Phosphoric Acid Pricing Assessment
UNSPC: 51171811

  • Commodity Pricing

phosphoric acid Markets Covered: 

maMorocco
usUnited States
cnChina
vnVietnam
joJordan
inIndia
trTurkey
thThailand
esSpain
krKorea
saSaudi Arabia
pePeru
mxMexico
idIndonesia
caCanada
brBrazil
beBelgium
arArgentina
auAustralia

phosphoric acid Markets Covered: 

Global phosphoric acid Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

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. 

India phosphoric acid Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

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. 

phosphoric acid Parameters Covered: 

  • Phosphate rock
  • Sulfuric Acid
  • Elemental Phosphorus
  • Morocco
  • Vietnam
  • China
  • Jordan
  • USA
  • Preservative (Processed food)
  • Acidity regulator (Carbonated drinks)
  • Leavening agent (Baked goods)
  • Brazil
  • Spain
  • Turkey
  • Belgium
  • India
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Peru
  • South Korea
  • Argentina
  • Thailand
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Canada
  • Mexico

phosphoric acid Parameters Covered: 

Why PriceWatch?

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

Track PriceWatch's phosphoric 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 Phosphoric Acid prices

  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): Initially, demand for Phosphoric Acid dipped due to industrial shutdowns. However, as agricultural needs surged, particularly for fertilizers, prices rebounded sharply. 
  • U.S.-China Trade Disputes (2018): Tariffs and trade tensions disrupted trade flows and affected the Phosphoric Acid market, leading to price instability. 
  • Regulatory Changes on Environmental Concerns (2018): Stricter regulations regarding Phosphorus runoff and environmental impacts began to affect production practices and costs, contributing to fluctuations in Phosphoric Acid prices. 
  • Shifts in Global Demand (2017): Changes in agricultural practices and crop yields influenced demand for Phosphoric Acid fertilizers, leading to fluctuations in prices. 

 

These events highlight the Phosphoric Acid market’s sensitivity to various global factors, emphasizing the importance of monitoring supply-demand dynamics and geopolitical developments. 

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch gathers real-time pricing data from a wide range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures our assessments reflect the most current market conditions for phosphoric acid. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team collects insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major Phosphoric Acid production regions. This ground-level intelligence is essential for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Phosphoric Acid supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., Phosphate rock, Sulfuric Acid) to production and distribution channels. This includes 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, which can significantly impact Phosphoric Acid prices. We analyse potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing.
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess how natural disasters, such as floods or droughts, affect Phosphoric Acid production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks.
  • Agricultural Trends: Given that Phosphoric Acid is crucial for fertilizers, we evaluate shifts in agricultural demand, including crop yields and planting trends. This helps us predict changes in Phosphoric Acid demand and corresponding price movements.
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Phosphoric Acid production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

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

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including agriculture, food processing, and industrial applications. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology accounts for regional demand variations and how they influence global Phosphoric Acid pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in agricultural practices, trade policies, and environmental regulations. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast Phosphoric Acid prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, 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. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • 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. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice. 

 

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]

97.994

CAS No

7664-38-2

HS Code

28092010

Molecular Formula

H3PO4
phosphoric acid

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

1650 Kg IBC Drum (Import-Export), 35 Kg Drum (Domestic)

Grades Covered

Food Grade (85%), Fertilizer Grade (50-55%)

Incoterms Used

FOB Shanghai, FOB Houston, FOB Haiphong, FOB Casablanca, FOB Aqaba, Ex-Mumbai, CIF Sydney (China), CIF Bangkok (China), CIF Buenos Aires (China), CIF Busan (China), CIF Callao (China),CIF Jakarta (China),CIF Jeddah (Jordan), CIF Mersin (Jordan, Morocco), CIF Manzanillo (USA), CIF Montreal (USA), CIF Nhava Sheva (Jordan, Morocco, Vietnam), CIF Santos (Morocco), CIF Antwerp (Morocco), CIF Barcelona (Morocco).

Synonym

Orthophosphoric Acid

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-30 MT (Import-Export), 15-20 MT (Domestic)

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. 

Phosphoric 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 phosphoric 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 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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