Metals & Mining Theme, Chemicals, Ferrous, Solvents & Intermediates

November 30, 2023

Platts proposes to launch European, the US hydrochloric acid contract prices

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, is proposing to launch weekly hydrochloric acid contract prices for Northwest Europe and the US, effective Feb.1.

Details of the proposed assessment are as follows:

Basis and location: Delivered US Gulf Coast DDP Northwest Europe
Type Long-term freely negotiated contract Long-term freely negotiated contract
Size: 5,000-15,000 st/year 3,000-5,000 mt/year
Delivery period: Delivered in current quarter (Qr01) Delivered in current quarter (Qr01)
Delivered in the following quarter(Qr02) Delivered in the following quarter (Qr02)
UOM $/wet short ton (wst) Eur/liquid metric ton
Product specifications Technical grade muriatric hydrochloric acid produced by burner or as a byproduct Technical grade materials produced as a by-product during polyurethane production
22 degrees Baume (HCL content:35.21%-36.95%) HCL content: 30%-33%
Iron content of less than 5.0 ppm
Mode of transport Truck or rail car Truck

The prices would reflect contract prices for medium size customers, purchasing 5,000-15,000 st/year in the US and 3,000-5,000 mt/year in Europe.

Pricing information deviating from the proposed standard may be reflected in the assessments, subject to normalization.

Platts defines a contract price as one negotiated against an annual commitment to supply or procure regular volumes.

The assessments would reflect deliveries within specified quarters, reflecting both the direction of ongoing negotiations and concluded deals.

All market information reported to Platts may be considered and would be published weekly, including firm offers and bids in negotiations and indicative values, as well as any other data deemed relevant to the assessment process.

Platts would prioritize transparent and verifiable data that has been tested in the market and reflects the negotiated and mutually-agreed absolute price.

The new assessments would be published in line with each regional publication calendar and based on the latest information sourced from the market up to the close of the assessment process every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m Central time for the US, and at 4:30 pm London time for Northwest Europe.

Please send any comments or feedback by Dec. 15 to petchems@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing.

Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.