Nitric Acid Price Trend and Forecast

Weekly Update
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Historical Data Since 2015
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Forecast for 2026
  • Commodity Pricing

nitric acid Price Trends by Country

inIndia
saSaudi Arabia
keKenya
krSouth Korea
cnChina
beBelgium
deGermany

Global nitric acid Spot Market Prices, Trend Analysis and Forecast

Nitric Acid Price Trend Q3 2025

In Q3 2025 the Nitric Acid market has exhibited a continued downward trajectory, registering a 7% decline from the previous quarter, as muted demand from fertilizer blenders and industrial chemical consumers persisted across major Asian regions. The sector has been operating under sustained pressure due to restrained procurement activity and cautious purchasing strategies from downstream segments.

Feedstock Ammonia prices have remained relatively steady, providing limited cost support for producers amid weaker market fundamentals. Operating rates at several facilities have been moderately curtailed to manage inventory build-ups in the face of sluggish off take. Export appetite has remained modest, with regional buyers delaying bookings amid sufficient availability and competitive offers.

Despite stable upstream dynamics, overall sentiment has trended bearish, weighed down by ample supply, thinning margins, and reduced transactional interest. The Nitric Acid market has largely maintained a subdued tone through the quarter, reflecting conservative buying behaviour and an oversupplied environment.

India: Niric Acid Domestically Traded prices Ex Gujrat, India; Grade- Nitric Acid 68%

In Q3 2025 the Nitric Acid market in India has been experiencing a gradual softening, with prices averaging around USD 270 /MT, reflecting a 11% decline compared to the previous quarter. Demand sentiment from downstream fertilizer, dyes, and explosives manufacturers has remained moderate, as buyers continued to follow cautious procurement strategies amid steady plant operating schedules.

Consumption in the agrochemical and nitration-based chemical segments has been stable but insufficient to lift overall market momentum, resulting in balanced yet slightly pressured trading conditions. Producers have been maintaining controlled production rates to avoid inventory build-ups as market fundamentals evolved through the quarter.

Feedstock Ammonia values have stayed largely range-bound, offering neutral cost influence for nitric acid manufacturers. Export activity has been limited, with only selective inquiries emerging from neighbouring South Asian markets. In September 2025, domestic nitric acid prices registered a mild dip of around 2%, driven by weaker restocking interest and competitive offers in key trading hubs. Overall, the market has retained a restrained tone, supported by adequate supply, disciplined operations, and steady but subdued participation from downstream consumers.

Saudi Arabia: Nitric Acid Imported Prices CIF Saudi Arabia, India; Grade – Nitric Acid 68%

In Saudi Arabia, the Nitric Acid 68% price trend CIF Saudi ports offered from India has been witnessing a notable decline of around 7% during Q3 2025, continuing the downward trajectory observed toward the end of Q2. Throughout the quarter, the market reflected steady yet slightly pressured trading conditions, as demand from key downstream sectors including fertilizers, industrial chemicals, metal treatment, and water purification remained moderate. Order inflows from distributors and end-users have remained cautious, driven by conservative procurement patterns and comfortable availability in the regional market.

The persistent weakness in prices has been influenced by stable Ammonia feedstock costs in India, balanced production rates among major nitric acid suppliers, and subdued restocking interest from importers in the Gulf region. Expectations of improved demand post-holiday periods did not materialize, keeping overall sentiment neutral to mildly bearish.

In September 2025, Nitric Acid 68% prices delivered to Saudi Arabia recorded a further month-on-month decline of roughly 2%, supported by competitive export offers from India, gradual inventory adjustments, and restrained purchasing activities across key industrial hubs.

