For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the U.S., the Benzoyl Chloride Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting firmer feedstock (benzene/toluene) costs.
• Benzoyl Chloride Spot Price strengthened amid limited domestic supply, moderate imports, and steady demand from pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and polymer-intermediate segments.
• Benzoyl Chloride Price Forecast remains cautiously bullish as downstream consumption remains firm, and margins improve with rising production costs.
• Benzoyl Chloride Production Cost Trend increased due to higher aromatic feedstock costs, elevated energy prices, and logistics expenses for import and distribution.
• Benzoyl Chloride Demand Outlook remained robust for downstream agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and specialty-chemical applications, supporting repriced seller bids.
• Benzoyl Chloride Price Index movements correlated closely with benzene and toluene cost fluctuations affecting processor margins.
• Major plant operating rates remained steady, limiting spot discounting while producers prioritized contractual and export shipments.
Why did the price of Benzoyl Chloride change in September 2025 in North America?
• Rising feedstock (benzene/toluene) costs and higher energy charges increased production cost, pressuring sellers to raise prices.
• Steady downstream demand and restocking by agrochemical and pharmaceutical units tightened supply, supporting the Price Index.
• Limited imports and logistical delays constrained immediate availability, reinforcing upward pressure on spot pricing.
APAC
• In China, the Benzoyl Chloride Price Index rose by 1.27% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting firmer feedstock costs.
• The average Benzoyl Chloride price for the quarter was approximately USD 981.33/MT across APAC markets.
• Benzoyl Chloride Spot Price showed strength amid tightened inventories and steady export demand from intermediates.
• Benzoyl Chloride Price Forecast remains cautiously bullish as domestic selling moderates and margins improve further.
• Benzoyl Chloride Production Cost Trend rose due to aromatic feedstock tightness and higher utility, logistic expenses.
• Benzoyl Chloride Demand Outlook improved for downstream pharma and agrochemical segments, supporting repriced seller bids.
• Benzoyl Chloride Price Index movements correlated with naphthalene and benzene cost swings affecting processor margins.
• Major plant operating rates remained high, limiting spot discounting while producers prioritized contractual shipments and exports.
Why did the price of Benzoyl Chloride change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Tight feedstock availability and sustained operating rates reduced spot availability, supporting upward price pressure regionally.
• Renewed downstream demand from agrochemical and pharmaceutical units absorbed incremental volumes, tightening market balances notably.
• Higher inland freight costs and periodic customs inspections delayed shipments, temporarily constraining regional flows and pricing.
Europe
• In Europe, the Benzoyl Chloride Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting higher feedstock costs and moderate import constraints.
• Benzoyl Chloride Spot Price strengthened as limited regional production and steady demand from pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical segments tightened availability.
• Benzoyl Chloride Price Forecast remains cautiously bullish as downstream restocking and firm contract negotiations continue to support seller pricing.
• Benzoyl Chloride Production Cost Trend increased due to rising benzene and toluene feedstock prices, higher energy costs, and logistic expenses affecting imports and intra-European transport.
• Benzoyl Chloride Demand Outlook improved for downstream pharmaceutical and agrochemical applications, with sustained consumption in the UK, Germany, and Eastern European markets supporting the Price Index.
• Benzoyl Chloride Price Index movements were influenced by feedstock aromatic pricing and import availability from Asia and North America.
• Major plants operated at high utilization rates, limiting spot discounting while contractual and export shipments were prioritized.
Why did the price of Benzoyl Chloride change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Elevated feedstock costs and higher energy expenses increased production costs, prompting sellers to adjust prices upward.
• Consistent downstream demand and limited regional production tightened supply, reinforcing the Price Index.
• Logistics and import constraints from Asia slowed delivery schedules, supporting firm spot pricing.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North AmericaÂ
Throughout Q1 2025, the benzoyl chloride market in North America followed a fluctuating path. In January, prices rose slightly as restocking efforts gained momentum ahead of the spring season. Severe winter conditions caused supply disruptions, impacting chemical operations and prompting cautious inventory management. However, downstream demand, particularly from agrochemical formulation remained muted due to weather-related delays in agricultural activities and conservative procurement strategies.Â
February brought a moderate price increase, driven by tighter domestic inventories and improved purchasing activity as growers prepared for early spring planting. Steady agrochemical demand, especially for herbicides and pesticides tied to corn and soybean acreage, contributed to firmer sentiment. The market gained additional traction from a recovery in industrial activity, though buyers remained selective amid persistent economic caution.Â
In March, prices corrected slightly, reflecting softer procurement momentum. Field applications for crops such as rice and sorghum were delayed by adverse weather, limiting near-term demand. Despite stable domestic availability and manufacturing rates, broader sentiment turned cautious due to trade policy concerns. Overall, the quarter closed on a stable note with balanced supply and seasonally influenced demand.
