Nitric Acid Price Trend

Nitric Acid Prices – Latest Update (February 2026)

In February 2026, nitric acid prices were USD 0.24/Kg in Northeast Asia, USD 0.33/Kg in Europe, and USD 0.43/Kg in North America. Prices generally fluctuate due to variations in ammonia feedstock costs, changes in energy costs, and shifting demand from downstream industries such as fertilizers, explosives, and chemicals. Regional supply conditions, plant operating rates, and trade flows also play a significant role in influencing overall pricing trends across major markets. IMARC Group updates nitric acid price data monthly across all major markets. 

As of February 2026, global nitric acid prices are averaging around USD 0.24 - 0.43 per Kg. The equilibrium between supply and demand in the chemical and fertilizer sectors influenced nitric acid prices in February 2026. Costs of feedstock, particularly ammonia, the main raw material for nitric acid, were crucial, and manufacturing costs were influenced by changes in the price of energy and natural gas. Baseline consumption was sustained by steady demand from the production of fertilizers, especially ammonium nitrate, while regional price fluctuations were impacted by industrial demand from the chemical synthesis, explosives, and metal processing industries.

The dynamics of supply, including plant running rates, maintenance outages, and capacity increases, also affected availability; interruptions caused supply to become more constrained and prices to rise. In areas that depended on imports, delivered pricing was impacted by freight and logistics expenses. Also, currency movements and trade programs affected transnational competitiveness, while environmental compliance costs in crucial producing countries contributed to product charges and pricing trends.

Nitric Acid Price Index (USD/KG):

The chart below highlights monthly nitric acid prices across different regions.

Get Access to Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly Prices, Request Sample

Q1 25 VS Q1 26

The moderate price increases observed between January 2025 and January 2026 across reached USD 0.24/Kg to USD 0.25/Kg in Northeast Asia, USD 0.41/Kg to USD 0.43/Kg in North America and USD 0.27/Kg to USD 0.28/Kg in Europe, primarily influenced by feedstock and demand fundamentals. Ammonia, the key raw material for nitric acid production, experienced firm cost trends linked to natural gas price fluctuations, which increased overall production expenses. Energy costs, particularly in Europe and North America, also contributed to upward pricing pressure due to the energy-intensive nature of nitric acid manufacturing. In addition, steady demand from fertilizer producers, especially for ammonium nitrate, supported consumption levels. Industrial demand from explosives, mining, and chemical intermediates further strengthened market sentiment. Stable-to-tight supply conditions, including controlled operating rates and maintenance activities at some production facilities, limited excess availability.

Key Factors Influencing Nitric Acid Prices:

Several factors influence nitric acid price movements globally

• Ammonia Feedstock Costs: Nitric acid production depends heavily on ammonia, making its pricing highly sensitive to ammonia market trends. Fluctuations in natural gas prices, a key input for ammonia production, directly impact manufacturing costs and influence overall nitric acid pricing levels globally.
• Energy and Production Expenses: Nitric acid manufacturing is energy-intensive, requiring significant electricity and fuel inputs. Rising energy tariffs, especially in industrialized regions, increase operational costs, while stable or declining energy prices can moderate price volatility and support competitive market conditions.
• Fertilizer and Industrial Demand: Strong demand from fertilizer producers, particularly for ammonium nitrate, plays a central role in price determination. Additionally, consumption from explosives, mining, and chemical manufacturing sectors influences regional supply-demand balance and pricing direction.
• Supply Availability and Logistics: Plant operating rates, maintenance shutdowns, and capacity utilization affect market supply. Limited availability or temporary outages can support price increases, while smooth logistics, adequate inventories, and stable trade flows help maintain balanced pricing trends.

Nitric Acid Price Index Overview by Region – February 2026

Northeast Asia: In February 2026, the price of nitric acid in Northeast Asia declined by 4.0% to USD 0.24/Kg. Throughout the month, ammonia feedstock prices decreased, which decreased nitric acid producers' overall production costs. Besides, procurement costs and stable natural gas prices further curbed the rising pricing momentum, enabling producers to cut their bids. Furthermore, market tightness was probably avoided by stable plant running rates and sufficient regional supply.

Europe: In February 2026, nitric acid prices in Europe surged by 17.9% to USD 0.33/Kg. As nitric acid synthesis requires a lot of energy, rising ammonia feedstock prices, bolstered by strong natural gas costs, greatly increased manufacturing costs. Producers raised their selling prices as a result of increased cost pressures caused by higher electricity and utility costs throughout the region.