Kenya: Nitric Acid Imported Prices CIF Mombasa, India; Grade – Nitric Acid 68%

In Kenya, the Nitric Acid 68% price trend CIF Mombasa offered from India has been witnessing a moderate decline of around 3% during Q3 2025, following the mild downward movement observed toward the end of Q2. Throughout the quarter, the market reflected steady yet slightly pressured trading conditions, as demand from fertilizer blending units, mining-related chemical users, textile processors, and water treatment operators remained stable but unsupportive of firmer pricing.

Order inflows from importers and industrial buyers have been cautious, influenced by conservative procurement strategies and consistent product availability across the regional market. The persistent softness in prices has been shaped by steady Ammonia feedstock costs in India, balanced production levels among major nitric acid manufacturers, and subdued restocking appetite from Kenyan buyers.

Expectations of improved demand after seasonal business cycles did not materialize, keeping overall sentiment neutral to mildly bearish. In September 2025, Nitric Acid 68% prices delivered to Mombasa registered a further month-on-month decline of nearly 1%, supported by competitive export offers from India, gradual inventory adjustments, and restrained purchasing activities across Kenya’s key industrial segments.

South Korea: Nitric Acid Export Prices FOB Busan, South Korea; Grade – Nitric Acid 68%

In South Korea, the Nitric Acid 68% price trend FOB Busan has been witnessing a mild decline of around 2% during Q3 2025, continuing the soft movement observed toward the end of Q2. Throughout the quarter, the market reflected steady yet slightly pressured export conditions, as demand from overseas buyers in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa remained moderate. Order inflows from traders and industrial consumers have been cautious, shaped by conservative procurement strategies and adequate availability across major importing regions.

The persistent weakness in pricing has been influenced by stable Ammonia feedstock costs, balanced operating rates among Korean nitric acid manufacturers, and restrained restocking interest from key export destinations. Expectations of firmer demand following seasonal maintenance periods did not materialize, keeping overall sentiment neutral to mildly bearish.

In September 2025, Nitric Acid 68% prices offered from Busan recorded a further month-on-month decline of around 2%, supported by competitive Korean export offers, controlled inventory positions, and subdued purchasing activity across primary regional markets.

China: Nitric Acid Domestically Traded Prices Ex-Works Shanghai, China; Grade – Nitric Acid 98%

In China, the Nitric Acid 98% price trend Ex-Works Shanghai has been witnessing a mild decline of around 2% during Q3 2025, continuing the soft movement observed toward the end of Q2. Throughout the quarter, the market reflected steady yet slightly pressured trading conditions, as demand from key downstream segments including metal finishing, specialty chemicals, electronics-grade processing, and nitration applications remained moderate. Order inflows from domestic distributors and industrial buyers have been somewhat cautious, driven by conservative procurement patterns and comfortable availability across major producing hubs.

The persistent weakness in pricing has been influenced by stable Ammonia feedstock costs, balanced operating rates within the Chinese nitric acid sector, and limited restocking momentum from end-users. Expectations of improved consumption following seasonal industrial activity did not materialize, keeping overall sentiment neutral to mildly bearish.

In September 2025, Nitric Acid 98% prices Ex-Works Shanghai held stable on a month-on-month basis, supported by controlled production, steady inventory positions, and restrained purchasing behaviour across the domestic market.

Belgium: Nitric Acid Export Prices FOB Antwerp, Belgium; Grade – Nitric Acid 68%

In Belgium, the Nitric Acid 68% price trend FOB Antwerp has been witnessing a noticeable decline of around 5% during Q3 2025, extending the downward trajectory observed toward the end of Q2. Throughout the quarter, the market reflected steady yet slightly pressured export conditions, as demand from key downstream sectors including fertilizers, industrial chemicals, explosives intermediates, and metal treatment remained moderate across European and global markets. Order inflows from traders and overseas buyers have stayed cautious, influenced by conservative procurement behaviour and adequate product availability from major European producers.

The persistent softness in prices has been shaped by relatively stable Ammonia feedstock costs, balanced operating rates among nitric acid manufacturers in the region, and subdued restocking sentiment from import-dependent markets. Expectations of improved demand following summer slowdowns did not materialize, keeping overall pricing sentiment neutral to mildly bearish.

