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IndonesiaBy Q1 2025, Super Absorbent Polymer (Industrial Grade) prices in China recorded a marginal decline to $1205/MT FOB Shanghai, marking a 0.6% dip from Q4 2024. The market remained well-supplied, with production levels aligning closely with demand. While consumer-driven applications in hygiene products continued to provide stable support, a moderate slowdown in global trade activity slightly impacted purchasing momentum. Nonetheless, the market outlook remained steady, with expectations of gradual demand recovery in the coming months.
In Q4 2024, the Super Absorbent Polymer (Industrial Grade) market in China saw a slight stabilization, with prices settling at $1214/MT FOB Shanghai, a 0.22% dip from the previous quarter. This minor correction was influenced by steady production levels and improved inventory management by major manufacturers. While demand from personal care and medical industries remained stable, a slower-than-expected economic recovery in some global markets led to more balanced supply conditions. Additionally, smoother logistics and better vessel availability helped stabilize trade flows, reducing pressure on prices.
In Q3 2024, the Super Absorbent Polymer (Industrial Grade) market in China experienced a moderate upward trend, with prices reaching $1217/MT FOB Shanghai, reflecting a 2.5% increase from Q2 2024. This rise was mainly driven by consistent demand from the hygiene and medical sectors, particularly for diaper and sanitary product manufacturing. Additionally, a gradual recovery in global trade activity led to increased exports, further supporting price growth. However, supply chain disruptions caused by logistical bottlenecks at key Chinese ports and extended delivery times contributed to market tightness, keeping prices on an upward trajectory.
In Q2 2024, the bearish trend continued as SAP (Industrial Grade) prices in China dropped further to $1185/MT FOB Shanghai, a 4.2% decrease from Q1. The dip was attributed to low demand for hygiene products, specifically in the baby diaper and adult incontinence markets, which are significant consumers of SAP. Additionally, unfavourable agricultural conditions reduced demand for SAP in water retention applications. Rising production costs, driven by elevated raw material prices and persistent logistical challenges, further dampened market sentiment, contributing to declining prices.
In Q1 2024, the global Super Absorbent Polymer (Industrial Grade) market experienced a slight bearish trend, primarily influenced by reduced demand and a downward shift in prices. In East Asia, particularly in China, SAP prices were reported at $1239/MT FOB Shanghai, reflecting a decrease of 4.9% from the previous quarter. This decline was driven by lower consumption of SAP in key sectors like hygiene products and agriculture, as well as shifts in market dynamics. Despite this decrease, strong demand from healthcare and personal care industries in South Korea helped stabilize prices in the region.
In Q1 2025, Super Absorbent Polymer (Industrial Grade) prices in India declined to $1492/MT Ex-Vadodara, recording a 1.92% drop from the previous quarter. The slight downward movement was largely attributed to limited procurement activity in the hygiene and diaper manufacturing segments, where demand remained underwhelming due to slow retail offtake. Additionally, consistent availability of imported material at competitive rates—especially from East Asian suppliers—further weighed on domestic pricing. Although upstream costs for acrylic acid showed relative stability, buying interest was cautious as processors monitored the budget announcement and broader consumption trends before increasing order volumes.
In Q4 2024, prices dropped to $1521/MT Ex-Vadodara, reflecting a 4.82% decrease quarter-on-quarter. The decline was influenced by inventory surplus and a subdued demand environment across hygiene and agricultural absorbent applications. Year-end slowdowns across consumer product segments, along with sporadic international inquiries, led to softer market sentiment. Cheaper CIF offers, particularly from China and South Korea, undercut domestic distributor pricing, contributing to the overall bearish trend during the quarter.
In Q3 2024, the Indian SAP (Industrial Grade) market saw a temporary rebound, with prices climbing to $1598/MT Ex-Vadodara, up 3.90% from the previous quarter. The price gain was driven by restocking activity from major diaper and sanitary product manufacturers ahead of the festive season. Additionally, slightly tighter supply from Korea due to logistical bottlenecks added firmness to the market. However, the increase was short-lived as demand remained confined to specific end-use categories, and resistance to higher prices began emerging late in the quarter.
In Q2 2024, prices softened to $1538/MT Ex-Vadodara, a 2.57% decline compared to Q1. The correction came as bulk procurement eased following the initial restocking in Q1, and domestic producers preferred to operate with leaner inventories amid lukewarm consumer product sales. Moreover, increased CIF inflows from South Korea, where crude-linked feedstock costs were under pressure, contributed to more attractive import offers, putting further strain on domestic price realizations.
In Q1 2024, SAP (Industrial Grade) prices stood at $1579/MT Ex-Vadodara, down 3.26% from Q4 2023. The dip was driven by softened demand in key hygiene product segments, as manufacturers carried over surplus stock from year-end procurement cycles. Imported material, particularly from China and South Korea, continued to arrive in steady volumes, maintaining a comfortable supply scenario. While upstream crude prices influenced sentiment in broader chemical markets, the direct cost impact on SAP pricing remained limited during the quarter.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) is a highly versatile and innovative material designed to absorb and retain large quantities of liquid relative to its own mass. Typically made from cross-linked polymers, SAP is primarily used in applications such as hygiene products (diapers, adult incontinence pads, and feminine hygiene products), agricultural practices (soil moisture retention), and medical applications (wound care). Known for its exceptional absorbent capacity and rapid moisture retention, SAP can absorb up to 300 times its weight in water, transforming liquids into gel-like substances. This property not only enhances product performance but also contributes to improved comfort and efficiency.
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.
| Property | Specification |
| Form | White Powder |
| pH | 5.5-6.5 |
| Bulk Density | 560-720 g/L |
| Surface Tension | <72 dyne/cm |
Applications
Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) have a wide range of applications, primarily due to their ability to absorb and retain large amounts of liquid relative to their own weight. The most common application of SAP is in hygiene products, such as baby diapers, adult incontinence pads, and sanitary napkins, where their ability to lock in moisture helps keep the skin dry and comfortable. Beyond hygiene, SAPs are also used in agriculture to improve soil water retention, reducing the need for frequent irrigation and aiding in drought-prone areas. They also find use in packaging materials, as well as in controlling water in cables and fire-fighting gels.
The pricing of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) is influenced by several key factors, including the cost of raw materials such as acrylic acid and sodium hydroxide, production capacities, and technological advancements in manufacturing processes. Fluctuations in demand from industries like personal hygiene, agriculture, and medical sectors also play a significant role. Additionally, environmental regulations and the push for sustainable production methods can impact costs.
Raw material costs, particularly for acrylic acid, are a critical determinant of Super Absorbent Polymer pricing. When there are increases in the prices of these feedstocks due to supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, or changes in production levels, it typically leads to higher SAP prices. Conversely, a decrease in raw material costs can result in lower SAP prices.
Super Absorbent Polymer prices can vary significantly across regions due to differences in production capacities, local demand, and availability of raw materials. For instance, countries like China and South Korea may offer more competitive pricing due to established production facilities and abundant feedstock access.
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