News Release: July 28, 2025
Zinc Distearate Price, Production, Latest News and Developments in 2025
Zinc distearate, a commonly used metal soap in plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals, and coatings, has seen significant market shifts in 2025 due to fluctuating demand, production changes, and evolving trade dynamics. The compound, known for its lubricating and water-repellent properties, continues to experience pricing variations influenced by global economic activity and raw material availability. For comprehensive coverage of the Zinc distearate price trend and production News, visit.
Zinc distearate price trend in past five years and factors impacting price movements
Over the last five years, the Zinc distearate price trend has followed an uneven path, shaped by global disruptions, raw material cost volatility, and shifts in end-user industries like automotive and plastics.
In 2020, Zinc distearate prices were impacted severely by the COVID-19 pandemic. The average price dropped to around $2,350/MT due to demand collapse across industrial applications. Supply chain slowdowns and logistical hurdles also contributed to cost inefficiencies in Zinc distearate production. During Q2 and Q3 of 2020, international trade came to a near halt, further reducing Zinc distearate sales volume.
The year 2021 brought a partial recovery, as the global market began to stabilize. Industrial activity resumed in phases, and Zinc distearate prices improved slightly to an annual average of $2,500/MT. Increased consumption in PVC and plastic applications helped recover lost volumes, though raw material prices for zinc oxide and stearic acid remained elevated.
In 2022, the global economy experienced a strong rebound, which increased the demand for lubricants, stabilizers, and mold-release agents. As a result, Zinc distearate prices surged to an average of $2,900/MT. However, this year also faced sharp increases in production costs due to a global shortage of zinc oxide and heightened energy prices, which pushed operational expenses higher for manufacturers.
By 2023, while demand stayed strong, especially from the construction and automotive industries, prices plateaued somewhat due to the stabilization of supply chains. The average price hovered around $2,850/MT. Technological advancements in Zinc distearate production also began to improve supply efficiency and lower marginal costs in some regions.
2024 saw a modest decline in average prices to around $2,780/MT. The decline was partly due to increased competition among regional manufacturers and a marginal dip in demand from the packaging sector. However, newer applications in coatings and cosmetics helped sustain overall sales volume.
Throughout these five years, global environmental regulations also played a key role. Regulatory constraints on zinc oxide mining in certain countries, combined with stricter emission norms for chemical production, influenced both cost and availability. At the same time, customer focus on eco-friendly and non-toxic additives increased interest in Zinc distearate, keeping demand steady.
Entering 2025, the Zinc distearate market remains sensitive to geopolitical risks, energy price movements, and trade regulations. However, the expansion of plastics and rubber production in Southeast Asia, coupled with emerging uses in the electronics sector, could create a positive price outlook for the coming quarters.
Zinc distearate price trend quarterly update in $/MT (Estimated Quarterly Prices)
- Q1 2025: $2,750/MT
- Q2 2025: $2,800/MT
- Q3 2025: $2,820/MT
- Q4 2025: $2,790/MT
This quarterly pricing reflects a relatively stable market with moderate fluctuations driven by regional production changes and raw material cost adjustments. Seasonal demand in rubber and plastics segments slightly boosts Q2 and Q3 prices. Zinc distearate price news continues to show relative balance in supply and demand entering the second half of 2025.
Global Zinc distearate import-export business overview
The global Zinc distearate trade landscape has evolved over the past few years, with regional shifts in production centers and strategic changes in trade relationships. As of 2025, key exporting countries include China, India, Germany, and the United States, while major importers are the Southeast Asian nations, Middle East, and some parts of Europe where local production remains limited.
China remains the top global supplier of Zinc distearate. Its dominance stems from an extensive manufacturing base, access to raw materials like zinc oxide and stearic acid, and well-established trade networks. In 2025, China’s export volumes continued to rise, supported by high demand in neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Average export prices from China remain competitive at approximately $2,700/MT.
