Moving into Q1 2025, the Phosphoric Acid market in FOB Casablanca (Fertilizer Grade (50-55%)) continued its upward trajectory, with prices climbing to $973/MT, reflecting a 3.21% increase from Q4. The rise was largely driven by steady demand from end-use industries, including agriculture and food processing. Additionally, stable export activity to Asian and European markets played a key role in maintaining price strength. While market conditions remained firm, buyers closely monitored further developments in global demand trends to anticipate future price movements.
In Q4 2024, Phosphoric Acid prices in FOB Casablanca (Fertilizer Grade (50-55%)) rebounded, reaching $943/MT, marking a 5.79% increase from Q3. The market saw stronger demand from key importing countries, particularly in the agricultural sector, as fertilizer producers ramped up production ahead of the next planting season. Additionally, sustained interest from the food and detergent industries contributed to the price rise. Improved global trade activity also supported exports, keeping the supply-demand balance tighter.
In Q3 2024, the Phosphoric Acid market in FOB Casablanca (Fertilizer Grade (50-55%)) experienced a declining trend, with prices reported at $891/MT, reflecting a -3.15% decline from Q2. This was primarily due to moderate demand from global fertilizer manufacturers, as some buyers opted for a wait-and-watch approach amid uncertain market conditions. Additionally, higher inventory levels from the previous quarter allowed buyers to delay fresh purchases, leading to a softer pricing trend. Despite this, stable consumption from industrial applications helped prevent a sharper decline in prices.
As we moved into Q2 2024, the price of Phosphoric Acid in FOB Casablanca (Fertilizer Grade (50-55%)) further decreased to $920/MT, representing a decline of 3.44% from Q1. This ongoing trend was driven by a combination of factors, including reduced export activity and an abundant supply in the market. Global supply chain challenges also played a role, as some logistical disruptions impacted on the flow of goods, particularly in the agricultural sector, leading to a temporary decrease in pricing.
In Q1 2024, the global Phosphoric Acid market experienced a mixed trend. In FOB Casablanca (Fertilizer Grade (50-55%)), prices were reported at $953/MT, reflecting a slight decrease of –1.85% from the previous quarter. This drop was attributed to stable production levels and a reduction in demand from agricultural sectors, which typically influence pricing. Meanwhile, the USA and Jordan saw varying dynamics due to different agricultural cycles and export demands, impacting the overall market sentiment.
When Q1 2025 started, Ex-Mumbai (Food Grade (85%)) prices dipped even lower to $1080/MT, down by 5.68% from Q4. Demand for food-grade chemicals in Mumbai during the first quarter is generally thin as industries exhaust available stocks bought in the previous quarter’s rush. There were no significant food industry festivals or events this quarter, and buyers therefore took a wait-and-watch stance. In addition, weak customer sentiment and foreign import competition brought down trade pace at the Ex-Mumbai market.
By Q4 2024, Ex-Mumbai (Food Grade (85%)) prices experienced a slight decrease of 1.29%, slipping to $1145/MT. After the major festive season concluded, bulk buyers reduced their procurement activity, leading to a temporary dip in consumption across Mumbai’s food-grade sector. The availability of imported material at competitive rates, along with steady local production, ensured an abundant supply situation in the market. This, coupled with year-end stock clearance tendencies, led to minor price softening.
During Q3 2024, the market saw a corrective 3.11% hike, pushing Ex-Mumbai (Food Grade (85%)) prices to $1160/MT, led by a seasonal increase in demand from packaged food and beverage industries with festive activities starting in western India. Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri festivals have resulted in production activity in food processing units in and around Maharashtra, which has increased demand for food-grade Phosphoric Acid used in preservation and adjustment of acidity. Transportation congestion at the Mumbai port was also responsible for exerting short-run tightness in availability that in its turn caused upward pressure on prices to remain.
During Q2 2024, Ex-Mumbai (Food Grade (85%)) prices declined once more by 0.88% to $1125/MT as demand was subdued at the beginning of summer. The season usually favors higher off-take of processed food and soft beverages but below-normal temperatures in western India and weak consumer sentiment curbed the anticipated pick-up in demand. Moreover, sufficient supply from domestic players and regular import arrivals at Mumbai port maintained supply-side fundamentals well, triggering moderate competition among suppliers and slightly softer prices.
