-
We detected your language preference as English. Would you like to switch to the English version for a better experience?
Switch to English
Stay here
The United States and Finland are the leading exporters of Tall Oil Fatty Acids, together accounting for a substantial share of global supply, while China, Germany, and India represent the largest importers. These countries consistently dominate trade flows, reflecting established industrial demand in coatings, adhesives, and bio-based chemical sectors. Recent years show relative stability in export volumes from top suppliers, though fluctuations in Tall Oil Fatty Acids prices have accompanied shifts in feedstock availability and biodiesel co-production dynamics.
Recent Market Dynamics of Tall Oil Fatty Acids (TOFA)
1. Price Trends
- Domestic Market: Over the past week, the mainstream transaction prices for TOFA in China have fluctuated within the range of 8,500–9,200 RMB/ton, representing an increase of approximately 200–300 RMB/ton compared to the previous week’s average. Prices in East China remain relatively higher, with some high-quality products quoted at up to 9,300 RMB/ton. Prices in South China range from 8,600 to 9,000 RMB/ton, while those in North China range from 8,500 to 8,900 RMB/ton.
- International Market: Globally, TOFA prices in Europe stand at 1,100–1,200 USD/ton (FOB Rotterdam), reflecting an increase of 30–50 USD/ton week-on-week. In the United States, prices range from 1,050 to 1,150 USD/ton (FOB Houston), also showing an increase of 20–40 USD/ton.
2. Supply Situation
- Domestic Production: The operating rates of domestic TOFA producers remain stable, averaging around 70%–75%. Although some enterprises have experienced slight production fluctuations due to equipment maintenance or raw material supply issues, the overall supply has remained largely unchanged.
- Imports: Affected by rising international prices and increased transportation costs, import volumes have declined. Customs data indicates that TOFA imports last month decreased by approximately 15% compared to the prior month.
3. Demand Situation
- Downstream Industry Demand: Demand for TOFA from downstream industries such as coatings, inks, and rubber remains stable with steady growth. With the onset of the autumn decoration peak season, demand from the coatings sector has increased, leading to a rise in orders for some enterprises. The rubber industry also exhibits growing demand for TOFA in areas such as tire production.
- Export Demand: Export markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East show robust demand for TOFA, resulting in an increase in China’s export orders, which has provided certain support for domestic prices.
4. Raw Material Market
- Tall Oil Prices: As the primary raw material for TOFA, tall oil prices have continued to rise. The domestic market price for tall oil ranges from 7,000 to 7,500 RMB/ton, up by approximately 300–400 RMB/ton week-on-week. This increase in raw material costs has pushed up the production costs of TOFA, thereby driving its price upward.
- Other Related Raw Materials: Prices of auxiliary materials such as catalysts and solvents remain relatively stable, having minimal impact on TOFA production costs.
Analysis and Judgment
1. Price Drivers: The primary driver for the rise in TOFA prices is the increase in tall oil costs. Additionally, steady growth in downstream industry demand and robust export orders have provided strong support for price increases. Meanwhile, the decline in imports has led to relatively tighter domestic supply, further exacerbating the upward price trend.
2. Market Supply-Demand Relationship: The market is currently in a tight balance. On the supply side, domestic production operating rates remain stable while imports have decreased. On the demand side, growing downstream consumption and strong export demand have resulted in a slight overall supply deficit.
Forecast
1. Price Trend Forecast: In the short term, influenced by rising raw material costs and tight supply-demand balance, TOFA prices are expected to continue rising. Domestic mainstream transaction prices are projected to reach 9,000–9,500 RMB/ton, while international prices may increase by an additional 50–100 USD/ton.
2. Supply Forecast: Domestic production operating rates are expected to remain stable, but import volumes are unlikely to increase significantly in the short term, limiting overall supply growth.
3. Demand Forecast: With the continuation of the autumn decoration peak season and the onset of peak production periods in the rubber industry, downstream demand for TOFA is expected to maintain a growth trajectory. Export demand is also anticipated to remain stable.
Tall Oil Fatty Acids (TOFA) is a viscous, amber-to-dark brown liquid at room temperature, with a characteristic mild, fatty odor and low volatility; its melting point typically ranges from 15–35 °C and boiling point exceeds 250 °C under reduced pressure. It is a complex mixture of unsaturated and saturated C18 fatty acids—primarily oleic, linoleic, and stearic acids—classified as natural, renewable organic chemicals derived from tall oil, a byproduct of kraft pulping. TOFA serves predominantly as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of metal soaps, amine oxides, estolides, and dimer acids. Its principal applications span lubricants and greases, corrosion inhibitors, agrochemical emulsifiers, printing ink resins, and binders in coatings and adhesives.
This chemical is included in Fine Chemicals - Cosmetics Raw Materials. See more about what is Tall Oil Fatty Acids and Tall Oil Fatty Acids SDS information.
Find Tall Oil Fatty Acids supply and Tall Oil Fatty Acids suppliers on Guidechem to meet your sourcing needs from 86 trusted and certifedsuppliers.
Guidechem assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, fitness for purpose or timeliness.
EN