In September 2025, Nitric Acid 68% prices offered FOB Antwerp registered a further month-on-month decline of nearly 2%, supported by competitive export offers, disciplined inventory management, and restrained purchasing activities across major destination markets.

Germany: Nitric Acid Domestically Delivered Prices FD Hamburg, Germany; Grade – Nitric Acid 68%.

In Germany, the Nitric Acid 68% price trend FD Hamburg has been witnessing a mild decline of around 3% during Q3 2025, continuing the subdued movement observed toward the end of Q2. Throughout the quarter, the market reflected steady yet slightly pressured trading conditions, as demand from key downstream sectors including fertilizers, industrial chemicals, metal treatment, and specialty manufacturing remained moderate.

Order inflows from distributors and end-users have stayed cautious, influenced by conservative procurement behaviour and comfortable domestic availability across major industrial hubs. The persistent softness in prices has been shaped by stable Ammonia feedstock costs, balanced production rates among European nitric acid suppliers, and limited restocking sentiment within the local market. Expectations of firmer demand following the summer slowdown did not materialize, keeping overall sentiment neutral to mildly bearish.

In September 2025, Nitric Acid 68% prices delivered FD Hamburg recorded a month-on-month increase of nearly 2%, supported by slightly tighter supply conditions, firmer regional inquiries, and incremental improvements in purchasing activity across the German chemical sector.

Nitric Acid Price Trend Analysis: Q2 2025

Global:

According to Price Watch, in Q2 2025 the Nitric Acid 68% market, on a CIF Jebel Ali basis for Indian-origin material, has been witnessing a steady upward trend, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous quarter. The market has been experiencing moderately improved trading activity as regional buyers gradually stepped-up procurement, supported by healthier demand across fertilizers, metal treatment, and industrial chemical applications.

Downstream consumption has remained stable, providing firmer support to overall price levels as distributors and end-users sought to rebuild inventories after earlier conservative purchasing patterns. Feedstock Ammonia costs in India have been relatively stable, yet improved export sentiment and tighter supply arrangements from key producers have contributed to upward pricing momentum.

Sellers have maintained disciplined offering strategies, focusing on value-driven negotiations and securing premium deals amid strengthening regional demand. Import inquiries have shown better consistency compared to the previous quarter, with increased buying interest from major industrial hubs in the UAE. Overall, the market has been maintaining a firm and mildly bullish tone, with participants closely monitoring supply availability and potential shifts in Ammonia feedstock costs that could shape price direction in the coming months.

India:

According to Price Watch, in Q2 2025, the Nitric Acid 68% market, on an FOB Nhava Sheva (India) basis, recorded a firm upward trend, with prices rising by around 7% compared to the previous quarter. The average price for Q2 settled at USD 374/MT, reflecting improved trading sentiment across key export corridors. The market experienced steady recovery in procurement activity, as overseas buyers resumed spot and contract purchases after a period of cautious stocking in Q1.

Demand from downstream sectors including dyes & pigments, nitration processes, agrochemicals, specialty intermediates, and explosives manufacturing remained consistent, providing moderate upward support to market fundamentals. Feedstock ammonia and sulphur prices maintained a relatively stable profile throughout the quarter, creating a neutral cost environment for producers.

However, the combination of steady export inquiries, tighter producer availability, and better plant operating rates contributed to firmer pricing. Sellers followed a disciplined offering strategy, focusing on export market liquidity while maintaining competitive pricing to capture incremental regional demand.

Export activity toward Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa showed improved momentum, reinforcing positive sentiment. Overall, the market maintained a cautiously firm tone, with participants monitoring potential shifts in feedstock ammonia prices, seasonal demand patterns from downstream chemical units, and broader global fertilizer-chemical sector movement that may influence pricing direction heading into Q3.

