News Release: July 30, 2025
Ricinoleic Acid Price, Production, Latest News and Developments in 2025
To understand the changing landscape of the Ricinoleic acid market in 2025, including updates on production volumes, import-export dynamics, pricing insights, and key developments, please refer to this detailed Ricinoleic acid price trend and production News.
Ricinoleic Acid Price Trend in Past Five Years and Factors Impacting Price Movements
Ricinoleic acid, a hydroxylated fatty acid obtained primarily from castor oil, has seen fluctuating prices over the past five years, driven by raw material availability, demand from downstream industries, transportation costs, and geopolitical situations. The global Ricinoleic acid price trend has evolved significantly, reflecting the pressure of changing market dynamics across sectors like cosmetics, lubricants, and plastics.
In 2020, the average Ricinoleic acid price stood around $1,550/MT. The COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in castor oil supply chains and labor shortages, which in turn limited Ricinoleic acid production. This caused prices to escalate marginally by the end of Q3 2020. The demand from pharmaceutical and hygiene industries kept the consumption moderate despite economic downturns globally.
By 2021, prices rose to an average of $1,720/MT due to global recovery and increasing consumption in the cosmetics and personal care sector. However, India, the largest producer of castor oil and hence Ricinoleic acid, experienced erratic monsoons that affected castor seed yields. This agricultural factor caused a shortage in raw material availability, which further pressured Ricinoleic acid sales volume and pricing.
In 2022, the average price surged to approximately $1,900/MT. The Russia-Ukraine war indirectly impacted pricing due to rising global transportation costs and energy prices. Logistics disruptions in sea freight routes, coupled with high demand from North American and European industrial lubricant manufacturers, triggered steady price increases.
2023 witnessed a price moderation phase with the average cost at $1,780/MT. Increased Ricinoleic acid production in India and Brazil helped stabilize global supply. Furthermore, demand started to flatten as some downstream markets began shifting towards synthetic alternatives or more cost-effective bio-based materials, creating a minor dip in Ricinoleic acid price trend.
Moving into 2024, global prices stayed around $1,860/MT. The stabilization was supported by strong export volumes from India, an increase in production capacity, and expanded utilization of Ricinoleic acid in bio-based surfactants and anti-corrosive lubricants. However, droughts in Gujarat in Q2 2024 again impacted castor cultivation, causing slight seasonal price hikes.
So far, in 2025, the Ricinoleic acid price news indicates a mild upward shift, averaging $1,920/MT in Q1, driven by increasing demand in eco-friendly plasticizer industries. The green chemistry trend and focus on reducing synthetic chemical use have bolstered the importance of Ricinoleic acid in sustainable manufacturing.
Ricinoleic Acid Price Trend Quarterly Update in $/MT (2025 Estimated)
- Q1 2025: $1,920/MT
- Q2 2025: $1,950/MT
- Q3 2025: $1,980/MT (projected rise due to export demand from Europe and South Korea)
- Q4 2025: $1,970/MT (expected stabilization after seasonal castor harvests in India)
These quarterly shifts are closely tied to both domestic production capacities and international trade policies impacting the Ricinoleic acid price news throughout the year.
Global Ricinoleic Acid Import-Export Business Overview
The international Ricinoleic acid trade has expanded significantly in recent years, owing to the shift towards natural and renewable chemical compounds in various industrial sectors. The Ricinoleic acid sales volume globally has grown due to rising demand in Europe, North America, and East Asia, while India continues to dominate as the leading producer and exporter.
India’s Role in Global Supply Chain
India contributes over 80% of global Ricinoleic acid production, mainly sourced from castor seeds cultivated in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Export volumes have consistently risen since 2022, with major destinations including the USA, Germany, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea. Government subsidies on castor cultivation and export incentives have helped India maintain cost-effective production. Export prices from India have remained competitive, typically between $1,750–$1,980/MT depending on volume and quality.
European Market Trends
Europe, especially Germany, France, and the Netherlands, imports Ricinoleic acid for use in green polymer synthesis, plasticizers, and automotive lubricants. Stringent environmental regulations in the European Union have increased the region’s reliance on bio-based feedstocks, driving Ricinoleic acid imports. From 2020 to 2024, Europe’s annual import volume increased by 12%, and 2025 is expected to maintain a growth rate of 8–10% based on Q1 trade figures. The Ricinoleic acid price trend in Europe remains 8–10% higher than in Asian markets due to high logistics and warehousing costs.
