For the Quarter Ending December 2025
APAC
• In Thailand, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 0.95% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock tightness.
• The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1098.67/MT, FOB Laem Chabang.
• Lactic Acid Spot Price eased in December as potato starch and molasses costs decreased slightly.
• Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend showed relief due to lower potato starch and cane syrup.
• Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains stable as food, pharmaceutical and PLA restocking supports moderate offtake.
• Lactic Acid Price Forecast points to increases as producers restrain spot volumes amid steady demand.
• Lactic Acid Price Index remained relatively stable given normal port activity and sustained operating rates.
• Inventory and exports constrained downside as exporters prioritized forward bookings rather than spot discounting thereby.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Lower potato starch and molasses prices reduced fermentation cash costs, easing production expenses and pressure.
• Year-end inventory drawdowns by regional buyers and softer export enquiries reduced immediate spot purchasing interest.
• Normal port operations and steady plant operating rates maintained supply availability, slightly weakening FOB netbacks.
Europe
• In the Netherlands, the Lactic Acid Price Index fell by 6.29% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softer import demand.
• The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1166.67/MT, shaped by logistics.
• Lactic Acid Spot Price softened after arrivals exceeded demand, prompting traders to offer volume discounts.
• Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend eased as Potato Starch declined, reducing conversion costs and netbacks.
• Lactic Acid Demand Outlook is muted; PLA and beverage buyers draw volumes, curbing spot purchases.
• Inventory rebuilds at Rotterdam increased storage usage, influencing the Lactic Acid Price Index and discounts.
• Export arrivals and logistics shaped modest rebound in Lactic Acid Price Forecast early next quarter.
• Distributors trimmed premiums to avoid storage surcharges, increasing Lactic Acid Spot Price pressure and volatility.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Arrivals from Thailand and Belgium rebuilt Rotterdam inventories, increasing oversupply relative to cautious spot demand.
• Potato Starch softened, easing production costs in Asia and allowing exporters to accept lower netbacks.
• Normalized berth availability and easing freight reduced landed-cost pressures, lowering urgency to pay premiums seasonally.
North America
• In USA, the Lactic Acid Price Index fell by 5.11% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker Asian export offers.
• The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1175.00/MT, reflecting inventory adjustments.
• Lactic Acid Spot Price softened as container freight declines and Asian offers lowered landed costs.
• Lactic Acid Price Forecast suggests recovery from January with restocking and prompt cargoes tightening availability.
• Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend eased as potato starch and freight contractions reduced producer costs.
• Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains steady with food, pharmaceutical, and PLA sectors maintaining routine offtake.
• Lactic Acid Price Index volatility was contained by distributors' reluctance to destock and balanced ports.
• Inventory builds at Los Angeles terminals and year-end purchasing permitted buyers to secure deeper discounts.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in December 2025 in North America?
• Asian exporters trimmed offers and freight collapsed, passing cost reductions into lower December landed prices.
• Year-end destocking and delayed procurement from PLA and beverage manufacturers reduced spot demand, softening quotations.
• Potato starch and container freight cost declines lowered producer costs, enabling wider spot availability December.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Lactic Acid Price Index fell by 0.48% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting cautious buying.
• The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1238.33/MT, CFR Los Angeles.
• Lactic Acid Spot Price softened as inventory drawdowns eased and logistical normalization reduced buying pressures.
• Lactic Acid Price Forecast signals mild recovery quarter, contingent on inventory rebuild and trade clarity.
• Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend remains elevated due to inflationary feedstock and compliance cost pressures.
• Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains cautious as downstream buyers prioritize inventory optimization over aggressive procurement.
• Lactic Acid Price Index volatility prompted fixed-term contract adoption to mitigate supply and pricing risk.
• Inventory levels tightened regionally after frontloaded imports, supporting export demand and pressuring short-term spot liquidity.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
• Frontloaded imports earlier in quarter altered supply timing, causing transient local tightness and price tightening.
• Persisting inflationary feedstock and compliance costs elevated production cost bases, supporting higher contract price references.
• Logistics normalization reduced freight premia, while cautious buyer behavior and tariff uncertainty suppressed spot demand.
APAC
• In Thailand, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 3.98% quarter-over-quarter, driven by manufacturing expansion.
• The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1088.33/MT, reflecting upstream costs.
• Lactic Acid Spot Price firmed as finished inventories declined and exporters prioritized shipments, tightening availability.
• Lactic Acid Price Forecast points to modest gains driven by pre-Q4 restocking and manufacturing demand.
• Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend showed initial input increases, prompting partial pass-through of higher prices.
• Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains positive with robust food, pharmaceutical, and export-led restocking sustaining offtake.
• Lactic Acid Price Index gains were supported by higher PMI readings and favorable Baht exchange.
• Export recovery and limited vessel availability compressed supply windows, supporting spot and contract price resilience.
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Manufacturing expansion lifted upstream demand, prompting restocking and reducing finished lactic acid inventories in Thailand.
• Rising input costs increased production cost pressures, leading producers to implement selective price increases locally.
• Improved export demand and favorable currency encouraged shipments abroad, tightening domestic supply and supporting prices.
Europe
• In the Netherlands, the Lactic Acid Price Index rose by 3.66% quarter-over-quarter, driven by congestion and restocking
• The average Lactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1245/MT, reflecting logistics premiums and restocking
• Lactic Acid Spot Price edged lower in August as Chinese export competitiveness balanced logistical premiums and restocking
• Lactic Acid Price Forecast suggests modest increases driven by persistent transport bottlenecks and forward buying and restocking
• Lactic Acid Production Cost Trend stable with steady Chinese output, but freight increased landed costs and urgency
• Lactic Acid Demand Outlook remains firm across food and cosmetics sectors, prompting measured restocking activity and replenishment
• Lactic Acid Price Index volatility reflects shipping disruptions and Rhine barging constraints affecting European supply and restocking
• Inventory levels tightened as distributors accepted premium freight, securing cargo space to avoid supply shortfalls
Why did the price of Lactic Acid change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Persistent port congestion and berth delays raised freight surcharges and extended times, tightening available supply
• Improved Chinese export availability eased pressure, while cautious Dutch buying and inventories subsequently moderated transmission
• Low Rhine water levels reduced barge capacity, increasing reliance on overland transport, raising landed costs
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The lactic acid price index in the USA stood at USD 1183/MT in April, USD 1230/MT in May, and USD 1320/MT in June, showing a quarterly increase of ~11.6%, reversing the earlier dip in April.
• In April, spot prices fell due to inventory overhang from Q1 frontloading and tariff-linked uncertainty, weighing on product demand outlook from food and fermentation sectors.
• The product spot price dropped 6.11% in April as downstream buyers delayed purchases amid sufficient stock and weak short-term restocking needs.
• Heavy frontloading before the April 2 tariff trigger led to a glut, causing importers to delay fresh procurement and absorb tariff-related cost pressures—dampening the product price index.
• May saw a 3.97% rise in the price index, fueled by a 90-day tariff suspension, triggering aggressive import volumes and congested logistics—escalating freight and product production cost trend.
• The product demand outlook surged in May as buyers rushed to beat potential post-August tariff reinstatements, supported by low inflation and strong restocking.
• June prices increased 7.32%, driven by persistent cost inflation and bulk procurement to hedge against future trade disruptions during the U.S.–China truce window.
• Despite stable domestic supply, intense import volumes led to short-term tightness in product spot prices, especially in food-grade and pharma-grade markets.
• Demand remained firm in June, though the price rally was more due to anticipatory buying and inflationary pressure than an actual consumption spike.
• In July 2025, the product price index is expected to increase slightly, as contract prices may reflect rising risk premiums and compliance costs amid continued policy volatility; the product price forecast remains upward-leaning.
APAC
• In April 2025, the Lactic Acid Price Index in Thailand declined by 5.50% to USD 1030/MT, marking a sharp reversal from Q1 gains, largely due to weak downstream demand, disrupted manufacturing from the late-March earthquake, and lower input costs.
• The lactic acid spot price was impacted by reduced purchasing activity and surplus finished goods inventories, as local buyers opted for lean procurement strategies amidst ongoing uncertainty.
• Production cost trend in April turned bearish as manufacturers leveraged bulk buying amid soft demand, resulting in lower upstream costs and muted factory gate pricing.
• The lactic acid demand outlook remained weak across food, personal care, and bioplastics, with international buyers showing little interest due to overstocking and inflation-linked cautiousness.
• In May 2025, the Price Index rebounded by 1.94% to USD 1050/MT, driven by a recovery in Thailand’s manufacturing PMI and a surge in new domestic and export orders.
• Seasonal strength in food and beverage demand during warmer months and tighter availability of high-purity grades contributed to the upward shift in the lactic acid price forecast.
• The demand outlook improved in May, especially for food and personal care applications, prompting proactive restocking by regional importers and enhancing export volumes.
• In June 2025, prices edged up further by 0.95% to USD 1060/MT, as the Thai PMI hit 51.7 and input costs rose for the first time since January, triggering modest price adjustments.