Global:

According to Price Watch, in Q1 2025, the Nitric Acid 68% FD Hamburg market maintained its upward momentum, with quarterly prices averaging USD 517/MT, representing a 2% increase from previous Quarter. Demand from major downstream sectors such as pharmaceuticals, intermediates, metal finishing, and specialty chemicals remained steady, offering a supportive base for producers.

Procurement volumes improved slightly as market participants replenished stocks following year-end consumption cycles. Feedstock ammonia prices were stable, maintaining a balanced cost environment that facilitated smoother operating margins. Supply conditions within Germany and neighbouring regions remained consistent, ensuring timely availability for routine and contract buyers.

Sellers focused on disciplined pricing strategies, capitalizing on stable demand while managing manageable inventories. With industrial sentiment broadly positive across Europe, the nitric acid market in Q1 carried a moderately firm tone, laying groundwork for stable conditions heading into Q2.

India:

According to PriceWatch, in Q1 2025, the Nitric Acid 68% FOB Nhava Sheva market showed a slight softening, with prices decreasing by 1% from Q4 2024. Demand from key downstream sectors, including fertilizers, chemical intermediates, and metal treatment, remained steady but cautious, reflecting conservative procurement after the year-end period. Export-oriented buying from Southeast Asia and the Middle East was moderate, providing only limited support to overall pricing.

Feedstock ammonia prices held relatively stable, maintaining a neutral cost environment for producers. Sellers continued to implement measured offering strategies, balancing the need to maintain margins while catering to routine orders. Despite minor price weakness, the market sentiment remained neutral to mildly bearish, with participants closely watching downstream consumption trends and potential feedstock shifts that could influence pricing direction in the coming quarter.

Nitric Acid Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

Global:

In Q4 2024, the Nitric Acid 68% FD Hamburg market experienced a shift toward a firmer trend, with the quarterly average price rising to USD 507/MT, marking a 3% increase compared to Q3. The improvement was supported by renewed procurement activity, as several industrial buyers resumed planned replenishment following earlier inventory drawdowns. Seasonal factors and tighter logistics capacity toward the year-end period added moderate upward pressure on supply.

Downstream demand from chemical processing, nitration applications, and industrial metal treatment remained healthy, helping stabilize market fundamentals. Feedstock ammonia remained steady, offering a balanced cost environment for producers. Sellers maintained disciplined offerings, focusing on improving margins while catering to reliable domestic offtake. Export flows demonstrated moderate activity, adding further support. Overall, the quarter reflected a firmer and more constructive market sentiment, signalling early signs of recovery after three soft quarters.

India:

In Q4 2024, the Nitric Acid 68% FOB Nhava Sheva market continued to face downward pressure, with prices falling by 3% from Q3. Although supply availability remained adequate, demand from fertilizers, nitration chemicals, and industrial applications slowed as end-users focused on end-of-year cost management and minimized fresh procurement. Export activity remained moderate but uneven, contributing to a cautious pricing environment.

Feedstock ammonia costs stayed largely unchanged, but weak downstream demand prevented any significant price support. Sellers maintained a flexible and competitive pricing approach to clear inventories while sustaining relationships with buyers. Overall, the market exhibited a mildly bearish tone, with participants closely monitoring potential restocking and industrial activity trends expected in Q1 2025.

Global:

According to Price Watch, in Q3 2024, the Nitric Acid 68% market in Hamburg continued its downward trajectory, with average quarterly prices recorded at USD 493/MT, reflecting a 2% quarter-on-quarter decline. Market pressure stemmed from softer industrial activity and conservative ordering patterns across chemical processors, metal treatment units, and specialty chemical producers. Despite steady regional production levels, demand failed to accelerate meaningfully, keeping inventory positions manageable but slightly burdensome for some distributors. While ammonia feedstock values remained stable, the overall slow-moving downstream environment offered little support for pushing prices upward. Sellers responded by maintaining flexible pricing strategies aimed at preserving liquidity and clearing volumes. Export-linked opportunities provided intermittent support, though not enough to shift the quarter’s sentiment. Overall, Q3 2024 carried a soft and moderately bearish tone, shaped by weak consumption patterns and cautious procurement behaviour.

