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.
Selenic acid, a potent oxoacid of selenium and strong oxidizing agent, serves chemical synthesis, specialty formulations, electroplating, pharmaceutical preparations, and analytical chemistry. Its price dynamics are tied to selenium feedstock availability, itself a byproduct of copper and lead refining and therefore subject to base metal mining output. Entering H1 2026, the market carried forward the firm sentiment of Q4 2025.
Through Q1 2026, selenic acid values remained supported as selenium feedstock costs held at elevated levels following the recovery of late 2025. Suppliers maintained restrained selling postures, and buying interest from chemical manufacturing end users underpinned a stable to slightly firmer environment. Electroplating and pharmaceutical segments registered steady offtake, preventing softening in values. Supply flows from China, the dominant producer of selenium derivatives, stayed measured as major smelters exercised cautious inventory management rather than flooding the market as in the oversupply episode of H1 2025. Into Q2, the tone remained constructive, though range bound activity emerged as seasonal patterns moderated procurement urgency in some sectors, including glass manufacturing, where construction conditions tempered appetite. Chemical synthesis and analytical chemistry demand provided a resilient floor, and no significant capacity additions were reported.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, selenic acid prices should stay firm to stable through H2 2026, with selenium feedstock availability the key sensitivity.
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In Q4 2025, selenic acid prices in China followed an upward trajectory, marked by periods of consolidation and intermittent corrections. At the beginning of the quarter, prices stood at relatively lower levels before moving upward steadily. Midway through the quarter, the market experienced a brief pullback, reflecting short-term adjustments in buying activity and inventory positions. This correction was limited, and prices soon resumed their upward movement. As the quarter progressed, gains accelerated, with sharper increases observed toward the latter part of the period. The sustained rise indicated firm market sentiment, supported by consistent demand from downstream applications including chemical synthesis, specialty formulations, and industrial processing segments. Supply conditions appeared controlled, with no indication of oversupply weighing on values. Trade activity remained active, and procurement interest strengthened as prices continued to climb. By the close of the quarter, selenic acid prices had reached their highest levels of the period, reflecting sustained upward momentum throughout most of the quarter despite minor fluctuations.
Selenic Acid is an oxoacid of selenium with a colorless and oily appearance. In industrial processes, it acts as a powerful oxidizing agent as it readily converts into selenium dioxide when it comes in contact with water. As it has high reactivity and toxicity, its usage is limited to only the synthesis of selenium compounds and in trace element analysis.
H2SeO4
Selenium compounds synthesis, Research and development, Analytical Chemistry
Santa Cruz Biotechnology, DNS Fine Chemicals & Laboratories, FINETECH INDUSTRY LIMITED, Hefei TNJ , Chemical Industry, Omkar Specialty Chemicals, Strem Chemicals
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
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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 this process, the oxidation of selenium is carried out using bromine as an oxidant in the presence of water. This reaction gives selenic acid as the end product, while hydrobromic acid is obtained as the side product.
The Morris method of production of selenic acid involves the oxidation of selenium dioxide under specific conditions using hydrogen peroxide. The reaction also requires sulfuric acid as a catalyst to increase the rate of formation of selenic acid.
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