Castor Oil Prices, Chart, Index, Trends, Demand and Forecast | Q3 2025
Castor Oil Prices: Market Trends, Index Movements, Demand Drivers, and Forecast | Latest Quarter Analysis
Castor oil remains a strategic agricultural and industrial commodity, widely used across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lubricants, bio-based plastics, and specialty chemicals. Its price dynamics are closely tied to shifts in global supply patterns, export competitiveness, crop performance, and industrial offtake. In the latest quarter, Castor Oil Prices showed mixed movements across major regions—North America, Asia-Pacific (APAC), and Europe—reflecting varied supply-side conditions and inventory strategies.
Overview of Global Castor Oil Prices
During the latest assessment period, global Castor Oil Prices demonstrated modest volatility driven by disparate regional fundamentals. While the USA and France recorded a slight rise due to restocking and steady demand, South Korea saw mild price corrections influenced by weaker export offers. Stable raw material availability, consistent crushing activities, and moderate international demand shaped overall pricing behavior.
The market displayed:
- Modest upward momentum in North America and Europe
- Slight softening in parts of APAC
- Stable average prices influenced by balanced inventories and cautious procurement
This regional divergence offers insight into how supply chains, trade flows, and demand cycles affect Castor Oil Price Index movements.
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North America Castor Oil Prices
Castor Oil Price Index Trends in the USA
In the United States, Castor Oil Prices strengthened during the quarter. The Castor Oil Price Index rose by 3.27% quarter-over-quarter, indicating firmer market sentiment. This upward movement was primarily driven by:
- Modest export firmness as global buyers looked to secure supplies.
- Healthy restocking activities among distributors.
- Stable importer inventory positions preventing aggressive discounting.
Average Castor Oil Prices in North America
The average Castor Oil price in the USA stood at USD 1685.00/MT, reflecting stable procurement conditions. End-user segments—particularly pharmaceuticals, lubricants, and personal care manufacturers—maintained healthy intake levels, supporting price resilience.
Key Drivers of North American Price Performance
-
Stable Demand from Downstream Industries
Pharmaceutical-grade castor oil continues to see consistent buying due to its regulatory acceptance and widespread formulation use. -
Global Export Competitiveness
The USA market reacted to competitive offers coming from Asia, but domestic restocking supported price firmness. -
Balanced Inventory Levels
Inventories remained neither excessive nor tight, contributing to steady pricing without dramatic fluctuations.
Market Sentiment in North America
North American traders adopted a cautious-but-positive outlook as crude oil-based alternatives showed limited competitiveness. The region’s reliance on Indian castor seed supply indirectly influenced pricing, although comfortable stock levels kept volatility contained.
APAC Castor Oil Prices
Castor Oil Price Index in South Korea
In the Asia-Pacific region, pricing trends diverged slightly. In South Korea, the Castor Oil Price Index declined by 0.61% quarter-over-quarter. This decrease reflected:
- Softer export offers from regional suppliers.
- Moderate international demand, particularly from industrial consumers.
- Stable inventories, which reduced urgency among buyers.
Average Castor Oil Prices in APAC
The average Castor Oil price in South Korea was approximately USD 1574.33/MT, marking one of the lowest average price levels among major regions.
Key Factors Influencing APAC Pricing
-
Competitive Export Offers from India and China
India's strong castor seed output and efficient crushing capacity allowed exporters to quote competitive CFR prices. -
Muted Industrial Buying
Sectors such as coatings, lubricants, and polymers showed cautious procurement strategies amid global macroeconomic uncertainties. -
Inventory Optimization by Buyers
Many South Korean importers prioritized lean inventory models, choosing not to replenish aggressively.
Market Environment in APAC
APAC remains a price-sensitive region for castor oil. The competitive landscape, robust refinery capacities, and well-managed supply chains often produce downward pressure on the Castor Oil Price Index. The quarter’s mild decline aligns with the region’s propensity for rapid response to global price shifts.