India:

According to Price Watch, in Q3 2024, the Nitric Acid 68% market on FOB Nhava Sheva reversed direction, recording a 4% decline from Q2. Market activity was subdued as several downstream buyers, including fertilizer manufacturers and chemical processors, reduced spot purchases amid comfortable inventory positions and cautious budget planning. Export inquiries were intermittent, with buyers selectively sourcing material based on competitive pricing and logistics considerations.

Feedstock ammonia remained stable, but this did little to support pricing, as weaker buying sentiment dominated the market. Sellers responded with flexible and competitive pricing strategies to encourage movement while managing inventory levels efficiently. Overall, the quarter reflected a soft and mildly bearish tone, driven primarily by slower demand, conservative procurement behaviour, and a lack of strong upward catalysts. Market participants remained vigilant, anticipating potential seasonal recovery in Q4.

Global:

In Q2 2024, the Nitric Acid 68% FD Hamburg market extended its mild downward movement, with quarterly prices averaging USD 502/MT, marking a 2% decline from Q1. Overall market activity remained rather limited, as several downstream manufacturers continued to prioritize inventory optimization rather than fresh procurement. Industrial users from surface treatment, nitration chemicals, and intermediates maintained steady operations, but the cautious purchasing behaviour weighed on spot volumes.

Ammonia feedstock remained stable, indicating balanced cost conditions but offering no meaningful uplift for nitric acid margins. Domestic producers kept product availability consistent, ensuring that supply remained sufficient for routine demand. With market fundamentals leaning toward a comfortable supply–demand balance, sellers continued offering competitive prices to stimulate activity. Sentiment through the quarter stayed subdued and slightly bearish, with participants awaiting stronger consumption triggers that could support a shift in market direction.

India:

In Q2 2024, the Nitric Acid 68% market FOB Nhava Sheva continued its moderately firm trajectory, with prices advancing by another 2% compared to Q1. Demand from key downstream sectors including fertilizers, specialty chemicals, and nitration applications remained steady, providing consistent support to market fundamentals. Export-oriented trading activity strengthened, with regional buyers in the Middle East and East Africa replenishing stocks following earlier conservative procurement. Feedstock ammonia prices were largely stable, creating a predictable cost environment for producers while supporting margins. Sellers adopted disciplined offering strategies, focusing on maintaining supply reliability and capturing firm export demand. Despite the moderate upward pressure, overall price gains were restrained by steady supply and balanced inventories. The quarter ended with a cautiously positive market tone, as participants evaluated downstream consumption patterns and potential shifts in ammonia feedstock that could influence trends going into Q3.

Global:

According to Price Watch, in Q1 2024, the Nitric Acid 68% market on an FD Hamburg basis registered a mildly soft performance, with the quarterly average price settling at USD 513/MT, reflecting a 1% decline from the previous period. Demand from downstream sectors including industrial chemicals, metal treatment, electronics, and fertilizer intermediates remained steady but lacked strong upward momentum. Many buyers continued to operate with conservative procurement strategies, relying on previously built inventories to manage working capital more efficiently.

Feedstock ammonia prices were stable through the quarter, yet this stability offered limited cost support for nitric acid producers, keeping margins slightly compressed. Consumption in Germany’s industrial hubs was healthy but not strong enough to stimulate price gains. Sellers maintained balanced offering strategies, managing availability carefully while responding to routine spot inquiries. Overall, the market carried a soft-to-neutral sentiment, with participants watching for demand improvement in Q2.

