In Q1 2025, Para Nitro Toluene FOB Germany prices declined to USD 579/MT, reflecting a -14.09% drop from the previous quarter. The downturn was attributed to subdued demand from downstream agrochemical and dye industries, coupled with ample inventory levels following robust Q4 procurement. Reduced feedstock costs and improved supply chain efficiencies further eased price pressures, leading to a softer market outlook.
Q4 2024 saw Para Nitro Toluene FOB Germany prices surge to USD 674/MT, marking a significant +25.12% increase over Q3. This sharp rise was driven by year-end stockpiling, tighter regional supply due to production slowdowns, and heightened demand from the pharmaceutical and specialty chemical sectors. Logistics bottlenecks and higher energy costs also contributed to the upward price trajectory, keeping the market firmly bullish.
During Q3 2024, the market rebounded as Para Nitro Toluene FOB Germany prices rose to USD 539/MT, up +15.43% from Q2. The recovery was supported by renewed industrial activity post-summer lulls and stronger offtake from the polymer and solvent industries. Supply constraints, stemming from maintenance turnarounds at key European plants, further tightened availability, pushing prices higher despite moderate demand.
In Q2 2024, Para Nitro Toluene FOB Germany prices fell sharply to USD 467/MT, a -16.27% decline compared to Q1. Weak demand from the automotive and coatings sectors, alongside lower feedstock benzene prices, weighed heavily on the market. Seasonal slowdowns and high import competition exacerbated the downtrend, leading to a well-supplied market and downward price adjustments.
Q1 2024 opened with Para Nitro Toluene FOB Germany prices at USD 557/MT, down -2.62% from the previous quarter. The marginal dip reflected cautious buying sentiment amid economic uncertainties and subdued post-holiday demand. However, stable production rates and balanced inventories prevented steeper declines, keeping the market range-bound with limited volatility.
In Q1 2025, Para Nitro Toluene FOB Nhava Sheva prices rose to USD 903/MT, marking a +6.91% increase from the previous quarter. The uptick was driven by renewed demand from agrochemical and dye manufacturers as production activity picked up post-monsoon. Improved export demand, particularly from Southeast Asia, and tighter regional supply due to reduced stockpiles further supported the price recovery.
Q4 2024 saw Para Nitro Toluene FOB Nhava Sheva prices decline sharply to USD 845/MT, a significant -20.28% drop compared to Q3. The downturn was attributed to year-end destocking, weaker demand from the pharmaceutical sector, and increased competition from cheaper imports. Slower industrial activity during the festive season and ample domestic inventory levels also contributed to the bearish trend.
In Q3 2024, prices surged to USD 1059/MT, reflecting a strong +15.61% increase from Q2. The rally was fueled by robust demand from the polymer and specialty chemical industries, coupled with supply disruptions caused by monsoon-related logistics delays. Higher feedstock costs and limited availability of imported material further tightened the market, pushing prices upward.
Q2 2024 recorded a steady rise in Para Nitro Toluene FOB Nhava Sheva prices, reaching USD 916/MT, up +10.41% from Q1. The increase was supported by strong pre-monsoon procurement from domestic manufacturers and growing export orders. Supply chain bottlenecks, including port congestion and higher freight costs, also played a role in sustaining the upward price momentum.
During Q1 2024, prices eased to USD 830/MT, a modest -2.58% decline from the previous quarter. The dip was driven by subdued post-holiday demand and cautious buying sentiment amid global economic uncertainties. However, stable production rates and balanced inventories prevented a steeper fall, keeping the market relatively steady with limited volatility.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global para nitro toluene price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the para nitro toluene 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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U.S.–China Trade War and Tariffs on Aromatics (2025):
In 2025, the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China resulted in the imposition of steep tariffs on various aromatic chemicals, including para nitro toluene. This led to significant price hikes in North America due to reduced availability of para nitro toluene from China, a major producer. The tariffs created supply chain disruptions, especially for industries relying on para nitro toluene for producing dyes, pesticides, and other chemicals. The escalation in trade barriers caused price volatility and uncertainty in global markets.
Middle East Shipping Lane Disruptions (2024):
In late 2024, political instability and increased piracy in key Middle Eastern shipping lanes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted global shipping routes. This affected para nitro toluene shipments from major production hubs in the Middle East and India to Europe and North America. Rerouting shipments to alternative ports led to increased freight costs and delays, causing price surges in the European and U.S. markets. Additionally, fluctuations in regional supply chains resulted in short-term local price increases.
