Nitric Acid Price Trend Analysis 2026: Supply Demand Analysis, Latest News, Historical Prices, Market Insights & Price Drivers

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Written ByPragati Agarwal

Procurement Resource Database

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  • Global nitric acid prices moved on a softening trajectory in Q1’26, with Asia leading the decline amid ample supply conditions and subdued spot activity, while Western markets remained relatively balanced.
  • Feedstock pressure weakened as liquid ammonia prices declined, reducing production costs and eroding price support across key producing regions.
  • Downstream demand from fertilizers and chemicals remained stable but not strong enough to absorb excess supply, keeping sentiment largely bearish.

Asia

In China, nitric acid prices declined during Q1’26, with prices at ~1.55 RMB/kg (Spot FD) in January and ~1.48 RMB/kg in March, marking a ~4.17% decrease. The market faced persistent downward pressure due to ample supply availability and stable plant operating rates, which led to oversupply conditions. Additionally, falling liquid ammonia prices weakened cost support, directly impacting nitric acid pricing. Demand from downstream sectors such as ammonium nitrate, dyes, and intermediates remained subdued, with purchases largely order-based and no significant restocking activity observed.

In India, prices followed a similar trend, declining from ~37.85 INR/kg (Spot, 68%) in January to ~36.69 INR/kg in March, reflecting a ~3.07% decrease. The market was influenced by fertilizer sector uncertainties linked to geopolitical disruptions in West Asia, which impacted trade flows, increased freight and insurance risks, and delayed procurement cycles. India’s high dependence on fertilizer imports and LNG for ammonia production further exposed the market to cost-side volatility, while cautious inventory management limited aggressive buying.

Europe

In Europe, nitric acid prices remained relatively stable to soft during Q1’26. The market was balanced by moderate fertilizer demand and steady industrial consumption, particularly from ammonium nitrate and specialty chemicals. However, easing energy and ammonia costs reduced upward pressure, while sufficient regional supply prevented any sharp price increases. Trade flows remained stable, with no major supply disruptions reported.

North America

In North America, prices exhibited a stable to marginally soft trend, supported by consistent demand for fertilizers and explosives. However, adequate domestic production and improved ammonia availability limited price volatility. Downstream demand remained steady, but not strong enough to drive price increases amid balanced supply conditions.

About Nitric Acid

Nitric acid, a pale straw to colourless liquid, is a compound containing the molecules of hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. It is strongly corrosive with an irritant odour. It is used in fertiliser and chemical manufacture. It serves as a powerful oxidising agent at higher concentrations.

Nitric Acid Product Detail

Hs Code
280800
Chemical Formula

HNO3

Cas Number
7697-37-2
Molecular Weight
63.013 g/mol
Industrial Uses

Fertilisers, Oxidising agents, Textile industry, Metal nitrates and inorganic nitrate salts, Various organic intermediates, Plastics, Dyes, explosives, Metal cleaning, Woodworking

Synonyms

7697-37-2, Azotic acid, Hydrogen nitrate, Aqua fortis, Salpetersaeure

Supplier Database

CF Fertilisers, The Chemical Company, Ube Industries, Ltd, The Chemours Company, LSB Industries

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.

Nitric Acid Production Processes

  • Production of Nitric Acid from Ammonia

In order to produce Nitric Acid from ammonia, a process known as Ostwald’s process is utilised. In this process, high temperature oxidation of anhydrous ammonia is carried out in the presence of platinum or rhodium gauze to produce nitric oxide. The obtained product then reacts with oxygen to give nitrogen dioxide, followed by its reaction with water to finally produce nitric oxide and Nitric Acid.

Our Price Analysis Methodology

About the Author

Pragati Agarwal profile photo

Pragati Agarwal

Senior Business Insights Analyst

Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.

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