Citric Acid Market Weekly Report (October 30 - November 6, 2025)

Citric Acid Price Analysis

This week, the citric acid market price remained stable, with weak end-user demand. Post-holiday downstream purchasing activity was low, with restocking mainly for immediate needs. As of Thursday, the mainstream transaction price for food-grade monohydrate citric acid was 4700-5000 yuan/ton, and the price for food-grade anhydrous citric acid was around 5000-5300 yuan/ton.

Citric Acid Plant Operating Rate Changes

According to data monitored by Steel Union, the operating rate of the citric acid industry this week was 55%. The industry has ample supply, but downstream sales are slow after the holiday, resulting in generally moderate market sales. Manufacturers are operating according to their needs.

Related Product Analysis
This week, corn prices varied across regions. As of November 6th, the national weekly average corn price was 2207 yuan/ton, a decrease of 1 yuan/ton from the previous week. Regionally, corn prices in Northeast China saw narrow adjustments based on varying grain sales conditions. This week, corn prices in North China initially rose before stabilizing. At the beginning of the week, selling pressure on wet corn eased significantly, and reduced arrivals at deep-processing plants led to rapid price increases by enterprises, but farmers were reluctant to follow suit. Subsequently, arrivals increased, and the market supply and demand remained relatively balanced. In consuming areas, corn prices initially rose before stabilizing. Port traders maintained firm quotes, but downstream feed companies mostly maintained existing orders, buying only as needed, resulting in short-term inventory build-ups.

Citric Acid Market Outlook

Regarding raw materials, corn deep-processing inventories in North China increased in November, and corn prices mainly fluctuated within a narrow range, with limited volatility and continued cost support. On the supply side, citric acid plants are supplying normally, operating at moderate levels. Some companies are experiencing supply shortages, which may ease later.

On the demand side, inquiries increased, and trade shipments remained stable for the time being. Overseas demand showed a slight improvement, providing a minor boost to the market. Manufacturers are clearly maintaining stable prices, and the market is expected to remain stable in the short term. As an export-oriented industry, future price changes in citric acid will largely depend on the status of foreign trade contracts.