Super Absorbent Polymer (sap) Price Trend and Forecast

Super Absorbent Polymer Price Trend Q1 2025

By 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.

Super Absorbent Polymer Price Trend Q2 2025

According to PriceWatch, In the second quarter of 2025, prices for Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP), Industrial Grade, on an FOB Shanghai basis averaged $1185 per metric ton, marking a 1.91% decline compared to the first quarter. The downward movement was primarily driven by softening prices of feedstock acrylic acid, which faced pressure from falling propylene costs in China market.

As feedstock values eased, Chinese SAP producers gained cost flexibility and passed on partial reductions to maintain competitiveness in export markets. Supply fundamentals remained stable, with most production units operating at regular capacity and no notable outages reported. Export inquiries remained steady from South Asia and Southeast Asia, but most buyers held back from large-volume orders amid expectations of further price moderation.

Logistics channels remained efficient, with ocean freight rates showing minimal fluctuations. As a result, pricing momentum in the industrial SAP segment turned slightly bearish through the quarter, with market participants anticipating range-bound movement heading into Q3 unless feedstock dynamics shift sharply.

Super Absorbent Polymer Price Trend Q3 2025

In the third quarter of 2025, the global Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) market showed mixed price trend across regions with different levels of downstream demand and feedstock dynamics and trade developments.

Asian markets like China and the US have been relatively stable conditions that reinforced by consistent hygiene demand and balanced supply fundamentals. Strong domestic consumption in India from diaper and hygiene manufacturers made for an overall firm market sentiment.

Brazil continued to exhibit a stronger market price trend largely due to high import costs and tighter availability in the region. Some Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines and Indonesia exhibited softer market activity due to slow buying momentum and higher supply.

Overall, the global SAP market in Q3 2025 has been balanced with different regional markets largely defined by domestic consumption trends, supply chain adjustments, and raw material dynamics.

China: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Export prices FOB Shanghai, China, Grade Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58).

According to Price-Watch™, the market for Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) in China showed a gradual upward trend during the 3rd quarter of 2025 averaging USD 1,180-1,200/MT, which is a 0.1% increase from the previous quarter.

The SAP price trend in China buoyed by stable demand from the hygiene and diaper producing sectors and balanced supply fundamentals across key producing regions. Producers acted to moderate operating rates in order to stabilize inventories despite somewhat weak buying interest.

In the month of September, the Chinese SAP price increased further to USD 1,215/MT, a 2.7% increase from the month of August, given restocking activity and solid downstream consumption ahead of the Golden Week holidays.

Overall, stable feedstock costs and healthy supply levels combined with a consistent demand dynamic have contributed to a stable to moderately firm outlook for the market entering early in Q4 2025.

Korea: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Export prices FOB Busan, South Korea, Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58).

The price trend of Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) in South Korea experienced a slight upward trajectory in the third quarter of 2025, fluctuating between the rates of USD 1,240-1,260/MT after increasing by 2% during the quarter due to strong demand from hygiene and personal care industries as well as stronger export flows to Southeast Asian regions. Supply availability remained balanced in the market as most domestic producers operated at consistent rates, maintaining stable inventory levels.

SAP prices in South Korea have moved another 1.29% upwards from August to September 2025 on the back of steady demand from buyers and firms restocking before the approaching season. Overall, production costs remain stable, demand from regional markets is solid, and supply availability is consistent as we physically enter into early Q4 2025.

India: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Domestically traded prices Ex-Vadodara, India, Grade Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58)

Throughout Q3 2025, the price trend for Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) in the Indian domestic market has shifted moderately upwards. Prices have averaged to approximately USD 1,530-1,550/MT on the quarter, reflecting a 1.38% increase in price from Q2 2025. The demand from the hygiene sector, notably from diaper and sanitary product manufacturers, has been stable due to raw material availability and modest import trends.

Domestic manufacturers continued to run their plants, including adequate shipment activity to converter customers, continuing domestic assurances. The prices of SAP in India increased slightly by 0.18% in September 2025 compared to August levels.

