Sorbic Acid Price Trend and Forecast

Sorbic Acid Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Sorbic Acid in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Sorbic Acid Price Trend for Q1 of 2025

Asia

Sorbic acid is primarily used as a preservative in the food and beverage industry to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria. It is also utilized in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and animal nutrition. Its antimicrobial properties help extend shelf life and maintain the quality and safety of products across various industries. In the first quarter of 2025, sorbic acid prices in Asia fluctuated, primarily influenced by changes in the upstream petrochemical sector. As key raw materials such as acetaldehyde and ketene, derived from petrochemical sources, experienced cost variations, the production expenses for sorbic acid were impacted. Early in the quarter, prices saw slight increases.
 

Sorbic Acid Price Chart

Please Login or Subscribe to Access the Sorbic Acid Price Chart Data
 

However, the Chinese Spring Festival led to temporary factory shutdowns, reducing supply and creating availability constraints. Logistics challenges further contributed to supply uncertainties. Despite this, demand from the food and beverage industry remained stable, though market participants exercised caution due to the unpredictable supply chain.

Europe

In Europe, sorbic acid prices followed trends in the upstream petrochemical market during the first quarter of 2025. Given the region’s heavy reliance on imports from Asia, supply chain disruptions caused by the Chinese Spring Festival further exacerbated market pressures. European manufacturers attempted to adjust output levels, but raw material shortages restricted production. Despite these challenges, strong demand from the preservatives and additives sector helped support prices. Additionally, increased shipping and energy costs led to fluctuating price quotes across the region during this period.

North America

In North America, sorbic acid prices experienced relatively modest fluctuations. However, the region was not immune to the ripple effects of supply chain disruptions from Asia. Variations in the costs of key chemical intermediates used in sorbic acid production affected overall manufacturing expenses, while logistical challenges led to shipment delays. Importers struggled to secure regular supplies, particularly during demand surges. Nonetheless, local distributors maintained stable inventories and explored alternative sources to mitigate volatility. The food preservation industry exhibited steady consumption, though buyers adopted a cautious approach, carefully managing purchases amid uncertain market conditions.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the sorbic acid price trend is expected to remain within a defined range, as stability in the upstream petrochemical sector is anticipated in the near future.
 

Sorbic Acid Price Trend for Q4 of 2024

Asia

The Asian Sorbic Acid market demonstrated a downward trend throughout Q4'24, primarily driven by increased production rates that led to surplus supply. Major producers in the region maintained high operational rates, contributing to inventory buildup.

The market saw reduced procurement from international buyers as they adopted a cautious approach. Feedstock costs, particularly crotonaldehyde and potassium hydroxide, declined during the quarter, putting additional pressure on Sorbic Acid prices. The improved logistics situation helped normalize supply chains, further supporting the bearish market sentiment.

Europe

European Sorbic Acid prices followed a declining trajectory in Q4'24, influenced by increased availability of Asian imports and softening raw material costs. The market witnessed improved freight conditions and faster delivery times, which eased previous supply constraints. Buyers remained cautious, preferring need-based purchases over bulk procurement. The food preservation sector, a key end-user, showed moderate demand during the quarter. Producers focused on inventory management and adjusted their production strategies to maintain market balance.

North America

The North American Sorbic Acid market experienced price softening during Q4'24, particularly towards the end of the quarter. The market was characterized by ample supply due to steady imports and improved domestic availability. End-user industries, including food preservation and cosmetics, showed moderate demand patterns. Suppliers focused on adjusting inventories following the holiday season sales. The declining global feedstock costs influenced domestic price trends, with manufacturers passing on some cost benefits to maintain competitiveness.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, a potential stabilization is expected in Sorbic Acid prices entering 2025, though much would depend on feedstock cost movements and demand recovery in key end-use sectors.
 

Sorbic Acid Price Trend for Q3 of 2024

Asia

The sorbic acid prices demonstrated steady upward movement throughout the quarter, supported by improved market sentiment and stable supply levels. Regional demand experienced a notable resurgence, particularly in key consuming industries. Supply chain disruptions and limited product availability created tight market conditions, supporting consistent price appreciation.

China's market showed significant fluctuations but maintained an overall positive trend, driven by domestic consumption patterns and export opportunities. Market participants actively engaged in inventory management strategies, contributing to price volatility.

