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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphoric Acid | China | FOB | USD 1,584.73/MT | June 2026 |
| Phosphoric Acid | USA | CIF | USD 1,739.68/MT | June 2026 |
| Phosphoric Acid | Germany | FOB | USD 1,307.70/MT | June 2026 |
| Phosphoric Acid | India | CIF | USD 1,672.73/MT | June 2026 |
| Phosphoric Acid | Japan | CIF | USD 1,617.58/MT | June 2026 |
| Phosphoric Acid | China | FOB | USD 1,341.90/MT | May 2026 |
| Phosphoric Acid | USA | CIF | USD 1,461.09/MT | May 2026 |
| Phosphoric Acid | Germany | FOB | USD 1,554.54/MT | May 2026 |
| Phosphoric Acid | India | CIF | USD 1,409.24/MT | May 2026 |
| Phosphoric Acid | Japan | CIF | USD 1,379.65/MT | May 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Phosphoric Acid prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In the second quarter of 2026, Phosphoric Acid prices in China were ~USD 1,234.59/MT in April and ~USD 1,585.00/MT in June. The market gained support from restricted export availability, fertilizer demand and tighter raw material conditions. Sulphur supply constraints increased production pressure as sulphuric acid remained a key input for phosphate processing. China maintained a focus on domestic fertilizer security, limiting export availability and supporting international supply tightness. Indian agricultural demand also supported the regional market as fertilizer inventories were maintained ahead of seasonal requirements. Phosphoric acid consumption remained closely linked with DAP and MAP fertilizer production, while industrial applications provided additional support.
Europe
Phosphoric Acid prices in Germany declined slightly to ~USD 1,316.92/MT in April and ~USD 1,307.70/MT in June, showing a ~0.7% decrease. European markets remained affected by dependence on imported phosphate materials, elevated energy costs and cautious fertilizer purchasing. Supply concerns from global phosphate markets provided some support, but weaker industrial activity limited stronger price movement. Agricultural demand remained a key driver, while high production costs encouraged fertilizer buyers to manage inventories carefully. Limited domestic phosphate resources kept Europe exposed to global supply and logistics conditions.
North America
Phosphoric Acid prices in the United States increased to ~USD 1,321.59/MT in April and ~USD 1,739.70/MT in the last month of Q2’26, showing a ~31.6% increase. The market was supported by higher sulphur-related costs, supply adjustments and steady fertilizer demand. Integrated phosphate producers faced pressure from elevated sulphuric acid costs, affecting production economics. Agricultural demand remained the main consumption driver, supported by phosphate fertilizer requirements for major crops. However, lower US corn planting intentions of 95.3 million acres, down 3% from the previous year, limited stronger fertilizer demand growth. Domestic production capacity provided some supply stability, but input cost pressure supported higher prices.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, phosphoric acid prices are expected to remain supported by sulphur availability, phosphate fertilizer demand and producer operating decisions, while improved supply flows may reduce further upward pressure.
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Asia
In Asia, phosphoric acid prices showed a gradual upward trend through Q1’26, supported mainly by feedstock strength. Rising yellow phosphorus prices provided strong cost support to phosphoric acid production. In January, prices remained stable with a slight upward movement due to balanced supply-demand conditions and steady downstream procurement ahead of the holiday period. In February, the market strengthened further as the tightening yellow phosphorus supply and firmer prices increased production costs, while downstream buyers maintained essential purchases. In March, prices continued to rise as yellow phosphorus availability remained tight, with manufacturers limiting low-priced sales and maintaining firm offers. However, downstream buyers showed cautious behaviour due to higher costs, which restricted stronger trading activity despite firm fundamentals.
Europe
Europe experienced a slight fall in phosphoric acid market price before it stabilized. Prices stood at an average of 1.19 EUR/kg (FOB, 85%) in January and 1.15 EUR/kg in March. Prices fell by around 4.37% in the months between January and February and slightly recovered as March approached. The initial fall in price levels resulted from cautious downstream purchasing coupled with stability in supply conditions that prevented price gains against rising costs. The price increase was attributed to rising feedstock prices in the quarter due to yellow phosphorus costs.
North America
The phosphoric acid price trend in North America was rather stable with some minor variations. Market performance was affected by stable downstream demand in the fertilizers and industry sectors, as well as feedstock cost pressure due to yellow phosphorus. Supply remained balanced, which prevented sharp price movements despite global cost volatility.
Phosphoric Acid, better known as orthophosphoric acid, is a weak acid. It is known to be a non-toxic compound which, in its pure form, appears as a colourless solid. The crude Phosphoric Acid can be prepared from phosphate rock, but it is of low purity. All the 3 hydrogens are acidic to varying degrees and can be lost from the molecule as H+ ions (protons).
H3O4P
Fertilisers, Lectrolyte, etching agent, Rust removal agent, pH modifier, Food products, Household cleaning agent, Acidifying agent, Dispersing agent and sanitising agent, Dehydrating agent, Pharmaceutical products
7664-38-2, Orthophosphoric Acid, o-Phosphoric acid
Jordan Phosphate Mines Company Plc, Ma’aden Wa’ad Al Shamal Phosphate Company (MWSPC), OCP Group, Yara International ASA, The Mosaic Company
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.
In order to produce Phosphoric Acid through the dihydrate process, a rection between tricalcium phosphate and concentrated sulphuric acid is carried out at high temperature conditions. This forms calcium sulphate as the byproduct, which is in its dihydrate form. Finally, dihydrate calcium sulphate is removed by filtration, leaving behind Phosphoric Acid.
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This study analyzes Phosphoric Acid Production from Wet Process, covering manufacturing, process flow, operating expenses, and financial considerations.
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