India:

According to PriceWatch, in Q1 2024, the Nitric Acid 68% market on an FOB Nhava Sheva (India) basis exhibited a moderately firm upward trend, with prices rising by 2% from the previous quarter. The market saw improved activity as regional and international buyers resumed procurement following slower year-end purchasing. Downstream demand from fertilizers, chemical intermediates, and metal treatment applications remained stable, supporting a steady pricing environment.

Feedstock ammonia costs held relatively steady, providing a neutral to slightly supportive cost base for producers. Sellers maintained a measured offering strategy, balancing competitiveness with the need to preserve margins amid growing export inquiries. Export interest, particularly from Southeast Asia and the Middle East, showed modest improvement, contributing to firmer sentiment. Overall, the quarter reflected a cautiously optimistic tone, with participants monitoring downstream consumption trends and feedstock availability that could influence pricing heading into Q2.

Technical Specifications of Nitric Acid Price Trends

Product Description

Nitric Acid (HNO₃) is a highly reactive, strong mineral acid widely valued for its exceptional oxidizing capability and consistent performance across industrial chemical processes. It is produced through the catalytic oxidation of ammonia, resulting in a clear, highly corrosive liquid with excellent solubility and stable reactivity. Nitric Acid delivers superior efficiency in applications requiring nitration, metal dissolution, and synthesis of key intermediates, while providing reliable purity and controlled reaction behaviour. It offers strong compatibility with various organic and inorganic materials, enabling high yields and uniform chemical conversion.

Identifiers and Classification:

  • CAS No – 7697-37-2
  • HS Code – 28080010
  • Molecular Formula – (HNO₃)
  • Molecular Weight[g/mol] – 63.013


Nitric Acid Synonyms:

  • Hydrogen Nitrate
  • Aqua fortis
  • Azotic Acid


Grades Specific Price Assessment:

  • Nitric Acid 68%
  • Concentrated 98% nitric acid


Nitric Acid Global Trade and Shipment Terms

  • Quotation Terms (Product & Country Specific): 150-200 MT,25-30 MT,55-60 MT
  • Packaging Type (Product & Country Specific): Tanker, Drum


Incoterms Referenced in Nitric Acid Price Reporting

Shipping Term  Location  Definition 
Ex Gujrat    Gujrat, India  Domestically Traded Nitric Acid price in Gujrat. 
FOB Nhava Sheva  Nhava Sheva, India  Nitric Acid Export price from India. 
CIF Jabel Ali (India)  Jabel Ali, UAE  Nitric Acid import price in UAE from India. 
CIF Ad Damman (India)  Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia  Nitric Acid import price in Saudi Arabia from India. 
CIF Mombasa (India)  Mombasa, Kenya  Nitric Acid import price in Kenya from India. 
FOB Busan  Busan, South Korea  Nitric Acid Export price from South Korea. 
Ex Shandong   Shandong, China  Domestically Traded Nitric Acid price in China. 
FOB Antwerp  Antwerp, Belgium  Nitric Acid Export price from Belgium. 
FD Hamburg  Hamburg Germany  Domestically Traded Nitric Acid price in Germany. 
CIF Nheva Sheva (South Korea)   Nheva Sheva, India  Nitric Acid import price in India from South Korea. 

*Quotation Terms refers to the quantity range specified for the Nitric Acid being quoted or offered in a commercial transaction.

**Packaging Type refers to standard packaging size commonly used for Nitric Acid packing, ease of handling, transportation, and storage in industrial and commercial applications.

Nitric Acid Manufacturers

Manufacturer 
Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd. 
Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited. 
Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited. 
Jiangsu Huaihe Chemical Co. Ltd 
Xinxiang Yongchang Chemical Co Ltd 
Anhui Jinhe Industrial Co., Ltd 
Hanwha Solutions Corporation 
Jiangsu Huachang Chemical Co. Ltd 

Nitric Acid Industrial Applications

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

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Nitric Acid Market Price Trend 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 nitric 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.