Europe

Sorbic acid prices experienced significant price appreciation influenced by robust demand and supply chain disruptions. This was further enhanced by favourable Euro-USD exchange rates and seasonal demand patterns. Plant shutdowns and maintenance schedules created periodic supply tightness. Stricter regulatory frameworks and enhanced quality control measures added to cost structures. The approach of colder months intensified seasonal demand, particularly in food industry applications. Regional logistics challenges, including increased freight costs and container shortages, impacted price dynamics.

North America

In the US domestic market, the sorbic acid exhibited strong upward momentum with initial price surges driven by global demand pressure and supply chain constraints. Mid-quarter witnessed a temporary decline due to reduced downstream pharmaceutical demand, but overall maintained growth trajectory. Production costs escalated significantly, particularly in raw materials and energy sectors. Logistical disruptions and port congestions further complicated supply dynamics.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the pricing patterns for Sorbic Acid are expected to maintain their current trajectories given the complexities in the supply-demand dynamics globally.
 

Sorbic Acid Price Trend for Q2 of 2024

Asia

The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, also saw declining sorbic acid prices. The market sentiment in China was influenced by a combination of sluggish demand forecasts, high inventory levels, and economic uncertainties. The easing of geopolitical tensions did little to boost market confidence, as traders remained focused on managing their existing stockpiles. Additionally, manufacturing plants approaching scheduled shutdowns pressured market players to destock inventories, contributing to the overall downward trend in prices.

Europe

In Europe, the market for sorbic acid was similarly affected by economic factors. The devaluation of the euro against the dollar made market participants hesitant to purchase the material, which further weakened the overall trade momentum for sorbic acid during the month. This reluctance to buy, combined with a general economic slowdown, contributed to a continuous decline in regional quotations. European traders also prioritized destocking inventories over new purchases, leading to reduced demand and lower prices.

North America

In the US, the sorbic acid market saw a persistent price drop throughout April 2024. The demand for sorbic acid, which is widely used in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors, was weakened by regional purchasing strategies and a continuous drop in quotations from downstream sectors.

This decline in demand was compounded by a broader economic slowdown. Business activity in the US fell to a four-month low due to weakened demand despite a slight easing in inflation rates. The Federal Reserve's monitoring of economic slowdown signs to curb inflation indicated potential future relief, but for April, manufacturing activity in downstream sectors remained subdued.

Excessive sorbic acid stockpiles among traders also contributed to the weak trading environment. The US market was further impacted by inflationary pressures and higher raw material costs, particularly energy and crude oil. These increased costs led to higher fuel prices, dampening overall purchasing sentiments and sustaining a pessimistic market outlook throughout April.

The Federal Reserve's concerns over inflation and employment readings surpassing expectations added to the market's uncertainty. As a result, traders in downstream sectors focused on destocking inventories rather than increasing production, leading to a continued decline in Sorbic Acid prices.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price of Sorbic Acid is expected to trace the trajectory set by the end-user EV industries and improve strategies for the global supply of lithium.
 

Sorbic Acid Price Trend for Q1 of 2024

Asia

Sorbic acid prices were observed to be oscillating within a narrow range during the first quarter of the year 2024. In the Asian markets, particularly India and China, the supply and demand equations were quite stable during the given period. The price graph was witnessing bidirectional movements with some market drivers pushing the prices in the upward direction and some factors driving the market downhill.

The upstream costs were inching up as the crude oil prices kept rising in the international market following the OPEC+ announcement of reduced oil outputs. So, this created an upstream cost pressure for suppliers. While on the other hand, the cosmetic and coating industries regularly reported falling demands for sorbic acid. This was primarily attributed to the lesser number of working days in the first quarter. The long holiday seasons during the New Year celebrations limited the required product quantities. Thus, with inclined production costs and declined demands, the price trend was majorly tugged during the said period.

Europe

Influenced by the confinement of the Asian market, the European sorbic acid market too exuded borderline stagnancy during the said time period. The market sentiments were largely muted. The suppliers struggled with continuously rising manufacturing costs and disturbed supply chains. With diminishing regional demands and restricted offshore trade, the local inventories started overflowing, which started creating downward pressure on the price trend again. Overall, a mixed market performance was witnessed with the price trajectory largely tilted downwards.

North America

The American sorbic acid price performance was not much different from its Asian and European counterparts. The price trend was observed to be fluctuating here as well. Although the downstream demands were very regular here, the price trajectory was driven by the rising upstream costs.

Major armed conflicts in the Middle East and Europe hurdled the global trade routes, and the shipping ways also started to get threatened by the sea pirates. Amidst all this, the upstream cost pressure kept mounting up, and thus, the prices inched up despite the downstream demands staying regular. Overall, varying price trajectories were witnessed.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Sorbic Acid price trends are expected to remain oscillating in the near future. The market drivers suggest a limited range of variations going forward.
 

