The ICIS Hydrochloric Acid report covers both the European and US markets and is published on a weekly basis. Both regions focus on pricing assessments for technical grade material.
Our locally based reporters analyse market news and intelligence to compile a report containing overviews, related product updates, production schedules, economic news and graphs. This is a valuable tool for you to use to support your commercial decision-making.
Updated to Q1 2019
Europe
European hydrochloric acid (HCl) supply is expected to rise slightly in the first quarter of 2019 as production issues in the upstream chlorine market began to be resolved in late 2018. However, there are are turnarounds taking place for the chlorine market in the second quarter that may result in greater subsequent tightness, and logistics is expected to remain a problem.
European HCl demand increased structurally in the second half of 2018 and is expected to remain constant in 2019. Europe is a mature market for HCl and there is little seasonal change anticipated in the first half of 2019. Spot demand is also structurally quite low with most business carried out on a contract basis.
US
Supply of HCl is likely to begin to grow during February as 2019 drilling budgets move to full effect, on expectations of higher oil prices and buyers in the coolant industry increasing demand for the products of whose manufacture HCl is a by-product. Supply of HCl is often a result of production decisions for isocyanates or coolant manufacture.
Expectations on demand the for the first quarter rely on the only volatile demand sector, which is for oilfield use. Demand from that sector relies on drilling activity which is a function of oil prices. Higher oil prices stimulates drillinga activity. Lower oil prices, such as those seen during the fourth quarter, tend to slow exploration.
We offer the following regional Hydrochloric acid analysis and news coverage to keep you informed of factors and developments affecting prices in the Hydrochloric acid marketplace.
Price reporting
Price Reporting – More information about the price reports we publish on Hydrochloric acid
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Price History – More information about the historical price data we publish on Hydrochloric acid
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News & market analysis specifically relating to Hydrochloric acid
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Hydrochloric Acid Methodology
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) can be produced in two ways, either by burning chlorine (burner grade) to produce semi-conductor or top of the range chemically pure strengths or as a by-product of various chlor-alkali processes.
Hydrochloric acid can be manufactured by direct synthesis where hydrogen and chlorine are reacted in a burner to produce hydrogen chloride. However, much hydrochloric acid is produced as a by-product of other processes such as vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), chlorinated methanes and ethanes, and fluorocarbons.
Applications for hydrochloric acid include steel manufacture where is used as a pickling agent, food manufacture in the canning process, and brick cleaning and concrete etching. It is also used in pulp and paper, chemical and water treatment, the electronics industry and pharmaceuticals. Domestic uses include many household cleaning products.
Hydrochloric acid presents a number of hazards as it is corrosive and can cause serious burns to skin and eyes. Personal protective equipment should always be worn when handling hydrochloric acid.
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