Phosphorous trichloride prices have increased sharply across global markets as manufacturers face persistent supply chain constraints and steady demand from downstream agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. The market remains tight, with elevated feedstock costs and reduced production in key regions further pushing prices higher.
In China, the world’s largest producer and exporter of phosphorous trichloride, prices have remained bullish since early April. Domestic spot prices rose by over 12% in the past three weeks, with current quotes ranging between RMB 13,000 and RMB 14,200 per ton. This uptrend is primarily due to limited availability of elemental phosphorus, a critical feedstock, and production slowdowns in provinces such as Yunnan and Hubei.
A Sichuan-based supplier commented, “Our output is currently limited by raw material constraints and strict environmental regulations. Phosphorous trichloride prices are reflecting that tightness across the supply chain.”
Exporters have also raised offers, citing increased demand from international buyers and higher logistics expenses. Prices for export-bound phosphorous trichloride climbed to $1,950–$2,100 per metric ton FOB China, with Asian and European buyers securing material at a premium due to lower domestic production.
India, a major importer of phosphorous trichloride, is witnessing significant price inflation. Domestic prices surged by nearly INR 8 per kilogram since late March, reaching INR 155 to 165/kg in western and northern regions. Local formulators of herbicides and pesticides are absorbing the cost increases, driven by the surge in international prices and a weak rupee.
“Prices are unlikely to ease soon,” said a Mumbai-based trader. “Imports have become more expensive, and local demand from agrochemical companies is strong due to pre-monsoon formulation activity.”
In Europe, phosphorous trichloride prices are climbing steadily. German and Belgian suppliers reported price hikes of €150 to €200 per metric ton in the past month. The current price range stands at €2,050 to €2,250 per ton. The rise is attributed to reduced domestic production, stricter handling regulations, and robust demand from the pharmaceutical and chemical synthesis sectors.
Get Real-time Phosphorous Trichloride Prices: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/phosphorus-trichloride-1170
“The market is firm, and we’re facing longer lead times from suppliers,” said a buyer in the Netherlands. “We’ve had to secure larger volumes in advance to avoid price escalations.”
North America is also seeing an uptick in phosphorous trichloride prices. U.S.-based manufacturers raised prices by 6% to 8% in April, citing higher raw material costs and strong demand from crop protection and plastic additive industries. Prices now hover around $2,200 to $2,400 per metric ton, depending on purity and contract terms.
Some North American buyers are now exploring alternative sourcing options from Southeast Asia, but delivery timelines and freight costs remain barriers. The U.S. market continues to experience a supply-demand imbalance, particularly for high-purity phosphorous trichloride used in pharmaceutical applications.
Middle Eastern and African buyers, particularly in the UAE, Egypt, and South Africa, are facing similar trends. Prices in these regions have surged by 10% to 15% since March, following higher import costs and reduced availability from traditional suppliers in Asia.
The phosphorous trichloride market remains closely tied to upstream phosphate rock and elemental phosphorus markets. Recent restrictions on mining activity in China, as well as environmental policy changes, have disrupted the supply of feedstock phosphorus, leading to ripple effects across global markets.
Market analysts predict that phosphorous trichloride prices will remain elevated through the second quarter of 2025. Persistent demand from agrochemicals and fine chemical industries, combined with logistical disruptions and seasonal production changes in China, are expected to keep prices firm.
“There’s no immediate sign of easing,” said an industry analyst based in Singapore. “Buyers should prepare for sustained high phosphorous trichloride prices, especially with tighter environmental policies and increased downstream demand continuing to pressure the market.”
In conclusion, phosphorous trichloride prices are rising across all major regions due to constrained supply, raw material shortages, and resilient industrial demand. The global market remains tight, and stakeholders are closely monitoring the evolving supply landscape, especially in China and India. Buyers are advised to plan strategically and monitor price developments to manage procurement effectively in the weeks ahead.
ChemAnalyst
GmbH - S-01, 2.floor, Subbelrather Straße,
15a Cologne, 50823, Germany
Call: +49-221-6505-8833
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.chemanalyst.com