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Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend Analysis 2026: Price Drivers, Supply Demand Analysis, Market Insights, Historical Prices & Latest News
Written ByShriya Singh
Hydrochloric Acid Latest Development
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Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend Q3 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrochloric Acid | China | FOB | USD 26.80/MT | August 2026 |
| Hydrochloric Acid | USA | FOB | USD 162.40/MT | August 2026 |
| Hydrochloric Acid | Germany | CIF | USD 120.40/MT | August 2026 |
| Hydrochloric Acid | India | CIF | USD 135.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Hydrochloric Acid | Japan | CIF | USD 61.12/MT | August 2026 |
| Hydrochloric Acid | China | FOB | USD 27.48/MT | July 2026 |
| Hydrochloric Acid | USA | FOB | USD 150.31/MT | July 2026 |
| Hydrochloric Acid | Germany | CIF | USD 116.15/MT | July 2026 |
| Hydrochloric Acid | India | CIF | USD 134.29/MT | July 2026 |
| Hydrochloric Acid | Japan | CIF | USD 60.48/MT | July 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Hydrochloric Acid prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Hydrochloric Acid Price Trend Q3 2026
- Hydrochloric acid prices were mixed in Q3 2026, easing in China on weak chlor-alkali economics while firming in Western markets as lower chlorine output tightened by-product supply.
- Chlor-alkali producers, the main source of hydrochloric acid, cut runs as negative chlorine values and weak caustic soda margins made production unprofitable in key regions.
- Steel pickling, metallurgy and chemical users kept demand steady, although cautious buying and ample regional supply limited stronger gains in Asia.
Asia
In China, the average price of Hydrochloric Acid eased from ~USD 27.48/MT (FOB) in July to ~USD 26.80/MT in August, a decline of ~2.5%. Japan edged up about 1.1%, from ~USD 60.48/MT (CIF) to ~USD 61.12/MT, while India was nearly flat, rising about 0.5% from ~USD 134.29/MT (CIF) to ~USD 135.00/MT. Chinese prices rebounded in late July as maintenance and lower run rates tightened supply, demand from steel pickling and chemical users improved, and transport restrictions limited cross-region sales. The rebound faded in August, and the short-term outlook turned bearish into September. Chlor-alkali economics remained poor, as liquid chlorine prices in Shandong fell below zero and caustic soda inventories rose to 547,600 tonnes, prompting output cuts. China’s National Bureau of Statistics also showed caustic soda prices flat in mid-September.
Europe
In Germany, hydrochloric acid averaged approximately USD 116.15/MT (CIF) in July and rose to about USD 120.40/MT in August, an increase of ~3.7%. Lower chlorine production reduced by-product acid supply, with European chlorine output falling 6.8% from a year earlier in July and capacity utilisation dropping to 64.8%. Caustic soda stocks also declined during July, pointing to a more balanced chlor-alkali market.
North America
In the USA, average hydrochloric acid prices increased from nearly USD 150.31/MT (FOB) in July to roughly USD 162.40/MT in August, up ~8.0%. Regional chlor-alkali producers reported better caustic soda pricing, offsetting higher natural gas and power costs. Lower VCM volumes and plant outages reduced chlorine-chain output, limiting hydrochloric acid availability and supporting prices.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, hydrochloric acid prices are likely to remain mixed, with reduced chlor-alkali operating rates supporting Western markets while weak co-product economics and ample stocks weigh on Asian values.
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- Global hydrochloric acid prices showed regional variation in Q2’26, with Asia experiencing supply-driven increases while Europe and North America remained stable to softer.
- Feedstock conditions were influenced by chlor-alkali operating rates, chlorine availability and maintenance-related supply restrictions.
- Downstream demand remained mixed, with steel and oilfield applications providing support while water treatment and industrial demand stayed cautious.
Asia
In Q2’26, Hydrochloric Acid prices in China increased to ~RMB 0.11/kg in April and ~RMB 0.15/kg in the subsequent month, showing a ~32.9% increase. The market strengthened due to reduced merchant availability, higher exports and chlor-alkali maintenance affecting chlorine supply. China exported 8,156.2 MT of hydrochloric acid during January-March, increasing 149.3% year over year, reducing domestic availability. More than 5 million MT of chlor-alkali capacity was under maintenance during May and June, lowering chlorine output and supporting hydrochloric acid prices. The market corrected in June as some supply returned and downstream buyers resisted higher offers. Demand remained weak from water treatment and steel-related applications, with crude steel production declining 2.7% year over year in May, limiting consumption for pickling and surface treatment.
Europe
European markets remained stable to softer as higher chlor-alkali production improved availability of chlorine and hydrochloric acid. Chlorine production increased in April, while caustic soda inventories also moved higher, reducing supply concerns. Weak steel activity limited demand from metal processing applications, with EU crude steel production declining during January-May. Germany showed better steel performance, but stronger local demand was insufficient to offset broader regional weakness.
North America
Hydrochloric Acid prices in the United States declined to ~USD 152.11/MT in April and ~USD 141.68/MT in the following month, showing a ~6.9% decrease. The market remained under pressure due to weaker chlor-alkali conditions entering the quarter and higher production costs affecting suppliers. However, improving steel and oilfield activity provided support later in Q2. North American crude steel production increased in May, supporting hydrochloric acid consumption in pickling and coil-processing operations. Higher drilling activity also supported demand for hydrochloric acid in well stimulation and oilfield applications.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, hydrochloric acid prices are expected to remain regionally mixed, with supply availability and chlor-alkali operating rates influencing movements, while stronger steel and oilfield demand may provide support.
About Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric Acid, a colourless inorganic chemical system, is a simplest chlorine-based acid system that contains water. It has a characteristic pungent smell. It is grouped as strongly acidic. It is a solution made from hydrogen chloride and water, with several other chemical species like hydronium and chloride ions. Being a strong acid product with acute toxicity and corrosivity, Hydrochloric Acid is extensively used for steel pickling.
Hydrochloric Acid Product Detail
Chemical Formula
H1Cl1
Molecular Weight
36.46 g/mol
Industrial Uses
Steel pickling, Pharmaceuticals, Amino acid, Monosodium glutamate, Oil well acidizing, Food manufacturing, Calcium chlorides, Ore processing
Synonyms
7647-01-0, Hydrogen chloride, Muriatic acid
Supplier Database
Solvay SA, Covestro AG, Olin Corporation, BASF SE, AGC Inc, The Dow Chemical Company, Occidental Petroleum Corporation
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
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.
Hydrochloric Acid Production Processes
- Production of Hydrochloric Acid from Hydrogen and Chloride; and via Reaction of Salt (NaCl) and Sulphuric Acid
In order to produce Hydrochloric Acid from hydrogen and chloride, both the reactants are utilised in their gaseous forms, which can be obtained from the electrolysis of brine. Combustion of hydrogen and chlorine takes place, which are cooled to produce Hydrochloric Acid.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
About the Author
Shriya Singh
Business Insights Analyst
Helping procurement and sourcing teams navigate complex markets through data-driven research, category intelligence, and actionable insights - with a focus on identifying market trends, analyzing supply-side developments, and delivering clear intelligence that supports informed business decisions.
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