is widely used in various industries due to its versatility. Lactic Acid is typically produced from the fermentation of carbohydrate rich plants like Corn starch, Sugar beets, Sugarcane.
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.
| Content | Specifications | Test Results |
| Stereochemical Purity (L-isomer) | Min 97% | 98.9% |
| Content | Min 88% | 88.1% |
| Colour, fresh | Max 50 APHA | 25 APHA |
| Sulphate | Max 10 ppm | <10 ppm |
| Chloride | Max 10 ppm | <10 ppm |
| Sulphated Ash | Max 0.05% | <0.05% |
| Iron | Max 10 ppm | <10 ppm |
| Total Heavy Metals | Max 10 ppm | <10 ppm |
| Lead | Max 0.5 ppm | <0.5 ppm |
| Arsenic | Max 1 ppm | <1 ppm |
| Mercury | Max 1 ppm | <1 ppm |
| Cyanide | Max 1 ppm | <1 ppm |
| Limit of Citric, Oxalic, phosphoric and Tartaric Acid |
Passes Test | Passed Test |
| Reducing Sugars | Passes Test | Passed Test |
Applications
Lactic Acid is widely used as a feedstock or intermediate in the production of various chemicals and products. It is essential in making Polylactic Acid (PLA) for biodegradable plastics, calcium lactate in the food industries, and ethyl lactate as a green solvent. Additionally, Lactic Acid is used in the production of personal care products, textiles, and food additives like preservatives and flavour enhancers.
Lactic Acid prices are influenced by a variety of factors, including the cost of raw materials such as corn and sugarcane, production technology advancements, and fluctuations in demand from key industries like food, beverage, and bioplastics. Additionally, environmental regulations, transportation costs, and market competition can also impact pricing. Keeping an eye on these elements can help procurement heads make informed purchasing decisions.
The demand for Polylactic Acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer derived from Lactic Acid, has a significant influence on Lactic Acid prices. As the market for PLA grows, especially in sustainable packaging and consumer goods, the demand for Lactic Acid rises accordingly. This increased demand can lead to upward price pressure, while any fluctuations in PLA production capabilities or technological advancements can also affect pricing trends. Procurement teams should stay updated on PLA market developments to anticipate changes in Lactic Acid costs.
Lactic Acid prices can vary by region due to differences in production capacity, raw material availability, and local demand dynamics. For instance, countries like China and Thailand are major producers, often leading to competitive pricing in Asia compared to Europe or North America. Procurement heads should analyse regional market trends and consider sourcing from regions with lower production costs or favourable trade conditions to optimize their procurement strategies and manage expenses effectively.
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