The price increase has been supported by consistent offtake in the market and stable feedstock costs. The domestic demand for SAP, coupled with adequate supply conditions, and reasonable consumption on hygiene applications, kept the Indian SAP market stable-to-firm as it transitioned to Q4 2025.

USA: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Import prices CIF Houston (South Korea), USA, Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58).

According to Price-Watch™, the Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) price trend in the USA has reflected a steady performance during Q3 2025, with average prices around USD 1,400-1,420/MT, showing a mild quarterly uptick of 0.41%. The market has been supported by consistent downstream demand from hygiene and personal care sectors, while supply flows have remained balanced due to stable production rates and moderate import activities.

Improved consumer spending and steady operating rates at key plants have helped sustain market stability through the quarter. In September 2025, SAP prices in the USA have registered a 1.08% increase from August levels, attributed to sustained buying interest and firm feedstock acrylic acid values. Overall, stable demand fundamentals and balanced supply dynamics have kept the U.S. SAP market moderately firm moving into early Q4 2025.

Brazil: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Import prices CIF Houston (South Korea), USA, Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58).

The Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) price trend in Brazil has displayed a strong upward movement through Q3 2025, averaging around USD 1,450-1,470/MT, marking a notable quarterly increase of 11.46%. The market has witnessed robust demand from the hygiene and absorbent product sectors, while constrained regional supply and high import dependence have contributed to the firm sentiment.

However, by September 2025, SAP prices in Brazil have decreased by 3.32% from August levels, as improved import availability and easing freight rates have reduced cost pressures. Despite the month-end correction, the overall Q3 trend has remained positive, supported by strong end-use demand and earlier supply tightness. Looking forward, balanced supply conditions and steady downstream consumption are likely to keep Brazil’s SAP market stable-to-soft in early Q4 2025.

Bangladesh: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Import prices CIF Chittagong (China), Bangladesh, Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58).

The Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) price trend in Bangladesh has exhibited a steady upward movement during Q3 2025, averaging around USD 1,310-1,330/MT, reflecting a quarterly increase of 1.59%. Prices have been supported by consistent demand from hygiene product manufacturers and moderate restocking activity by converters. Stable feedstock availability and controlled imports have helped maintain balanced market fundamentals throughout the quarter.

In September 2025, SAP prices in Bangladesh have further risen by 3.3% from August levels, driven by stronger procurement activity ahead of seasonal consumption and stable supply conditions. Overall, firm end-use demand and steady market sentiment have been expected to support SAP price stability in early Q4 2025.

Philippines: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Import prices CIF Manila (China), Philippines, Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58).

The Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) price trend in the Philippines has reflected a subdued tone during Q3 2025, averaging around USD 1,245-1,265/MT, marking a 2.52% fall from the previous quarter. The market has witnessed moderate buying activity, with downstream hygiene product manufacturers adopting a cautious procurement approach amid sufficient inventory levels.

However, stable feedstock prices and balanced regional supply have helped prevent any sharp downturns. In September 2025, SAP prices in the Philippines have rebounded by 2.6% from August levels, supported by renewed restocking demand and consistent regional import flows. Overall, stable demand fundamentals and improved buying sentiment have been expected to lend moderate support to prices in early Q4 2025.

Indonesia: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Import prices CIF Jakarta (China), Indonesia, Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58).

The Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) price trend in Indonesia has shown a moderate downward movement during Q3 2025, averaging around USD 1,230-1,250/MT, reflecting a 0.92% drop from the previous quarter. The market has experienced subdued demand from hygiene product manufacturers, while balanced import flows and stable local supply have prevented any sharp price corrections.

In September 2025, SAP prices in Indonesia have risen by 2.7% from August levels, driven by increased restocking activity and renewed downstream procurement. Overall, steady feedstock availability, balanced supply, and cautious buying sentiment have helped maintain market stability, with moderate support for SAP prices expected in early Q4 2025.

