Sulfuric acid prices rose sharply through the first half of 2026 before retreating from their mid-year peak as supply conditions loosened. Weak downstream demand has contributed to the easing, though the commodity remains a critical revenue buffer for copper smelters facing squeezed processing margins. The price trajectory reflects the interplay between by-product supply dynamics and broader industrial demand.
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.
Nitrocellulose procurement conditions remained firm during H1 2026 as growing defence requirements competed with established civilian applications including coatings, printing inks and varnishes. The European market remained particularly sensitive to feedstock security because cotton linters are an important cellulose source for nitrocellulose and a substantial share of European requirements is sourced from Asia. At the same time, EURENCO's Bergerac facility resumed nitrocellulose production following the restoration of its production line, with the company stating that the material is used to manufacture artillery propellants. These developments point to continued emphasis on securing domestic production and diversifying upstream feedstock sources.
Analyst Insight
Nitrocellulose markets are likely to remain firm as defence demand and feedstock-security concerns persist, while restored and expanded Western capacity should gradually improve supply resilience.
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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.
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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