Europe Castor Oil Prices
Castor Oil Price Index Trends in France
Europe saw moderate price strengthening for the quarter. In France, the Castor Oil Price Index increased by 1.30% quarter-over-quarter, driven primarily by:
- Domestic restocking demand from specialty chemical manufacturers.
- Stable consumption among industrial users, especially in plastics and adhesives.
- CFR-Marseille import dynamics, which maintained moderate costs.
Average Castor Oil Prices in Europe
The average Castor Oil price in France was approximately USD 1656.33/MT, making European pricing moderately competitive relative to North America but slightly higher than APAC.
Key Drivers of European Price Trends
-
Restocking by Key Industries
Cosmetic and pharmaceutical manufacturers replenished stocks ahead of seasonal demand cycles. -
Stable Logistics and Import Costs
CFR-Marseille dynamics remained predictable, without significant freight-related disruptions. -
Mild Tightness in High-Purity Grades
GMO-free and organic grades saw consistent demand, supporting broader price stability.
European Market Landscape
Europe’s castor oil market retains strong ties to quality specifications and sustainability standards. These factors provide some insulation from global volatility but also prevent steep price corrections when global prices soften.
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Comparative Regional Castor Oil Price Analysis
A comparison of Castor Oil Prices across the USA, South Korea, and France reveals a global market characterized by stability with region-specific fluctuations.
Region |
QoQ Price Index Movement |
Avg Price (USD/MT) |
Market Drivers |
USA (North America) |
+3.27% |
1685.00 |
Restocking, stable inventories |
South Korea (APAC) |
-0.61% |
1574.33 |
Softer export offers, balanced stocks |
France (Europe) |
+1.30% |
1656.33 |
Domestic demand, CFR-Marseille stability |
Key Observations
- APAC has the lowest pricing, driven by export competition.
- North America shows the strongest upward trend, driven by restocking.
- Europe remains moderately priced, influenced by stable demand and supply chain predictability.
Global Market Drivers Influencing Castor Oil Prices
- Castor Seed Availability
India supplies over 85% of the world's castor oil. Strong harvests typically exert downward pressure on global prices, while weather-related disruptions can tighten supply.
- Export Competitiveness
Asian exporters, especially from India, heavily influence CFR pricing in Europe, APAC, and North America.
- Industrial Demand Trends
Changes in downstream sectors significantly shape pricing:
- Pharmaceuticals: stable growth
- Cosmeceuticals: expanding demand
- Lubricants and polymers: influenced by economic cycles
- Freight and Logistics
Though freight rates remained manageable this quarter, any global supply chain disruption could shift CFR pricing.
- Sustainability Focus
Growing interest in bio-based chemicals supports long-term castor oil demand.
Castor Oil Demand Outlook
Short-Term Demand
The short-term outlook shows cautious optimism:
- Restocking cycles may continue in North America and Europe.
- Asia may witness margin-driven procurement patterns.
- Cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors will remain key buyers.
Medium-Term Demand
Medium-term demand will be shaped by:
- Growth in bio-based polyamides and lubricants.
- Increased use in personal care formulations.
- Rising interest in renewable feedstocks.
Forecast for Castor Oil Prices
Given current fundamentals, the forecast suggests:
- North America: Gradual price firmness due to stable demand and limited oversupply.
- APAC: Mild downward bias unless global demand picks up.
- Europe: Mild upward trend driven by consistent specialty chemicals consumption.
Projected Price Sentiment (Next Quarter)
- Bullish Bias: North America, Europe
- Neutral to Slightly Bearish: APAC
Conclusion
The global Castor Oil Prices landscape in the latest quarter reflects a balanced market with region-specific variations. The USA and France witnessed moderate price increases supported by restocking and stable industrial demand, while South Korea experienced a minor dip due to softer export offers and stable inventories.
Overall, the castor oil market demonstrates resilience, supported by diverse end-use applications, strong global supply chains, and growing adoption in bio-based chemicals. As industries prioritize sustainability and renewable feedstocks, castor oil is poised for sustained long-term demand growth.
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