Russia-Ukraine War and Raw Material Shortages (2022–Present):
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began in 2022, has had a significant impact on chemical markets, including para nitro toluene. Russia, a key supplier of raw materials such as toluene, faced sanctions that disrupted its export of key chemicals. The interruption in toluene supply, which is essential for the production of para nitro toluene, led to price volatility. In addition, disruptions in energy supplies affected the cost of manufacturing, further escalating prices globally. European manufacturers, reliant on Russian toluene, were especially affected, leading to increased prices for para nitro toluene.
Surge in Demand for Para Nitro Toluene in Agricultural Chemicals (2023):
n 2023, the demand for agricultural chemicals, particularly pesticides and herbicides, saw an unexpected surge. Para nitro toluene is a crucial intermediate in the production of certain pesticides, and as global agricultural output increased, so did the demand for para nitro toluene. The surge led to a supply-demand imbalance, causing price hikes in the global market. This surge in demand from agriculture, combined with logistical challenges, created upward pressure on prices.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
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Molecular Formula
Para Nitro Toluene is a yellow crystalline solid with a faint aromatic odor. It is primarily used in the manufacture of agrochemicals, dyes, and explosives. Para Nitro Toluene is an essential intermediate in the production of herbicides, insecticides, and certain pharmaceutical compounds. It also plays a significant role in producing explosives such as TNT. Para Nitro Toluene is typically produced through the nitration of toluene using a mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids. Due to its high reactivity, it is crucial in the chemical industry, particularly in the production of various nitro compounds and specialty chemicals.
Packaging Type
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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.
Physical Properties | |
Density | 1.268 g/cm³ @ 25°C |
Flash point | > 120°C (Closed cup) |
Boiling point | 238°C (decomposes) |
Vapor pressure | < 0.01 kPa @ 25°C |
Appearance | Yellow crystalline solid, faint aromatic odor |
Applications
Para Nitro Toluene (PNT) is primarily used in the production of agrochemicals, such as herbicides and insecticides, where it acts as a critical intermediate in the synthesis of various active ingredients. It also plays a significant role in the manufacturing of dyes and pigments, particularly in the textile industry, where it is used to produce vibrant colors in fabrics and materials.
PNT is used in the production of pharmaceuticals, where it serves as a building block in the synthesis of compounds with medicinal properties. Additionally, it is involved in the creation of explosives like TNT (trinitrotoluene), playing a key role in the defense and mining industries. Para Nitro Toluene is also used in the production of antioxidants and other specialty chemicals that support a wide range of applications across industrial, consumer, and research sectors.
The price of Para Nitro Toluene (PNT) is influenced by several key factors, including the cost of feedstocks like toluene and nitric acid, which are essential for its production. Supply-demand dynamics, production capacity utilization, and unexpected shutdowns or maintenance at manufacturing facilities also play a significant role in pricing trends. Geopolitical tensions, energy costs, and regulatory changes related to environmental compliance impact production and, consequently, pricing. Furthermore, demand from end-use industries such as agrochemicals, dyes, and pharmaceuticals affects market prices. Shifts in production capacity or raw material costs in major manufacturing regions, such as Asia, North America, and Europe, also have an impact on global price trends.
Global supply and demand shifts have a direct impact on Para Nitro Toluene prices. An increase in demand from sectors such as agrochemicals, dye manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals can push prices higher, especially if supply is constrained due to feedstock limitations or plant shutdowns. On the other hand, an oversupply resulting from capacity expansions or weakened demand from key sectors, such as during economic downturns or shifts in production needs, can lead to price reductions. Market participants must closely monitor fluctuations in raw material prices, plant operations, and consumption trends across key industries to anticipate price movements and optimize procurement strategies.
Para Nitro Toluene pricing varies by region due to factors such as the availability of feedstocks, transportation costs, and local demand from key industries like agrochemicals, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. For example, pricing in Asia may be more volatile due to fluctuations in the supply of toluene and the high demand for PNT in the region’s manufacturing sectors. In contrast, North American prices may experience more stability due to abundant local production and logistics infrastructure. Regional differences in environmental regulations and production capabilities also affect pricing structures. Procurement teams must monitor regional price trends, assess supply chain risks, and adopt flexible sourcing strategies to mitigate risks and optimize cost-effectiveness across regions.
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