Copper smelters are relying on by-product sulfuric acid revenues to offset losses from negative concentrate treatment charges. Strong acid prices are supporting smelter profitability, with prices remaining elevated. The trend underscores the key role of sulfuric acid in smelter economics and suggests continued price strength.
A Strait of Hormuz blockade and export bans from Russia and Kazakhstan severely curtailed sulfur supply, pushing global sulfuric acid prices to multi-year highs. The Chinese smelter acid index gained 94% and CFR Indonesia sulfuric acid rose 185% in H1. Despite a post-ceasefire retreat, inventories remain low and supply recovery is slow, keeping prices elevated.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boric Acid | China | FOB | USD 1,520.43/MT | June 2026 |
| Boric Acid | USA | FOB | USD 1,675.38/MT | June 2026 |
| Boric Acid | Germany | FOB | USD 1,641.92/MT | June 2026 |
| Boric Acid | India | FOB | USD 1,608.43/MT | June 2026 |
| Boric Acid | Japan | CIF | USD 1,553.43/MT | June 2026 |
| Boric Acid | China | FOB | USD 1,492.60/MT | May 2026 |
| Boric Acid | USA | FOB | USD 1,611.79/MT | May 2026 |
| Boric Acid | Germany | FOB | USD 1,586.05/MT | May 2026 |
| Boric Acid | India | FOB | USD 1,653.39/MT | May 2026 |
| Boric Acid | Japan | CIF | USD 1,720.73/MT | May 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Boric Acid prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In China, the prices of Boric Acid were ~RMB 8.40/kg and ~RMB 10.10/kg, respectively, in the first two months of Q2'26. The increase was mainly driven by tighter imported supply amid shipping disruption and fewer arrivals from Turkey, resulting in higher borax costs. Imported orthoboric acid values moved higher by late June, while domestic offers also stayed firm. Traditional ceramics and ordinary glass demand remained weak during the off-season, but photovoltaic glass continued to support high-grade boric acid consumption. This kept China firmer than markets where construction-linked demand was the main buyer base.
Europe
In Germany, the prices of Boric Acid were ~EUR 1.16/kg in April and ~EUR 1.36/kg in the subsequent month, showing a ~17.6% increase. Europe’s increase was largely cost-led, as the region remained dependent on Turkish boron supply. Türkiye held 73% of global boron reserves and accounted for 48% of global boron production, making European buyers sensitive to Turkish supply and freight movement. Demand from glass and construction was mixed, with construction output only partly supportive, while building construction stayed weak. This meant prices rose more from landed-cost pressure than from broad demand strength.
North America
In the United States, the prices of Boric Acid were ~USD 1,293.52/MT in April and ~USD 1,611.79/MT in May, showing a ~24.6% increase. The rise was supported by higher replacement costs and steady demand from glass, ceramics, detergents, and specialty chemicals. However, construction-linked consumption was not strong, as May construction spending was only slightly above April and below the previous year. Domestic borates supply from California helped prevent deeper tightness, but import costs and firm global boron sentiment lifted offers.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, in the near term, boric acid prices may stay firm if Turkish supply and freight remain tight. Weak construction demand could limit further sharp upside.
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Asia
In Asia, boric acid prices moved slightly downward during Q1 2026 due to sufficient supply and cautious demand. In China, prices declined from RMB 8.09/kg in January to RMB 7.79/kg in March, down 2.59%, as stable availability and weak downstream consumption limited buying interest. Demand from the glass, ceramics, and detergent sectors remained steady but not strong enough to support price gains. In Southeast Asia, a similar trend was observed, with Vietnam prices easing from VND 29,764.24/kg in January to VND 29,569.50/kg in March, reflecting a 0.88% decline due to stable imports and balanced supply-demand conditions.
Europe
In Europe, boric acid prices remained largely stable with a slight softening bias during the first quarter of 2026. The market was supported by steady demand from insulation, ceramics, and specialty chemical applications, but limited growth in industrial activity kept procurement cautious. Supply conditions remained adequate, preventing any strong upward movement, while buyers continued to rely on short-term purchasing strategies.
North America
In Q1’26, prices followed a declining trend, falling from 800 USD/MT in January to 775 USD/MT in March, down by 3.13% in the North American region. The decline was driven by weaker downstream demand and sufficient supply availability, which reduced the need for aggressive procurement. Demand from agriculture, detergents, and industrial applications remained stable but subdued.
Boric acid is a weak acid with anti-viral, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. It exists as a white crystalline solid with no characteristic odour. It is used widely in medicine as an antiseptic.
H3BO3
Textile fibreglass, panel display, jewellery, insecticide, antiseptic
Orthoboric acid
BASF, Eti Maden, 3M
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
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Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Boric acid is produced from borate minerals such as borax by dissolving borate minerals in an organic acid and crystallising the extracted boric acid.
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The study offers a detailed cost analysis of Sodium Tetraborate Production from Reaction of Boric Acid and Soda. In addition, the report incorporates the manufacturing process with detailed process and material flow, operating costs along with financial expenses and depreciation charges.
The study offers a detailed cost analysis of Boric Acid Production via Borates. In addition, the report incorporates the manufacturing process with detailed process and material flow, operating costs along with financial expenses and depreciation charges.
Sodium Perborate Manufacturing Plant Project Report thoroughly focuses on every detail that encompasses the cost of manufacturing. Our extensive cost model meticulously covers breaking down expenses around raw materials, labour, technology, and manufacturing expenses. This enables precise cost structure optimization and helps in identifying effective strategies to reduce the overall cash cost of manufacturing.
Sodium Tetraborate Manufacturing Plant Project Report thoroughly focuses on every detail that encompasses the cost of manufacturing. Our extensive cost model meticulously covers breaking down expenses around raw materials, labour, technology, and manufacturing expenses. This enables precise cost structure optimization and helps in identifying effective strategies to reduce the overall cash cost of manufacturing.
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