• Improved demand outlook in June stemmed from stable domestic consumption and renewed foreign inquiries, with producers also reporting lower finished goods inventories.
• Lactic acid price forecast for July 2025 suggests a likely increase, as demand from pharmaceutical and food preservation sectors is projected to rise ahead of the monsoon season, driven by forward buying and inventory replenishment.
Europe
• In April 2025, the lactic acid spot price (88% Liquid CFR Rotterdam) dropped to USD 1163/MT, with the Price Index falling by 5.45%, driven by supply overhang from redirected U.S.-bound shipments and pre-holiday frontloading in Europe.
• The product demand outlook remained weak in April as buyers delayed purchases due to congestion at Rotterdam and low downstream sector confidence.
• US tariff redirection increased inventory levels, saturating the market and pushing the Price Index downward throughout the month.
• In May 2025, the Price Index rebounded by 2.32%, reaching USD 1190/MT, supported by tighter vessel availability and rising booking volumes ahead of the June freight hikes.
• Port congestion in Rotterdam and low Rhine water levels disrupted deliveries, causing a sharp rise in landed costs and triggering spot-market buying.
• Seasonal demand from food, beverage, and bioplastics sectors surged, enhancing the product demand outlook and supporting higher prices.
• June 2025 saw the Price Index rise further to USD 1250/MT (+5.04%), albeit moderately, due to continued port congestion and stockpiling before summer.
• Persistent shipping delays forced buyers to prioritize delivery timelines over pricing, reinforcing upward product price forecast sentiment.
• Buyers adopted forward-buying strategies amid low Rhine water levels and logistics inflation, impacting the product production cost trend.
• In July 2025, the Price Index is likely to increase slightly as downstream buyers escalate procurement to hedge against worsening port congestion and supply lags.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, Lactic Acid prices in the USA displayed a volatile trajectory. January saw a sharp price surge due to front-loaded buying ahead of a proposed 10% tariff on Chinese goods and pre-holiday stockpiling linked to the Chinese Lunar New Year. Elevated energy costs and severe port congestion in California further strained supply chains, amplifying cost pressures.
The uptrend persisted into February following the enforcement of the 10% tariff on February 4 and the anticipation of an additional 25% tariff on chemicals in April, which accelerated procurement activities. However, by March, prices declined significantly.
Weak domestic demand, high inventory levels from previous months, and growing trade uncertainty created a buyer's market. Distributors held back on fresh purchases amid risk aversion and aggressive supplier pricing. Despite currency-driven cost pressures, the subdued buying environment prevailed, leading to a softening in prices.
Overall, Q1 was marked by an initial tariff-driven price spike followed by a steep correction in March as supply outpaced demand.
Asia Pacific
Lactic acid prices in Thailand experienced a steady upward trend throughout Q1 2025. January witnessed a significant price surge due to strong demand from food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. Higher energy and food costs, coupled with rising potato starch prices—a key raw material—pushed up manufacturing costs, which were passed onto buyers. In February, the momentum continued as Thailand’s expanding manufacturing sector supported increased purchasing activity. Rising foreign interest, partly due to a weaker Thai baht enhancing export competitiveness, also added to demand-side pressures. Although inflation eased to 1.08%, improved consumer spending supported a stable market environment, allowing suppliers to raise prices further. In March, lactic acid prices increased again amid sustained downstream demand and ongoing supply chain constraints. The food processing and cosmetic sectors continued to show healthy procurement activity, while limited domestic inventory levels and extended delivery times tightened market availability. Overall, the combination of strong domestic and international demand, rising input costs, and constrained supply contributed to the consistent price increase across all three months of Q1 2025 in Thailand’s lactic acid market.
Europe
In Q1 2025, lactic acid prices in the Netherlands displayed a mixed trend. January saw a sharp price increase, fueled by strong demand from the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries amid improved business sentiment and restocking efforts. Buyers accelerated procurement due to anticipated Lunar New Year-related disruptions in Asia and shipping issues in the Red Sea, tightening supply and pushing prices upward. In February, prices edged higher due to continued supply chain challenges, including congestion at major European ports and labor disputes that delayed imports. A significant increase in lactic acid prices in Thailand further contributed to elevated import costs. Despite this, stable demand, supported by easing inflation and seasonal consumption, sustained price levels. However, in March, prices declined as the intensity of buying activity tapered off. Downstream sectors had already stockpiled inventories earlier in the quarter, leading to reduced spot market interest. Overall, Q1 was marked by an initial surge in prices followed by a softening trend toward the end of the quarter.