North America’s Dependence on Imports
The United States has limited domestic production of Ricinoleic acid and relies heavily on imports, primarily from India and Brazil. North American buyers prefer high-purity grades for use in nylon-11 production and high-end lubricants. The USA’s Ricinoleic acid import prices in early 2025 ranged between $1,920–$2,050/MT. Trade volumes have grown consistently, especially with the expansion of the bio-lubricant and bioplastics sectors in California and the Gulf Coast.
East Asia: Expanding Demand in Korea and Japan
South Korea and Japan have emerged as key importers of Ricinoleic acid, especially for use in electronics-grade lubricants and anti-static coatings. South Korea’s import volume has grown by 20% YoY in 2025, driven by its push for advanced material development under government industrial reform policies. Japanese pharmaceutical companies are also showing increasing interest in Ricinoleic acid as a base for topical delivery systems.
Brazil: Production Expansion and Export Initiatives
While Brazil is traditionally a castor seed producer, it has expanded Ricinoleic acid refining capacity in the northeast region since 2023. In 2025, Brazil began exporting larger volumes to Mexico and parts of Europe. Domestic pricing hovers near $1,870/MT, with incentives aimed at boosting Ricinoleic acid sales volume through international agreements and subsidies on exports.
Challenges in International Trade
Despite growth, the Ricinoleic acid trade faces several challenges. Currency fluctuations, inconsistent castor yields due to erratic climate patterns, and international shipping delays have affected trade timelines. Additionally, regulatory variations between countries regarding purity standards have sometimes restricted seamless trade flow.
2025 Developments and Strategic Deals
In April 2025, a joint venture between an Indian agro-chemical company and a German specialty chemicals firm was announced to set up a large Ricinoleic acid production facility in Gujarat, expected to boost annual output by 18%. This move is anticipated to reduce Europe’s dependency on fragmented suppliers and provide stable pricing for bulk buyers.
Furthermore, an MOU signed in June 2025 between Brazilian exporters and Japanese industrial buyers will facilitate dedicated shipping corridors for Ricinoleic acid, aiming to reduce freight costs by up to 15%. This deal is expected to influence the Ricinoleic acid price trend positively by ensuring better pricing stability and volume flow in the Asia-Pacific region.
Forecast for 2025 and Beyond
With consistent investments in refining and infrastructure upgrades, global Ricinoleic acid sales volume is expected to grow by 9% by the end of 2025. Import-export dynamics are likely to remain favorable, especially with increased awareness of sustainable industrial chemicals.
Emerging markets like Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe are beginning to explore Ricinoleic acid applications in agrochemicals and adhesives, indicating long-term expansion potential for the global trade network.
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Ricinoleic Acid Production Trends by Geography
Ricinoleic acid production is primarily concentrated in regions with suitable agro-climatic conditions for castor cultivation and access to industrial infrastructure for extraction and processing. As of 2025, global production is led by India, followed by Brazil, China, and a few countries in Africa. The dominance of castor oil production in these regions directly influences Ricinoleic acid output, which is extracted primarily from castor oil through hydrolysis and purification.
India
India remains the world leader in Ricinoleic acid production, contributing to over 80% of global supply. The states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh are central to castor seed farming, driven by favorable climatic conditions and the presence of a skilled agricultural workforce. Indian manufacturers have steadily increased processing capacity to meet the growing international demand. New refinery setups in Gujarat are targeting pharmaceutical and industrial-grade Ricinoleic acid, with exports reaching Europe, the US, and South Korea. Government initiatives supporting castor cultivation and tax incentives for bio-based chemical industries have helped scale operations rapidly.
Brazil
Brazil ranks second in Ricinoleic acid production, with most activity concentrated in the northeast, especially in Bahia and Ceará. The Brazilian government has promoted bio-based industrial raw materials through investment in castor seed cooperatives and refinery partnerships. While Brazil’s production volume is significantly lower than India’s, it is growing fast, with projections of 15% annual increase through 2027. Brazil focuses largely on the Latin American and European markets, where sustainability credentials of raw materials are emphasized. The region also benefits from access to cleaner energy sources, aiding in the green production of Ricinoleic acid.
China
China is not a major castor seed cultivator but has emerged as a mid-scale processor of imported castor oil into Ricinoleic acid. Several processing units are located in Jiangsu and Shandong provinces. These units focus on supplying domestic demand, particularly for applications in plastics, lubricants, and cosmetics. China is also investing in synthetic biology to enhance yields and optimize Ricinoleic acid extraction from bioengineered microorganisms, signaling potential shifts in production techniques over the next decade.