In Q1 2024, the Indian Ex-Mumbai market of Phosphoric Acid (Food Grade (85%)) was sentimentally weak by a minor margin since prices remained stable at $1135/MT, down by a minor 0.44% from the last quarter. The decline was largely attributed to subdued buying by the food and beverages industry, which accumulated stocks during festival-rich Q4 2023. Since Mumbai is well penetrated by processed foods, soft drinks, and packaged foods industries, festive season slack in consumer off-take following end-of-year festivals resulted in weak runouts, thus weakening the demand for food-grade Phosphoric Acid in the area.
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These events highlight the Phosphoric Acid market’s sensitivity to various global factors, emphasizing the importance of monitoring supply-demand dynamics and geopolitical developments.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Phosphoric 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
Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄) is a clear, colourless liquid or a white crystalline solid in its pure form. It is a key ingredient known for its acidity and ability to act as a vital nutrient in fertilizers. Phosphoric Acid produced through several methods, including the wet process, which involves the reaction of Phosphate rock with Sulfuric Acid. This versatile and environmentally friendly chemical plays a crucial role in various industries, contributing to agriculture, food processing, and industrial applications.
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.
Characteristics | Specifications |
H3PO4 | 85.00% |
P2O5 | 61.60% |
Specific Gravity at 25°C | 1.685 g/mL |
Colour | < 10.0 (APHA) |
Arsenic (As) | < 0.8 (mg/Kg) |
Fluoride (F) | 10.0 (mg/Kg) |
Iron (Fe) | 20 (mg/Kg) |
Heavy Metal (as Pb) | < 10(mg/Kg) |
Lead (Pb) | < 0.4 (mg/Kg) |
Cadmium (Cd) | 0.0 (mg/Kg) |
Nickel (Ni) | < 0.2 (mg/Kg) |
Chromium (Cr) | < 0.6 (mg/Kg) |
Mercury (Hg) | < 0.05 (mg/Kg) |
Copper (Cu) | < 0.1 (mg/Kg) |
Phosphorus (P) | 26.90% |
Sulphates (SO4) | 383 (mg/Kg) |
Chloride (Cl) | < 20.0 (mg/Kg) |
Volatile acids (as Acetic acid) | < 10 (mg/Kg) |
Nitrates | < 5 (mg/Kg) |
Visual Appearance | Clear, colourless liquid without visible particles. |
Fertilizer Grade (50-55%)
Item | Unit | Index |
P2O5 | wt./wt.% | ≥52% |
CaO | wt./wt.% | ≤0.5 |
MgO | wt./wt.% | ≤1.0 |
Al2O3 | wt./wt.% | ≤2.4 |
Fe2O3 | wt./wt.% | ≤2.4 |
SO4 | wt./wt.% | ≤4 |
SiO2 | wt./wt.% | ≤0.5 |
F | wt./wt.% | ≤0.4 |
Cl | wt./wt.% | ≤0.03 |
Suspended Solids | wt./wt.% | ≤1 |
Applications
Phosphoric Acid is widely used in various industries due to its versatility. Its primary application is in the production of fertilizers, where it provides essential Phosphorus nutrients to promote plant growth. Additionally, Phosphoric Acid is used in food processing as an acidulant and flavouring agent in soft drinks and other products.
The price of Phosphoric Acid is influenced by several factors, including:
Raw material costs: The price of Phosphate rock and Sulphur, which are critical inputs in Phosphoric Acid production, directly impacts pricing.
Supply and demand dynamics: Seasonal fluctuations, agricultural demand (for fertilizers), and industrial uses (like food additives and detergents) affect market pricing.
Geopolitical events: Export restrictions, trade policies, or political instability in key producing countries can lead to supply shortages, causing price fluctuations.
Logistics and freight costs: Transportation challenges, including shipping rates and fuel costs, also play a significant role in pricing variations across different regions.
Global economic conditions heavily influence the pricing of Phosphoric Acid. During periods of economic growth, the demand for fertilizers in agriculture and Phosphoric Acid in industrial applications tends to increase, driving prices upward. Conversely, during economic slowdowns or recessions, reduced demand from end-use industries can lead to lower prices. Additionally, inflation, currency fluctuations, and changes in energy prices can also impact production costs, further affecting market prices.
Current trends in Phosphoric Acid pricing are largely driven by:
Seasonal agricultural demand, particularly in regions where Phosphate-based fertilizers are widely used.
Environmental regulations, which may affect production capacity in major producing countries.
Technological advancements in production processes, which can reduce costs and stabilize prices. Procurement heads can secure the best deals by closely monitoring the market for key indicators like raw material price shifts, maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, and locking in long-term contracts during periods of price stability to avoid market volatility.
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