For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Benzyl Chloride Price Index rose by 1.44% quarter-over-quarter, from tighter Asian exports.
• The average Benzyl Chloride price for the quarter was approximately USD 1270.33/MT, amid higher freight.
• Asian supply disruptions lifted the Benzyl Chloride Spot Price, increasing landed costs for US importers.
• Inventory drawdowns tightened supply, keeping the Benzyl Chloride Price Index firm despite softer industrial demand.
• Seasonal restocking supported the Benzyl Chloride Demand Outlook, offsetting weaker polymer and construction sector consumption.
• Short-term Benzyl Chloride Price Forecast indicates oscillations as Asian supply normalizes and shipping schedules improve.
• Distributors accelerated procurement to avoid gaps, elevating turnover and sustaining the Benzyl Chloride Price Index.
Why did the price of Benzyl Chloride change in September 2025 in North America?
• Asian export disruptions and force majeure announcements reduced available benzyl chloride volumes to USA importers.
• Port congestion and higher freight rates increased landed costs and lengthened delivery times for buyers.
• Seasonal agrochemical restocking provided baseline demand while construction weakness limited additional industrial offtake during quarter.
APAC
• In Indonesia, the Benzyl Chloride Price Index rose by 0.12% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting import cost pressure.
• The average Benzyl Chloride price for the quarter was approximately USD 1108.67/MT on CFR Jakarta.
• Tight Chinese export availability tightened imports, supporting Benzyl Chloride Spot Price and elevated landed costs.
• Logistical congestion and Qingdao port delays influenced Benzyl Chloride Price Forecast for near-term supply constraints.
• Lower toluene feedstock costs offset by freight pushed Benzyl Chloride Production Cost Trend mixed territory.
• Seasonal strength in crop protection underpinned Benzyl Chloride Demand Outlook, offsetting weak industrial consumption segments.
• Inventory drawdowns and importer restocking tightened Benzyl Chloride Price Index dynamics, sustaining short-term upward pressure.
• Forecasted year-end destocking and holiday shipments could reverse gains in Benzyl Chloride Price Forecast regionally.
Why did the price of Benzyl Chloride change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Chinese exports curtailed by weather disruptions and force majeure, constraining supply and raising landed prices.
• Intra-Asia freight congestion and Qingdao port delays increased transit times, elevating import costs for buyers.
• Strong seasonal agrochemical procurement underpinned demand, offsetting weak industrial consumption and supporting price resilience recently.
Europe
• In Germany, the Benzyl Chloride Price Index fell by 2.64% quarter-over-quarter, due to weak demand.
• The average Benzyl Chloride price for the quarter was approximately USD 934.33/MT FD Hamburg, reflecting.
• Port congestion weighed on Benzyl Chloride Spot Price and softened the Price Index across Germany.
• Benzyl Chloride Price Forecast shows limited upside as inventories remain elevated and buyers delay purchases.
• Benzyl Chloride Production Cost Trend remained low on soft toluene, despite rising energy costs overall.
• Benzyl Chloride Demand Outlook is muted outside agrochemicals, with construction weakness and subdued industrial procurement.
• High inventories and weak exports depressed the Benzyl Chloride Price Index, limiting suppliers' pricing flexibility.
• Producers ran reduced rates, prompting offer revisions; Benzyl Chloride Price Forecast shows cautious winter stabilization.
Why did the price of Benzyl Chloride change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Weakened downstream demand from construction and seasonal agrochemical slowdown reduced offtake, pressuring September national prices.
• Persistent port congestion at Hamburg disrupted exports, increased inventories, and compelled sellers to lower offers.
• Soft toluene feedstock and elevated energy costs sent mixed cost signals, limiting producers' pricing flexibility.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Benzyl Chloride market in the U.S. moved soft-to-stable through Q2 2025, as subdued industrial demand and excess inventories weighed on early-quarter sentiment before agrochemical consumption and tighter global logistics modestly supported prices by June.
• In April, prices declined amid weak cost support from Asian feedstock toluene and limited downstream pull from U.S. plasticizer, stabilizer, and adhesive sectors. Although spring sowing stimulated moderate agrochemical offtake, most buyers stuck to short-term procurement amid persistent price softness and elevated inventories.
• May saw a sharp price drop as relaxed U.S.–China tariffs triggered import surges from Asia and Europe, causing oversupply despite favorable planting weather. Industrial demand remained weak due to affordability issues and low housing starts, while agricultural buying alone was insufficient to absorb rising stock.
• In June, prices edged up as crop protection demand during humid summer conditions provided moderate support, and rising Asian feedstock values, paired with Chinese port congestion, raised export offers and shipping costs. Still, construction-related applications stayed muted, limiting stronger price recovery.
Why did the price of Benzyl Chloride change in July 2025 in North America?
• In July, the Benzyl Chloride Price Index in North America increased as steady field activity and post-emergence pest control sustained agrochemical blending, supporting firm demand.
