United States
Netherlands
India
South Korea
Australia
Finland
Saudi ArabiaAccording to the PriceWatch, In Q1 2025, TOFA FOB Savannah prices averaged USD 2178.33 per metric ton. This marked a quarterly gain of +10.02% from Q4 2024. The TOFA price trend shifted upward, led by restocking interest from polymer and oilfield chemical industries. Traders pointed to reduced stock levels and prompt shipment availability as key drivers behind renewed buyer activity.
Market sentiment strengthened as buyers anticipated firmer pricing ahead of the spring season. Despite stable production, lean inventories helped maintain positive momentum in the TOFA market. The TOFA price chart captured this recovery trajectory with a gradual climb through the quarter.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) FOB Savannah prices averaged USD 2393.33 per metric ton. This marked a quarterly increase of +9.87% from the previous quarter. The TOFA price trend remained firm, supported by a seasonal rise in demand from alkyd resins and surfactants across the US and Europe.
Market participants noted tighter inventories in the Southeast US, while mild congestion at key ports slightly disrupted loadings. Exporters reported stronger inquiries from Latin America and Western Europe, lending support to the overall TOFA market. The TOFA price chart reflected a steady upward movement, underpinned by consistent consumption and cautious seller positioning.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q1 2024, Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) FOB Savannah prices averaged USD 2661.67 per metric ton. This marked a modest decline of -3.85% from Q4 2023. The TOFA price trend edged lower as subdued demand from polymer and industrial cleaning sectors coincided with sufficient supply in the Gulf region.
Import substitution from South American sources also contributed to reduced procurement volumes. Sellers maintained regular shipments, but overall sentiment in the TOFA market stayed neutral. The TOFA price chart indicated a mild downward adjustment, with limited volatility across the period.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2024 Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) FOB Savannah prices averaged USD 2686.67 per metric ton. This marked a mild increase of +0.94% from Q1 2024. The TOFA price trend showed signs of stabilization, supported by moderate buying from surfactants and dimer acid manufacturers.
Export activity improved slightly as overseas buyers tested the market amid steady logistics and unchanged production levels. Sellers maintained a balanced stance, avoiding deep discounts while catering to contracted volumes. The TOFA market remained relatively steady, and the TOFA price chart reflected a narrow upward range with limited fluctuations.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q3 2024, Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) FOB Savannah prices averaged USD 2543.33 per metric ton. This marked a decline of -5.33% from Q2 2024. The TOFA price trend softened due to reduced offtake from coatings and construction-related industries, particularly amid erratic weather in the southeastern US.
Competitive offers from international suppliers created additional pressure on domestic producers. Market participants cited cautious procurement behavior as inventories remained manageable. The TOFA market sentiment leaned bearish, and the TOFA price chart showed a gradual dip through the quarter.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q4 2024, Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) FOB Savannah prices averaged USD 1980 per metric ton. This marked a steep decline of -22.15% from the previous quarter. The TOFA price trend came under significant pressure as the year-end slowdown impacted buying interest from mining, cleaning agents, and other industrial applications.
Abundant availability of old cargoes and subdued demand from European buyers intensified the downward push. Sellers were seen offering aggressive discounts to liquidate stocks before the holiday period. The TOFA market remained oversupplied, and the TOFA price chart illustrated a sharp and continuous drop over the three-month span.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q1 2025, TOFA CIF Nhava Sheva prices averaged USD 2259.92 per metric ton. This marked a quarterly gain of +9.18% from Q4 2024. The TOFA price trend shifted upward following a period of sharp declines, as downstream sectors such as surfactants and polymer additives resumed volume-based procurement.
Traders reported limited old stocks in the pipeline, prompting some buyers to accelerate imports. Supply flows from key European origins remained consistent, and the TOFA market showed signs of recovery. The TOFA price chart highlighted a firm reversal from the previous quarter’s lows, reflecting improving sentiment.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) CIF Nhava Sheva prices averaged USD 2465.45 per metric ton. This marked a quarterly increase of +9.09% from the previous quarter. The TOFA price trend remained upward, driven by active procurement from alkyd resin and oilfield chemical segments.
