In October 2024, hydrochloric acid prices (Ex-Works China) fell to USD 12/MT, down sharply from USD 24/MT in October 2023, reflecting a 48% year-on-year decrease. The significant drop was attributed to sluggish activity in downstream chemical processing, temporary oversupply, and cautious buying behavior among industrial users.

By November 2024, prices slightly recovered to USD 13/MT, compared to USD 21/MT in November 2023, marking a 40% YoY decline. Despite a marginal month-to-month increase, the market remained under pressure as manufacturers maintained high inventory levels and demand growth remained subdued.

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In December 2024, hydrochloric acid prices rose modestly to USD 16/MT, from USD 15/MT in December 2023, indicating a 6% year-on-year increase. This slight uptick was driven by preliminary restocking by industrial buyers and early signals of stronger demand from end-use sectors such as steel pickling, chemical manufacturing, and water treatment.

Looking ahead, Expert Market Research forecasts that hydrochloric acid prices will gain traction in the second half of 2025, supported by higher industrial consumption and a gradual tightening of supply. Stakeholders, including producers, distributors, and procurement professionals, are advised to closely monitor these price trends to optimize purchasing decisions and inventory strategies.

As hydrochloric acid is a crucial raw material in diverse industries ranging from chemical synthesis to metal processing, understanding hydrochloric acid price trends is essential for effective market planning. The projected recovery in 2025 presents opportunities for manufacturers and buyers to align production schedules and procurement strategies with anticipated market conditions, ensuring stability and cost efficiency in an evolving market landscape.