North America: In February 2026, the price of nitric acid in North America remained unchanged at USD 0.43/Kg. The cost of ammonia feedstock did not change significantly throughout the period, limiting significant changes in manufacturing costs. Consistent pricing was supported by stable natural gas prices, which have a major impact on the economics of manufacturing ammonia and nitric acid without causing pressure to rise or fall. Sufficient market availability was guaranteed by efficient plant operations and adequate domestic production.

Nitric Acid Price Forecast

Short-Term Trend (Next 3 Months)

It is anticipated that for the next three months, feedstock cost dynamics and demand recovery patterns will have a regional impact on nitric acid pricing. As downstream industries progressively expand procurement activity, prices in Northeast Asia may stabilize, while significant rises may be constrained by an abundance of supply. If energy prices stay high and supply conditions keep under control, Europe might see stable prices for some time to come. With low demand from industrial and agricultural uses limiting significant volatility, a balanced market structure in North America is projected to support stable pricing levels. In general, trade flows, inventory modifications, and feedstock methanol trends will continue to be important factors influencing short-term pricing direction.

Mid-Term Trend (2026–2027)

With the help of consistent expansion in the fields of agriculture, animal feed preservation, leather manufacturing, and textile applications, nitric acid prices are anticipated to follow a relatively strong trajectory during 2026–2027. It is anticipated that growing demand from emerging economies will progressively reinforce global spending trends. However, supply availability may be balanced by capacity increases in important producing locations, preventing undue price hikes. Important factors influencing pricing will continue to include changes in the price of feedstock methanol, European energy cost patterns, and Asian export competitiveness. Operating expenses may also be impacted by sustainability-focused production methods and environmental restrictions. The market is expected to increase gradually overall, with sporadic oscillations caused by changes in supply and demand rather than excessive volatility.

Nitric Acid Price History (2022–2026) – Table / Para format

This historical trend shows recurring cycles tied to macroeconomic and agricultural supply factors.

Nitric Acid Market Outlook

The global nitric acid market is expected to maintain a stable to moderately firm trajectory over the near to mid-term, supported by consistent demand from fertilizers, explosives, adipic acid, and nitrobenzene production. The agriculture sector will remain a primary consumption driver, particularly in regions with strong crop cultivation and fertilizer application rates. Mining and infrastructure development activities are also anticipated to sustain demand for ammonium nitrate-based explosives.

Nitric Acid Industry Analysis

The global nitric acid industry size reached USD 30.98 Billion in 2025. By 2034, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 42.59 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 3.42% during 2026-2034. The market is driven by the rising fertilizer production, expanding demand from the explosives industry, stable consumption in nylon intermediates, and increasing investments in modernized nitric acid facilities to optimize energy efficiency.

Latest Developments in the Nitric Acid Industry

• March 2025: Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) finalized a contract with thyssenkrupp Udhe India Private Ltd (TKUIPL) for the establishment of a new weak nitric acid-III plant with a production capacity of 600 metric tonnes per day (equivalent to around 200,000 metric tonnes per annum).
   
• July 2024: Stamicarbon teamed up with NextChem Tech to perform a feasibility study and a pre-FEED contract for FertigHy. According to this agreement, Stamicarbon will supply its NX Stami Green AmmoniaTM and NX Stami Nitric AcidTM technologies for FertigHy's inaugural low-carbon fertilizer facility in France.
   
• April 2024: Tata Projects Limited (TPL) took over the nitric acid expansion initiative of Deepak Fertilizers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd. (DFPCL).

Product Description

Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a highly corrosive and colorless mineral acid, classified as an important inorganic chemical used globally in bulk volumes. It plays a critical role in the industrial value chain as a key intermediate for ammonium nitrate fertilizers, explosives, and nylon precursors such as adipic acid. Its defining property lies in its strong oxidizing ability, making it indispensable in metallurgical refining, specialty chemicals, and military-grade applications. The compound is widely consumed in the production of fertilizers, supporting global agricultural productivity, while also serving as a core input in the automotive, construction, and mining sectors, where it enhances performance through durability and explosive efficiency.

Key Supplier List

The key suppliers of nitric acid are:

• CF Industries Holdings Inc.
• Nutrien Ltd.
• Deepak Fertilizers and Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd.
• Yara International ASA
• Sasol Limited
• Columbus Chemical Industries

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of nitric acid pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting nitric acid price trend, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The nitric acid price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.