Ammonium Persulfate Market Intelligence Report (May 27, 2026)

I. Recent Price Volatility
1. Domestic Market Quotations
- Shandong Shuojia Chemical Co., Ltd. (Premium Grade, 25 kg/bag): RMB 5,000/ton (delivery in Jinan; quotation dated May 26, valid for 3 days).
- Zhangzhou Xiangcheng San’an Chemical Co., Ltd. (Fujian origin): RMB 5,500/ton (quotation dated May 26).
- Hubei Qibajiu Chemical Co., Ltd. (99% purity): RMB 3,450/ton (Wuhan; quotation dated May 26).
- Liaocheng Jinxinda New Materials Co., Ltd. (domestically produced): RMB 3,400/ton (Liaocheng, Shandong; quotation dated May 22).
- Shanghai Shijian Industrial Co., Ltd. (Shijian Chemical brand): RMB 4,000/ton (Shanghai; quotation dated May 22).

2. Regional Price Differentials
- Quotations in Fujian Province are generally higher (e.g., Zhangzhou San’an at RMB 5,500/ton), while mainstream quotations in Shandong range between RMB 4,800–5,000/ton. Hubei Province offers relatively low-priced resources (RMB 3,450/ton), forming a regional price low.

3. Historical Comparison
- The global ammonium persulfate market size was approximately USD 2.0 billion in 2025, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for over 40%; China is the world’s largest consumer.
- Prices in May 2026 are up ~15–20% year-on-year versus May 2025, primarily driven by rising raw material costs and heightened environmental compliance demand.

II. Market Drivers
1. Supply-Side Factors
- Production Capacity Distribution: Leading Chinese enterprises (e.g., Hebei Jiheng, Solvay) concentrate production capacity. Total national capacity reached 3.05 million tons in 2025, representing a 12.17% YoY increase.
- Operating Rates: Caprolactam industry operating rate stood at ~73.17% (mid-May), down 1.7 percentage points MoM; this has tightened supply of by-product ammonium sulfate, though it has not directly impacted ammonium persulfate production capacity.

2. Demand-Side Factors
- Domestic Demand:
Direct procurement by chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries accounts for a high share; demand for ultrafine ammonium persulfate (particle size: 1–10 μm) is growing rapidly—used in high-performance polymers and catalysts.
Environmental applications (e.g., wastewater treatment, flue gas purification) are expanding, with annual demand growth of 8–10%.
- Export Markets:
In 2025, China’s ammonium sulfate exports totaled 21 million tons (+26.1% YoY), with Brazil, Vietnam, and Indonesia as top destinations.
Ammonium persulfate export dependency remains low; however, international demand for high-purity products is rising (e.g., Japanese-sourced product priced at RMB 6,500/ton).

3. Cost-Side Factors
- Sulphur and benzene prices remain elevated, increasing production costs for ammonium persulfate. In May 2026, sulphur prices rose 12% YoY, providing direct support to market quotations.

III. Market Sentiment & Trading Dynamics
1. Trader Behavior
- Traders in Shandong and Fujian Provinces have strengthened inventory accumulation intentions. Some producers restrict low-price sales (e.g., Shandong Shuojia’s RMB 5,000/ton quote is valid only for 3 days).
- Low-cost resources in Hubei (RMB 3,450/ton) attract regional procurement, but logistics costs partially offset their pricing advantage.

2. Downstream Purchasing Behavior
- Chemical enterprises procure on a just-in-time basis; resistance to high prices is emerging, yet stringent environmental regulations compel sustained purchasing volumes.
- Pharmaceutical and food sectors demonstrate stable demand for premium-grade products and exhibit relatively low price sensitivity.

IV. Analysis & Outlook
1. Short-Term Trend (1–2 weeks)
- Price Support: Elevated raw material costs, inflexible environmental demand, and execution of export orders are expected to sustain prices within the RMB 4,800–5,500/ton range, with sideways volatility.
- Regional Divergence: High-priced resources in Fujian and Shandong may see slight corrections (RMB 50–100/ton), whereas Hubei’s low-priced supplies face logistical constraints limiting upward movement.

2. Medium-Term Risks (1–3 months)
- Supply Pressure: If caprolactam industry operating rates rebound above 75%, increased by-product ammonium sulfate supply may indirectly dampen market sentiment toward ammonium persulfate.
- Demand Substitution: A sharp decline in urea or other nitrogen fertilizer prices could prompt some industrial users to shift to alternative products, weakening ammonium persulfate demand.

3. Long-Term Outlook (6–12 months)
- Capacity Expansion: Commissioning of new caprolactam facilities in 2026 will boost by-product ammonium sulfate output, potentially outpacing growth in standalone ammonium persulfate capacity—gradually easing overall supply-demand balance.
- Policy Impact: Stricter environmental standards will drive demand for high-purity ammonium persulfate, while low-quality products face phasing-out risks.

V. Forecast & Recommendations
1. Price Forecast
- June 2026: Mainstream quotations expected in RMB 4,700–5,400/ton; Fujian Province may lead downward adjustments.
- Q3 2026: If export volume growth sustains above 20% YoY, the price midpoint may shift upward to RMB 5,000–5,600/ton.

2. Strategic Recommendations
- Upstream Producers: Optimize production processes to reduce costs; prioritize development of high-value-added products (e.g., ultrafine ammonium persulfate).
- Downstream Users: Procure based on immediate needs; consider short-term contracts with low-cost suppliers in Hubei or Shandong to lock in costs.
- Traders: Exercise caution in inventory accumulation; closely monitor export order fulfillment in Fujian and fluctuations in sulphur prices.