APAC
Throughout Q1 2025, the benzoyl chloride market in APAC followed a generally bullish path before easing slightly in March. January saw a modest price increase as producers ramped up operations ahead of the Lunar New Year, with strong restocking demand from Southeast Asia and stable domestic consumption in China’s agrochemical sector. Cold weather in key regions like Guangdong impacted crop conditions, supporting pesticide-related demand. In February, prices rose sharply on the back of strong feedstock benzene costs and rising consumption in herbicide and insecticide production. Seasonal agricultural activities—especially in North China—boosted fertilizer-linked demand, with wheat greening and topdressing increasing usage of benzoyl chloride intermediates. However, March saw a slight correction in prices as feedstock benzene values declined amid weak downstream polymer demand and a sluggish construction sector. Market competition intensified due to uneven offtake and high inventories. Export operations faced delays due to congestion at Shanghai Port, compounding supply chain pressure. Despite steady agrochemical demand, overall market sentiment softened, leading to a cautious close to the quarter.
·¡³Ü°ù´Ç±è±ðÌý
Throughout Q1 2025, the benzoyl chloride market in Europe followed a mixed trajectory, starting with a slight price rise in January as restocking activity picked up ahead of the spring planting season. Demand from the agrochemical sector, particularly herbicide intermediates, provided early support amid preparations for crop treatment across Western Europe. Pharmaceutical and dye intermediate applications saw limited movement, but consistent procurement for pre-season formulations helped maintain a firm tone. In February, prices softened modestly due to high inventory levels and subdued downstream consumption in the specialty chemicals and coatings sectors. While agrochemical usage remained steady, buyers across other industries adopted a cautious stance, delaying bulk purchases amid economic uncertainty. By March, prices experienced a marginal decline as market sentiment weakened further. Demand from pharmaceuticals remained low, and industrial consumption stayed constrained due to reduced construction and export-related activity. Although seasonal agricultural demand offered some stability, it was insufficient to counter broader demand headwinds. With steady supply and restrained downstream pull, the European benzoyl chloride market ended the quarter on a slightly weaker footing.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The benzoyl chloride market in North America experienced a steady decline throughout Q4 2024, driven by reduced import prices, oversupply, and subdued demand from key downstream sectors. In October, prices decreased as weak demand from agrochemicals and polymers coincided with cheaper imports and cautious procurement strategies from buyers. Seasonal factors and reduced activity in agriculture and construction further limited market momentum. Although domestic production remained stable, elevated inventory levels and increased global supply from APAC producers weighed heavily on market sentiment.
In November, the downward trend accelerated due to significant pressure from high stock levels, minimal downstream consumption, and declining feedstock benzene costs, which offered limited production cost support. Agrochemical demand remained subdued post-harvest, with fertilizer consumption slowing, while the polymer sector struggled with weak construction activity and restrained industrial investments. Manufacturers implemented aggressive destocking measures, including discounts, to manage excess inventories, but transactional activity remained minimal.