Super Absorbent Polymer Price Trend Q4 2025

The price trends of Global Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) have been varied in Q4 2025 due to differences in feedstock dynamics and varying demand across major regions. In China, SAP prices have increased due to higher domestic feedstock costs and occasional supply interruptions.

On the other hand, SAP prices in South Korea have decreased because of weak demand for exports and low upstream support. In China, elevated production costs and limited supply have supported upward pricing momentum; however due to cautious buyer behavior, the extent of increase has been limited by downstream buyer resistance.

In South Korea, on the other hand, due to weak feedstock support, low inventories of SAP in South Korea, and weak demand from hygiene-related industries, SAP prices have decreased in export-oriented markets.

The overall pricing trend has been affected by additional factors (i.e., low demand from diaper and hygiene-related industries caused by year-end destocking, limited trading activities, and delayed purchasing in all markets) leading to mixed and range-bound pricing sentiment.

China: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Export prices FOB Shanghai, China; Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58)

In Q4 2025, Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) prices in China (FOB) have been increasing by around 1.6% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting firm domestic cost support and intermittent supply constraints. The SAP price trend in China has been influenced by higher feedstock costs, which have increased production expenses and supported upward pricing momentum.

Supply conditions have remained relatively tight at times due to localized disruptions, while steady demand from hygiene sectors has provided some support to market stability. However, buyers have remained cautious, adopting a need-based procurement approach, which has limited the extent of price increases.

Overall trading activity has remained moderate, with resistance from downstream sectors capping further upside. In December 2025, SAP prices in China have declined by around 1.25% compared to the previous month, driven by year-end destocking, softer buying interest, and easing momentum in feedstock cost support.

South Korea: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Export prices FOB Busan, South Korea; Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58)

In Q4 2025, Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) prices in South Korea (FOB) have been declining by around 1.2% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting weak market fundamentals and reduced cost support. The SAP price trend in South Korea has been influenced by softer acrylic acid feedstock costs, which have lowered production cost pressure and weighed on pricing.

Demand from the hygiene sector has slowed, with manufacturers having limited procurement to near-term requirements amid comfortable inventory levels. Year-end destocking, thin trading activity, and deferred purchasing have further pressured market sentiment, while ample supply availability has prevented any upward price movement.

Overall, subdued demand and weak feedstock support have kept the market on a softer footing. In December 2025, SAP prices in South Korea have declined by around 2.2% compared to the previous month, driven by continued weak demand from hygiene manufacturers, ongoing destocking, and limited buying interest.

India: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Domestically traded prices Ex-Vadodara, India; Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58)

In Q4 2025, Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) prices in India (domestic market) have been increasing marginally by around 0.81% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting a relatively stable market with slight support from balanced supply-demand dynamics. The SAP price trend in India has been influenced by normalized inventory levels and moderate procurement activity, which have provided limited support to pricing during most of the quarter.

However, demand conditions have remained cautious, with buyers having slowed procurement and having delayed purchases amid weaker year-end demand visibility. Subdued offtake from the hygiene sector and lack of strong cost or supply-side support have limited further price gains.

Toward the end of the quarter, destocking activity has increased, weighing on market sentiment and pricing. In December 2025, SAP prices in India have declined by around 1.66% compared to the previous month, driven by continued destocking, weak hygiene-sector demand, and cautious buying behaviour.

USA: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Import prices CIF Houston (South Korea), USA; Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58)

In Q4 2025, Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) prices in the USA (CIF Houston, from South Korea) have been declining by around 2.7% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting weak import market conditions and subdued demand fundamentals. The SAP price trend in the USA has been influenced by declining freight rates on the Asia–US Gulf route, which have reduced landed costs, while balanced supply conditions have limited any upward pricing momentum.

Demand from the hygiene sector has remained muted, with buyers having deferred purchases and having followed a cautious, need-based procurement approach amid comfortable inventory levels. Thin pre-holiday trading activity and minimal restocking interest have further weighed on market sentiment, while stable logistics conditions have provided no cost-side support.