Sorbic Acid Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Stay updated with the latest Sorbic Acid prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
 

Asia

Sorbic acid price trend are primarily influenced by the market patterns of its feedstock material, succinic anhydride. During the last quarter of the year 2023, sorbic acid prices were observed to be stuttering at the lower level of the curve for the entire period. The feedstock prices were unable to provide any substantial upstream cost support, and the market demands were also not sufficient to sail the market alone. Overall, plunging price trend were witnessed in Q4’23.

Europe

The European sorbic acid market trend were not much different from the Asian market. The prices were observed to be plummeting here as well. Since the Israel-Hamas war broke out, the offshore trade has been severely impacted. The transportation hurdles that occurred because of these geopolitical tensions heavily influenced the sorbic acid price trend during the given period. Since the depletion in exports created a supply surplus in the region, sorbic acid prices were observed to be plunging throughout the said period.

North America

The North American sorbic acid market trend were no different than its Asian and European counterparts. The prices were found to be dropping low on the price scale throughout the said period, given the dull market sentiments amid a challenging economic environment.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Sorbic Acid price trend are expected to ride along similar lines in the coming months as the uncertain downstream demands will continue to guide the concerned market.
 

Sorbic Acid Price Trend for the July - September of 2023

Asia

Sorbic Acid price trend for the Asian region were found to be downward facing trajectory during the third quarter of 2023. Most of the market drivers for sorbic acid acted against its performance on the price index. The feedstock succinic anhydride was readily available, which reduced the production costs.

The construction sector was already struggling owing to the economic downturn; further, the sorbic acid demands from other downstream adhesive and sealant sectors remained on the downside. The end consumer purchasing power significantly came down after a prolonged period of high global inflation, and the expenditures in leather textiles, cosmetics, construction, etc., have also fallen substantially. This customer disinterest directly impacted the sorbic acid sales in the Asian markets, especially China, and the sorbic acid regional prices continued to perform poorly.

Europe

Just like the Chinese market, there was not much weight in the sorbic acid’s performance in the European market as well. The prices kept falling down consistently as the downstream demands were bearish, and the production costs had also come down. Moreover, offshore product procurement was also cheaper during the discussed period of Q3’23 since the transportation charges had also receded with the decline in crude oil prices. Overall, muted market sentiments were observed.

North America

Following the global falling trend, sorbic acid prices continued their southward journey in the American market as well. The clouded economic outlook of the region didn’t allow the sorbic acid market to open up. Overall, dull market trend were experienced.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price forecasts do not look very positive for Sorbic Acid for the coming months, given the current market fundamentals.
 

Sorbic Acid Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

The first and second quarters of 2023 faced a continuous string of declining prices of sorbic acid as the trend suffered majorly from the weak procurement rates from the end-user industries. The number of inquiries from the downstream industries was affected by the weak movement of food and pharmaceutical industries.

Along with this subdued demand, the level of inventories rose, indicating weak trading sentiments and hampering the growth of sorbic acid prices. Other causes of this falling trajectory of prices were the feeble economic condition of the Asia-Pacific countries and the low interest of international buyers in the sorbic acid market.

Europe

In the first quarter, the feeble demand from the downstream industries was due to a declining interest from customers in the sector. The rising level of inventories and reduction in the cost of ethylene further proved to be a challenge for the sorbic acid price trend. In addition to this, the shifting weather conditions, labor crisis, and lower purchasing appetite of buyers pushed the price trend of sorbic acid in a negative direction.

North America

In North America, the end-user industries reduced their demand for sorbic acid, and along with fluctuating costs of energy and freight, the price trend of sorbic acid declined. In the local markets, the food and beverage industries witnessed a continuous decline in both the first and second quarters of 2023. This further led to the rise in the stockpiles, and thus, the traders had to sell the products at compromised rates, hampering the growth of the sorbic acid price trend.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Sorbic Acid is expected to fall in the coming quarter. The weak performance of downstream markets, high levels of inventories, and rising economic concerns are expected to affect the sorbic acid market negatively.

Procurement Resource provides latest prices of Sorbic Acid. Each price database is tied to a user-friendly graphing tool dating back to 2014, which provides a range of functionalities: configuration of price series over user defined time period; comparison of product movements across countries; customisation of price currencies and unit; extraction of price data as excel files to be used offline.