Demand firmed across western India as restocking accelerated ahead of the monsoon season. Import availability remained steady, although freight adjustments and limited prompt parcels from Europe added some supply tightness. The TOFA market witnessed growing buying interest amid firm fundamentals, and the TOFA price chart displayed a consistent climb through the quarter.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q1 2024, TOFA CIF Nhava Sheva prices averaged USD 2750.89 per metric ton. This marked a marginal drop of -2.21% from Q4 2023. The TOFA price trend edged lower amid a slow start to the year and selective buying from surfactant and dimer acid manufacturers.
Inventory carryover from late Q4 arrivals reduced urgency for fresh bookings. The TOFA market-maintained balance despite the mild correction, and the TOFA price chart displayed limited downside fluctuations throughout the quarter.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2024, TOFA CIF Nhava Sheva prices averaged USD 2783.68 per metric ton. This marked a modest rise of +1.19% from Q1 2024. The TOFA price trend showed minor strength, supported by stable demand from polymer modifiers and mining chemicals.
Port operations ran smoothly, and supply from Finland and other European sources remained uninterrupted. However, limited spot activity and cautious buying kept gains in check. The TOFA market held steady, and the TOFA price chart recorded only a slight upward movement across the quarter.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q3 2024, TOFA CIF Nhava Sheva prices averaged USD 2675.43 per metric ton. This marked a quarterly decline of -3.89% from Q2 2024. The TOFA price trend remained under mild pressure as monsoon-related disruptions curtailed demand from construction and automotive-linked sectors.
Buyers showed resistance to higher offers amid sufficient inventory coverage and competitive alternatives. While supply chains functioned normally, sentiment in the TOFA market stayed muted. The TOFA price chart reflected a softening trend, with a gradual erosion in prices throughout the quarter.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q4 2024, TOFA CIF Nhava Sheva prices averaged USD 2069.84 per metric ton. This marked a significant drop of -22.64% from the previous quarter. The TOFA price trend turned sharply bearish amid oversupply and reduced demand from paints, coatings, and industrial cleaner applications.
High carryover of inventories from earlier imports added further pressure, forcing sellers to offer discounts. The monsoon exit did not result in an immediate pickup in activity, leaving the TOFA market in a prolonged correction phase. The TOFA price chart depicted a clear downward trajectory, underscoring the intensity of the quarterly fall.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) is a light yellow, oily liquid derived from the distillation of crude tall oil, a byproduct of the Kraft pulping process. It consists primarily of oleic and linoleic acids, with low rosin content, and is widely used in the production of alkyd resins, dimer acids, metalworking fluids, lubricants, and coatings. TOFA serves as a bio-based alternative to traditional fatty acids and plays a key role in industries such as paints & coatings, adhesives, and industrial lubricants.
Packaging Type
Tall Oil Fatty Acid 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.