Africa
African nations such as Ethiopia and Kenya have increased focus on castor cultivation in response to rising global demand for Ricinoleic acid. Projects funded by international development organizations aim to promote castor farming among smallholder farmers. However, production is still at an early stage, with limited industrial capacity for refining Ricinoleic acid at commercial scale. Africa’s future potential lies in its large land availability, low labor cost, and proximity to European markets.
United States and Europe
The United States and European nations do not have significant natural production of Ricinoleic acid but have established limited capacity for high-purity refining from imported castor oil. Specialty chemical firms in the US Midwest and Germany are producing small volumes for niche applications like biomedical polymers and performance lubricants. These regions are focused more on R&D and formulation development rather than large-scale manufacturing.
Southeast Asia
Countries like Thailand and Indonesia are exploring Ricinoleic acid production by importing castor oil from India. These nations are developing infrastructure to refine and blend Ricinoleic acid into cosmetic formulations and textile auxiliaries. Though currently in early stages, Southeast Asia is expected to contribute to regional self-sufficiency in the next five years.
Overall, Ricinoleic acid production continues to be highly concentrated in India, with emerging contributions from Brazil, China, and Africa. Global supply chain diversification and increased demand for sustainable chemical feedstocks are driving capacity additions across several geographies.
Ricinoleic Acid Market Segmentation
Key Market Segments:
- By Application
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Lubricants and Greases
- Plasticizers and Polymers
- Pharmaceuticals
- Surfactants and Detergents
- Food Additives
- By End-Use Industry
- Automotive
- Healthcare
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
- Agriculture
- By Grade
- Industrial Grade
- Pharmaceutical Grade
- Food Grade
- By Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
Application-Based Market Trends
Cosmetics and Personal Care
This is one of the largest segments for Ricinoleic acid consumption globally. Used in moisturizers, lipsticks, soaps, and conditioners due to its emollient and moisturizing properties, the demand in this segment has increased rapidly with the rise of organic and plant-based formulations. In 2025, increased demand from premium skincare brands in Korea, Japan, and Germany has significantly boosted consumption. The segment accounts for more than 30% of the Ricinoleic acid sales volume.
Lubricants and Greases
Another major application area, particularly in industrial and automotive sectors. Ricinoleic acid’s unique chemical structure provides oxidative stability and excellent viscosity, making it ideal for biodegradable lubricants. The demand is strong in Europe and North America, where regulations support environmentally friendly lubricants. OEMs in automotive manufacturing also prefer bio-based greases for sensitive machinery, contributing to demand growth.
Plasticizers and Polymers
This segment is growing, especially in packaging and consumer goods industries. Ricinoleic acid-derived esters are used as plasticizers in biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The segment benefits from increasing bans on phthalate-based plasticizers. Asia Pacific is a key consumer, led by China and India, due to their extensive plastics manufacturing base.
Pharmaceuticals
Ricinoleic acid is used as a base in topical formulations and laxatives. While the volume share is relatively low, it has a high value contribution due to the purity and compliance requirements. Demand is particularly high in Japan and the US where topical gels and ointments using Ricinoleic acid derivatives are common in dermatology.
Surfactants and Detergents
Emerging as a new opportunity area, Ricinoleic acid is being used in the formulation of eco-friendly surfactants. Its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance makes it ideal for detergent blends used in household and institutional cleaning. This segment is growing in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Industry-Wise Demand Dynamics
Healthcare Sector
Driven by consistent demand for pharmaceutical grade Ricinoleic acid in ointments, this sector is less sensitive to price fluctuations and continues to offer stable growth.
Automotive Industry
This sector is benefiting from the rising trend of biodegradable lubricants and thermal fluids, particularly in electric vehicles. Ricinoleic acid-derived greases are being preferred for their heat resistance and renewability.
Agriculture and Food
Ricinoleic acid’s use in food-grade coatings, additives, and emulsifiers is growing, especially in processed foods and bakery products. While the segment is niche, it offers long-term potential, especially in regulated markets.
Grade-Based Insights
Industrial Grade
Dominates in terms of volume due to large usage in polymers, lubricants, and surfactants. This grade constitutes over 60% of global Ricinoleic acid sales volume.
Pharmaceutical Grade
Higher margin but lower volume segment. Used in high-purity applications such as personal care and medical formulations. Regulatory oversight in this category is stringent.
Food Grade
A small but growing segment, driven by clean-label and functional food trends. Expected to expand in markets like the US and EU where food safety compliance is key.