• The Benzyl Chloride Production Cost Trend stayed stable, but domestic buying strengthened as short-term restocking picked up following significant inventory drawdowns during May and June.
• Firm agrochemical-sector offtake and replenishment needs kept spot activity healthy, maintaining upward pressure on prices.
Asia
• The Benzyl Chloride market in Asia trended mostly soft through early Q2 2025 before rebounding in June, as weak feedstock toluene prices in China and ample inventories weighed on export offers, while subdued construction-linked demand across India curbed consumption until agrochemical buying revived late in the quarter.
• In April, prices eased as Indian buyers avoided bulk purchases amid falling Chinese export offers and elevated stock levels. Seasonal construction slowdowns and heatwave-related delays in housing and infrastructure projects further restrained demand, while pre-Kharif agrochemical activity stayed in its typical lull, keeping overall sentiment bearish.
• Through May, the downtrend persisted as construction consumption weakened further under high temperatures and labor shortages, while agrochemical buying remained limited despite early field preparation. Chinese exporters continued aggressive destocking, dragging regional prices lower despite stable logistics and steady port flows.
• By June, prices turned firmer as the Kharif sowing season accelerated, boosting agrochemical procurement and tightening local stock levels. Rising intra-Asia freight rates and stronger export offers from China, driven by higher domestic trading activity and firmer feedstock costs, added to bullish momentum despite ongoing weakness in construction-related end uses.
Why did the price of Benzyl Chloride change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July, the Benzyl Chloride Price Index in Asia increased as robust agrochemical demand, driven by peak monsoon crop cycles and heightened pest pressure, boosted procurement activity.
• The Benzyl Chloride Production Cost Trend remained stable, but accelerated orders from Indian buyers—aiming to avoid mid-season logistical delays—added to the bullish sentiment and supported firmer offers.
• Strong agrochemical-sector offtake and forward stocking by key buyers kept spot activity active, reinforcing the upward momentum in prices.
Europe
• The Benzyl Chloride market in Germany trended lower through Q2 2025, as weak cost support from soft toluene values—pressured by falling crude oil benchmarks and oversupply—combined with subdued downstream demand, driving prices steadily downward.
• In April, prices fell as demand from construction-linked segments, including adhesives, coatings, and plasticizers, remained weak, while modest agrochemical consumption tied to the spring sowing season was insufficient to offset the broader industrial slowdown. Export flows also suffered delays from persistent congestion at Hamburg.
• May extended the bearish momentum as soil dryness across Central and Northern Europe disrupted pesticide application, suppressing peak-season agrochemical demand. Falling feedstock costs further reduced production expenses, while logistics bottlenecks at Hamburg and Bremerhaven slowed exports, contributing to inventory buildup and a muted trading environment.
• By June, prices continued declining as agrochemical demand tapered post-spring season, while residential and commercial construction stagnation, coupled with new order declines, deepened weakness in construction chemicals, plasticizers, and adhesives, reinforcing bearish sentiment.
Why did the price of Benzyl Chloride change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July, the Benzyl Chloride Price Index in Europe increased as rising manufacturing activity supported stronger downstream consumption, particularly across coatings and plasticizers.
• The Benzyl Chloride Production Cost Trend remained steady, but improved procurement from industrial buyers and seasonal plasticizer demand reinforced a firmer market tone.
• Active purchasing across key end-use segments sustained spot trading momentum, keeping prices on an upward trajectory.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Throughout Q1 2025, the Benzyl Chloride market in North America displayed a mixed but ultimately weakening trend. January saw a slight price increase in US, supported by winter-related supply disruptions. Severe cold weather constrained chemical plant operations along the Gulf Coast, but downstream demand from the agrochemical sector remained muted due to seasonal factors.
In February, prices rose more firmly as inventory levels tightened and pre-spring agricultural demand picked up, especially for corn, soybeans, and wheat cultivation. Although procurement activity improved, high production costs and economic uncertainty tempered broader momentum. By March, the market reversed course, with prices declining amid heightened global competition, falling feedstock toluene costs, and softened freight rates. Adverse weather delayed field preparations, further limiting downstream pesticide and herbicide demand during the early planting season.
Meanwhile, persistent uncertainty around U.S. tariff measures weighed on forward buying sentiment. Amid adequate supply, cautious procurement, and subdued end-use demand, the North American Benzyl Chloride market closed the quarter under moderate downward pressure.