In December 2025, SAP prices in the USA have declined sharply by around 5.3% compared to the previous month, driven by year-end destocking, weak hygiene-sector offtake, and continued limited buying interest.

Brazil: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Import prices CIF Houston (South Korea), USA; Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58)

In Q4 2025, Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) prices in Brazil (CIF Santos, from South Korea) have been declining by around 8.2% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting weak import market conditions and subdued demand fundamentals. The SAP price trend in Brazil has been influenced by lower ocean freight rates, which have reduced landed costs, while balanced supply and comfortable inventory levels have limited any pricing recovery.

Demand from the hygiene sector has remained measured, with buyers having adopted a cautious, need-based procurement approach amid sufficient stock availability. Year-end demand slowdown, thin holiday trading activity, and deferred purchases have further weighed on market sentiment.

Stable logistics conditions and steady supply from South Korea have provided no upward cost support, keeping prices under pressure. In December 2025, SAP prices in Brazil have declined by around 4.2% compared to the previous month, driven by continued destocking, muted hygiene-sector demand, and limited restocking interest.

Bangladesh: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Import prices CIF Chittagong (China), Bangladesh; Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58)

In Q4 2025, Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) prices in Bangladesh (CIF imports) have been declining by around 1% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting weak import market conditions and subdued demand fundamentals. The SAP price trend in Bangladesh has been influenced by comfortable supply availability and soft feedstock support, which have limited any upward pricing momentum.

Demand from the hygiene sector has remained moderate to weak, with buyers having adopted a cautious, need-based procurement approach amid sufficient inventory coverage. Limited buying urgency, along with steady import flows, has kept market activity subdued, while balanced supply-demand conditions have prevented any price recovery.

In December 2025, SAP prices in Bangladesh have declined by around 1.4% compared to the previous month, driven by continued cautious buying behaviour, weak hygiene-sector demand, and ongoing year-end destocking trends.

Philippines: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Import prices CIF Manila (China), Philippines; Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58)

Prices of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) imported to Philippines reached an increase of approx. 1.6% (CIF China) as at end -Q4-2025 compared to Q3 2025 and this result included price support due to high upstream costs (China) reflected through firm price points for import orders.

However, strong offers from China dictated the ongoing pricing trend within the Philippines; because although feedstock prices remained at elevated levels, the producer pricing continued to be supported by these feedstock cost increases into final export product pricing established on the China F.O.B. pricing.

Demand for SAPs used in hygiene products into the Philippines have remained solid but consumers are being cautious and are only buying on an as-needed basis to fulfil their respective production requirements; thus, the ability to push pricing upward has been limited due to the existing strength of supply condition.

Supply conditions have been relatively balanced with steady import flow into the market from China providing enough overall stock to meet the demands for SAPs. Throughout the quarter, overall trade activity remained steady with the influences of cost pressures on SAPs during most of the quarter having resulted in a continued upward trend in prices until shortly before year-end.

SAP pricing posted a decline of approximately 1.2% during December 2025 per prior month due to customers destocking before year-end; customer cautiousness associated with the year-end buying and reduced momentum associated with upstream cost pressure.

Indonesia: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Import prices CIF Jakarta (China), Indonesia; Grade- Hygiene Grade Granules (Free Absorbency: 55-58)

According to Price-Watch™, in Q4 2025, Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) prices in Indonesia (CIF from China) have been increasing by around 1.5% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting relatively firm import pricing supported by higher upstream costs in China. The SAP price trend in Indonesia has been influenced by stronger FOB China offers, as elevated feedstock costs have supported production economics and export pricing.

Demand from the hygiene sector has remained moderate, while buyers have adopted a cautious, need-based procurement approach, which has limited further upside in pricing. Supply conditions have remained balanced, with steady import flows ensuring sufficient availability in the market.

Overall trading activity has remained stable, with cost-push factors supporting prices during most of the quarter. In December 2025, SAP prices in Indonesia have declined by around 1.2% compared to the previous month, driven by year-end destocking, cautious buying behaviour, and easing momentum in upstream cost support.