| Physical Properties | |
| Viscosity | 30 cP @ 20°C |
| Density | 905 kg/m³ @ 20°C |
| Melting Point | -6°C |
| Boiling Point | Above 200°C |
| Auto-Ignition Temperature | 257°C |
| Flash Point | > 120°C (Closed cup) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.3 kPa @ 150°C |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Corrosive Properties | Product has corrosive action on carbon steel |
Tall Oil Fatty Acid Applications
Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) is primarily used as a versatile chemical intermediate in the production of various oleochemical derivatives. It is widely utilized in the manufacture of alkyd resins, which are essential for coatings, paints, and varnishes across industrial and decorative applications. TOFA also serves a key role in producing driers, ester-based lubricants, and metalworking fluids, where its natural fatty acid composition enhances performance and biodegradability. Additionally, TOFA is employed in the synthesis of surfactants and soaps, supporting applications in cleaning products and personal care. Its bio-based origin and multifunctional profile make TOFA a critical component in the sustainable chemicals value chain, supporting both industrial and consumer-focused formulations.Â
U.S.–China Trade Tariff Dispute (April 2025): In April 2025, escalating tariffs between the United States and China (reaching up to 125%) included oleochemicals like TOFA and its downstream derivatives. The costlier trade, along with extended shipment timelines and China’s curbs on certain industrial exports, contributed to instability in global TOFA flows, affecting availability and pricing.Â
Post-COVID Demand Revival in Alkyd Resins and Lubricants (2021–2022): As industrial and construction sectors reopened post-lockdown, demand for alkyd resins, lubricants, and adhesives (key applications of TOFA) rebounded sharply. However, with constrained logistics and limited vessel availability, TOFA shipments faced delays, causing regional shortages and sharp price movements, especially in Europe and India.Â
2020 Pine Chemical Supply Disruptions During Pandemic: The early stages of the pandemic saw disruptions in forestry operations and crude tall oil (CTO) extraction across North America and Scandinavia. Since TOFA is derived from CTO, supply tightness emerged just as hygiene and cleaning product demand surged. This mismatch led to heightened price sensitivity and frequent fluctuations in global markets.Â
European Environmental Directives & Green Labeling Push (2017–2018): The EU’s push for sustainable raw materials and stricter labeling norms created shifts in demand for bio-based chemicals like TOFA. While this encouraged wider adoption, it also pressured supply chains to adapt rapidly, tightening feedstock availability and pushing prices upward across industrial segments.Â
These events highlight the sensitivity of the Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) market to geopolitical tensions, weather disruptions, and shifts in supply-demand dynamics, underscoring the importance of monitoring global trends.Â
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PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global tall oil fatty acid price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the tall oil fatty 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 tall oil fatty acid prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely tall oil fatty acid market data.
Track PriceWatch's tall oil fatty 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.
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This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable tall oil fatty acid pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) is a light yellow, oily liquid derived from the distillation of crude tall oil, a byproduct of the Kraft pulping process. It consists primarily of oleic and linoleic acids, with low rosin content, and is widely used in the production of alkyd resins, dimer acids, metalworking fluids, lubricants, and coatings. TOFA serves as a bio-based alternative to traditional fatty acids and plays a key role in industries such as paints & coatings, adhesives, and industrial lubricants.
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.
| Physical Properties | |
| Viscosity | 30 cP @ 20°C |
| Density | 905 kg/m³ @ 20°C |
| Melting Point | -6°C |
| Boiling Point | Above 200°C |
| Auto-Ignition Temperature | 257°C |
| Flash Point | > 120°C (Closed cup) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.3 kPa @ 150°C |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Corrosive Properties | Product has corrosive action on carbon steel |
Applications
Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) is primarily used as a versatile chemical intermediate in the production of various oleochemical derivatives. It is widely utilized in the manufacture of alkyd resins, which are essential for coatings, paints, and varnishes across industrial and decorative applications. TOFA also serves a key role in producing driers, ester-based lubricants, and metalworking fluids, where its natural fatty acid composition enhances performance and biodegradability. Additionally, TOFA is employed in the synthesis of surfactants and soaps, supporting applications in cleaning products and personal care. Its bio-based origin and multifunctional profile make TOFA a critical component in the sustainable chemicals value chain, supporting both industrial and consumer-focused formulations.Â
The pricing of tall oil fatty acids is influenced by several factors, including raw material availability, production costs, market demand, and global economic conditions. Supply chain disruptions, such as natural disasters or geopolitical events, can lead to price volatility. Additionally, regulatory changes and currency fluctuations also play a significant role in determining costs.
Seasonal variations can impact the supply of tall oil fatty acids, particularly due to changes in logging activities and weather conditions that affect raw material availability. For example, during peak production seasons, prices may stabilize or decrease due to increased supply, whereas off-seasons can lead to shortages and higher prices. Procurement heads should monitor these patterns to make informed purchasing decisions.
Long-term pricing trends for Tall Oil Fatty Acids show a general increase due to rising demand in various sectors, including personal care, biofuels, and coatings. As industries shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly products, the demand for tall oil fatty acids is expected to grow, potentially leading to upward pressure on prices. Procurement heads should consider these trends when planning budgets and sourcing strategies.