China's 98% smelting sulfuric acid price eased over the week as spot trading weakened and recovering supply added pressure. Elevated sulfur and metal ore costs provided partial support, but the market faces further downside as lower-priced regional supplies increase competitive pressure.
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.
The Nitrocellulose industry saw a soft trend in 2025 as a whole, with prices experiencing moderate downward pressure in most regions during the year. During the first quarter, prices declined gradually as demand from major end-use industries remained soft in regions. Supply was impacted by production curtailments and maintenance in some East Asia regions; however, these were limited by low demand. Export orders out of China were low, while pharmaceutical and food industry demand were supportive on a limited scale.
During the second quarter, prices continued their softening trend as European pulp prices declined due to low downstream demand and increased competitive pressure from diverted Chinese paper products. Trade tensions, including new tariffs on imported pulp into the U.S., were a factor in a hesitant purchasing attitude as buyers delayed purchases and inventory piled up at ports.
In the third quarter, the US market experienced early weakness driven by high inventory levels. However, the removal of tariffs on Brazilian pulp helped stabilize prices slightly. China reported minor uptrends as local inventory levels decreased. Producer-led price movements helped support the market.
In the fourth quarter, Nitrocellulose prices were slightly pressured downward due to low demand in the paper, packaging, and other related industries. Oversupply, especially from Brazilian exports, and conservative inventory management in the US and European markets contributed to the weakness.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Nitrocellulose prices will remain stable to slightly weak in the coming days. A strong upward movement in the prices will depend on the demand from the paper and coating industries.
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In the second quarter of 2024, there were some fluctuations in the Nitrocellulose market. At the beginning of the second quarter, there were some increases in prices due to consistent demand from downstream users like coatings, lacquers, and adhesives.
But as time went by, there were some declines in prices. There were some concerns regarding industrial activities due to disruptions in wood pulp imports, which is a primary material in nitrocellulose production. There were some concerns from downstream users due to low profitability in the paper and chemical industries.
Further, there was some increases due to seasonal production in the paper and chemical industry; however, these increases were not sustained.
Overall, the market was lacklustre and range-bound. Import quantities were lower, and there were issues in international availability because of logistical and geopolitical issues. Mills were cautious in procuring materials because of higher input costs. Buyers were relying on existing stocks.
Nitrocellulose is a highly flammable compound obtained by nitrating cellulose through nitric acid. The compound is white fibrous material with high nitrogen content which contributes to its explosive properties. It is widely used in the production of lacquers, paints, coatings, and also serves as the key component in the manufacturing of smokeless gunpowder, photographic films, and inks.
(C6H9(NO2)O5)n
Dye Industry, Tanning Agents, Oil and Gas Industry, Paper and pulp industry, Concrete Admixtures
Nitro Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., T.N.C. Industrial Co. Ltd, Hubei Xufei Chemical Co. Ltd., Jiangsu Tailida Group, Nobel NC, Synthesia A.S.
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