APAC
Throughout Q1 2025, the Benzyl Chloride market in APAC displayed a mixed and volatile trend. January began with price declines, driven by soft downstream demand from agrochemicals and dyes sectors and cautious procurement strategies amid high inventory levels. Despite some seasonal agricultural activity supporting pesticide formulations, weak industrial sentiment and limited bulk buying weighed heavily on market momentum. In February, prices improved moderately as seasonal agrochemical demand picked up, with higher procurement for herbicide intermediates and pesticide formulations ahead of spring planting. Domestic manufacturing activity strengthened, and stable supply conditions further supported modest price recovery, although buyers remained price sensitive. However, in March, the market reversed course again, with prices falling sharply due to heightened competition among the exporters in the region. Downstream agrochemical demand softened after early restocking, while uncertainty in global trade—especially U.S. tariff moves on chemical imports—dampened sentiment. With sufficient inventory levels, cautious downstream procurement, and subdued export opportunities, the APAC Benzyl Chloride market closed Q1 2025 under renewed downward pressure.
Europe
Throughout Q1 2025, the Benzyl Chloride market in Europe exhibited a fluctuating but restrained trend. January saw a modest price increase, supported by rising feedstock toluene costs and initial seasonal restocking in the agrochemical sector. However, weak construction-linked demand and logistical disruptions from Storm Éowyn capped broader momentum. In February, prices rose slightly again, driven by stronger agrochemical activity across Europe as spring planting preparations accelerated, particularly for wheat and barley crops. Improved demand fundamentals provided some optimism, although persistent high energy costs and cautious buyer behavior limited significant gains. By March, the market reversed course, with prices declining amid ample inventory levels and weakening downstream consumption. Although spring sowing season supported localized agrochemical demand, broader offtake from construction-linked industries such as coatings and resins remained muted, reflecting the Eurozone’s contracting construction sector. Export challenges linked to congestion at Antwerp port and wider trade tensions further restrained market confidence. Amid subdued industrial demand and balanced supply, the European Benzyl Chloride market closed the quarter with softening sentiment.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The benzyl chloride market in North America experienced a steady decline throughout Q4 2024, marked by reduced import prices, oversupply, and subdued demand from downstream sectors. In October, prices decreased due to weak agrochemical demand and cheaper imports, as buyers adopted a cautious procurement strategy ahead of the spring application season. Seasonal factors and dry conditions further limited market activity. Despite stable domestic production, high inventories and global supply increases from APAC producers added to the bearish market sentiment.
In November, prices declined sharply, reflecting significant pressure from elevated stock levels, weak downstream consumption, and low feedstock toluene costs. Agrochemical demand was minimal, with fertilizer consumption slowing post-harvest, and the polymer sector also faced reduced demand due to soft construction activity and limited industrial investments. Manufacturers focused on destocking efforts, offering aggressive discounts to manage excess inventories, but market transactions remained limited.
By December, benzyl chloride prices in the USA declined further, settling at USD 1,394/MT CFR Houston. Oversupply, weak agrochemical and polymer demand, and stagnant feedstock costs contributed to the drop. Seasonal slowdowns in construction and agriculture constrained buying momentum.
APAC
The benzyl chloride market in APAC faced a bearish trend throughout Q4 2024, driven by persistent oversupply and weak downstream demand. In October, prices declined due to reduced feedstock toluene costs, low import prices, and subdued demand from agrochemical and polymer sectors. Oversupply challenges and cautious procurement strategies by traders further weighed on the market, while downstream consumption in agrochemical intermediates and fertilizers remained weak, exacerbating the sluggish market conditions. November saw sharper declines as inventory levels remained high across the region and downstream demand continued to falter. Competitive imports from China and other exporting nations, coupled with lower feedstock costs, suppressed any price recovery. Producers intensified destocking efforts by offering discounts to improve cash flow, but market transactions stayed limited amid subdued trading activity. By December, benzyl chloride prices in India dropped further, settling at INR 86,800/MT CFR JNPT, as weak demand persisted in key downstream sectors such as agrochemicals and polymers. High inventory levels and conservative procurement strategies by buyers, coupled with reduced agricultural activity during the winter season, kept the market subdued.
Europe
The Benzyl chloride market in Europe experienced a consistent decline throughout Q4 2024, driven by weak downstream demand, oversupply, and low feedstock toluene prices. In October, prices dropped moderately as demand from the agrochemical sector weakened due to delayed harvests and winter planting. Limited procurement activity and high inventory levels further pressured the market. Production rates remained stable, but disruptions in fertilizer shipments added to logistical challenges. Buyers adopted a cautious approach, focusing on incremental purchases.
In November, the bearish trend intensified, with prices falling as downstream consumption in agrochemicals and polymers stagnated. Elevated inventories, low toluene costs, and subdued trading activity kept market sentiment weak. Manufacturers intensified destocking efforts, offering discounts to manage excess stock, but the market remained oversupplied. Seasonal slowdowns in agriculture and cautious procurement strategies reflected broader challenges across the value chain.
By December, benzyl chloride prices in Belgium declined significantly, settling at USD 1,019/MT FOB Antwerp, driven by reduced demand and aggressive inventory management. The agrochemical sector faced limited buying momentum during the winter season, while subdued construction activity impacted polymer consumption.