By December, benzoyl chloride prices in North America continued to decline. Oversupply, stagnant feedstock costs, and weak demand from agrochemical and polymer industries compounded the bearish sentiment.Â
APAC
In Q4 2024, benzoyl chloride prices in APAC exhibited fluctuating trends, driven by oversupply and variable demand across downstream sectors. In October, prices declined due to weak cost support from feedstock benzene and insufficient demand from agrochemical and polymer industries. China's real estate challenges significantly impacted the demand for downstream chemicals, with construction activity remaining subdued. High inventory levels further pressured the market, despite slight increases in export activity following earlier port disruptions. In November, prices continued to soften as persistent oversupply and sluggish procurement activity prevailed. Domestic and international demand for agrochemical intermediates like herbicides and pesticides remained weak, compounded by cautious purchasing behavior and limited follow-through on transactions. By December, the bearish sentiment persisted, with benzoyl chloride prices experiencing another slight decline. Manufacturers faced challenges in clearing excess inventory, while buyers restricted purchases to essential needs. Seasonal slowdowns in construction and the off-season for agricultural applications further curbed demand. Despite marginal support from feedstock benzene prices, the market remained under pressure.Â
Europe
The benzoyl chloride market in Europe experienced a consistent decline throughout Q4 2024, driven by weak downstream demand, oversupply, and low feedstock benzene prices. In October, prices dropped moderately as demand from the agrochemical and polymer sectors weakened due to seasonal slowdowns and reduced project activity. Limited procurement activity and elevated inventory levels further pressured the market. Although production rates remained stable, the bearish sentiment persisted, with manufacturers facing challenges in balancing supply and demand. In November, the downward trend intensified, as reduced downstream consumption and weak trading activity compounded market challenges. Low benzene costs provided minimal production cost support, while excess inventory levels forced manufacturers to implement aggressive destocking strategies, including discounts, to clear stock. Seasonal slowdowns in agriculture and cautious purchasing behaviors underscored broader market constraints, further weakening sentiment. By December, benzoyl chloride prices in Europe saw a continued decline as reduced demand persisted across key sectors. The agrochemical market exhibited minimal buying activity during the winter season, and subdued construction projects impacted demand for polymers. Manufacturers focused on inventory management amid limited procurement, reflecting the ongoing struggles of an oversupplied and demand-constrained market.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North AmericaÂ
The Benzoyl Chloride pricing landscape in North America during Q3 2024 has been defined by a sustained downward trend, with prices declining significantly compared to the same quarter last year. This decrease can be linked to various factors shaping market dynamics. Notably, fluctuations in production costs, variations in demand levels, and challenges within the supply chain have all played critical roles in driving prices lower. The weak demand from essential end-use sectors, particularly the agrochemical industry, combined with limited cost support from feedstock benzene—a crucial component for Benzoyl Chloride production—has exerted considerable downward pressure on prices.
Focusing specifically on the USA, which experienced the most substantial price changes, the quarter marked a notable decline from the previous quarter in 2024. Furthermore, both halves of the quarter exhibited a similar downward trend in prices, reinforcing the pervasive bearish sentiment in the market.
Overall, the pricing environment in Q3 2024 has been characterized by a consistent downward trajectory in the Benzoyl Chloride market, reflecting the numerous challenges faced throughout this period.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC region witnessed a significant decline in Benzoyl Chloride prices, with China experiencing the most substantial price changes. The market was influenced by various factors such as oversupply, weakened demand, adverse weather conditions, and decreased global trade orders. The overall trend was characterized by a bearish sentiment, as prices consistently decreased throughout the quarter. The market momentum was weakening, and the demand side was providing enough support for the market. Seasonal variations, particularly in the agrochemical sector, played a role in the subdued demand, further impacting prices. Additionally, disruptions in the supply chain and logistical challenges added to the downward pressure on Benzoyl Chloride prices. China, specifically, saw a notable -16% decrease in prices from the previous quarter and 5% decrease from the same quarter last year, with a further significant drop between the first and second half of the quarter. The quarter-ending price stood at USD 1030/MT FOB Shanghai, reflecting the challenging pricing environment prevalent in the region.Â
·¡³Ü°ù´Ç±è±ðÌý
In Q3 2024, the European Benzoyl Chloride market experienced a significant price decline, driven by several factors affecting the market landscape. One of the primary influences was the ongoing drop in feedstock prices, particularly Benzoyl Chloride, a crucial raw material in its production. This downward trend in feedstock costs, combined with global geopolitical tensions, high local inventories, and diminished demand from key downstream sectors, collectively applied substantial downward pressure on prices. The oversupply of feedstock further aggravated the situation, directly impacting the production costs of Benzoyl Chloride across the region. In the Netherlands, which saw the most pronounced price changes, the overall trend in Benzoyl Chloride pricing reflected a persistent negative sentiment. The market experienced a significant percentage decline compared to the same quarter in 2023, and the downward momentum continued with a further decrease from the previous quarter in 2024, highlighting a consistent bearish trajectory. Comparing the first and second halves of the quarter revealed a marked decrease in prices, underscoring the ongoing challenges within the pricing environment throughout the region.