India has also expanded its footprint in Zinc distearate production and export. Benefiting from cost-efficient labor and growing domestic demand, Indian producers have increased their manufacturing capacity. India exports largely to the Gulf region, North Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia. In 2025, Indian export prices averaged around $2,750/MT, depending on grade and volume.
Germany and the United States focus more on high-purity and specialty-grade Zinc distearate, especially for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. These variants are sold at premium rates, averaging $3,000/MT and higher. Export volumes from these countries are moderate but stable, driven by consistent demand for quality-controlled and REACH-compliant materials.
On the import side, many countries in the ASEAN region lack adequate local Zinc distearate production capacity and therefore rely heavily on imports. Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia have significantly increased their import volumes in 2025 due to expansion in their plastics and rubber industries. Thailand, for instance, imported over 5,000 MT of Zinc distearate during the first half of 2025, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year.
The Middle East has also become a growing importer, with countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia utilizing Zinc distearate in PVC pipe manufacturing, coatings, and cosmetic sectors. These nations are also investing in local production units, although most are still in the developmental phase as of mid-2025.
In Europe, import behavior is shifting due to regulatory pressures and environmental norms. While Western Europe continues to import specialty Zinc distearate grades, Eastern European nations show growing demand for standard industrial grades. Turkey remains a key transit hub for Zinc distearate distribution into the EU region.
North America, particularly the United States, imports limited quantities due to its relatively self-sufficient production. However, imports of cosmetic and pharmaceutical-grade Zinc distearate from European countries continue in small volumes. Mexico, on the other hand, is witnessing a spike in imports due to rising automotive component manufacturing, requiring Zinc distearate for rubber and plastic part stabilization.
In Latin America, Brazil and Argentina are the leading importers, driven by a rebound in local industrial production and packaging sectors. Brazil’s import volume in 2025 is expected to reach 3,800 MT, with suppliers primarily based in Asia.
Africa remains a developing market for Zinc distearate, with South Africa leading regional imports. There is notable demand from plastic recycling and construction sectors. African imports are largely price-driven, and buyers frequently source from Indian and Chinese manufacturers offering bulk rates below $2,700/MT.
As for trade policies, tariffs and duties on Zinc distearate vary widely. While most ASEAN and SAARC countries enjoy low-duty trade with their primary suppliers, European imports are subject to compliance costs and documentation under REACH and other regulatory frameworks. This often inflates final delivered costs, especially for pharmaceutical and food-grade applications.
Overall, Zinc distearate sales volume in international trade has shown steady growth in 2025, driven by rising demand from emerging economies. Increasing infrastructure projects, packaging needs, and expansion of automotive and plastic industries continue to fuel the global Zinc distearate production and trade ecosystem.
The outlook for the remaining quarters of 2025 suggests marginal growth in trade volumes with relatively stable pricing. However, exporters are advised to monitor raw material prices and shipping costs, which remain the most volatile components affecting Zinc distearate price news globally.
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Zinc Distearate Production Trends by Geography
Zinc distearate production has witnessed regional expansion and restructuring over recent years. In 2025, several countries have emerged as dominant producers due to increased industrial activity, improved manufacturing infrastructure, and easy access to raw materials. The global supply landscape has shifted slightly, with more countries seeking to localize production to reduce dependency on imports and manage cost volatility.
China
China remains the largest producer of zinc distearate globally. Its production dominance stems from a strong chemical manufacturing base and abundant access to raw materials like zinc oxide and stearic acid. Chinese manufacturers typically operate on a large scale, enabling cost advantages that are hard to match globally. Most of the production is geared toward industrial-grade zinc distearate for plastics and rubber manufacturing, and export-oriented units contribute significantly to global trade. Chinese factories are increasingly automating production, improving efficiency and environmental compliance.
India
India continues to strengthen its position in the zinc distearate market. The country has invested heavily in chemical processing infrastructure, particularly in western and southern regions. Indian manufacturers are focused both on domestic demand and exports to the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Indian zinc distearate production benefits from access to locally sourced stearic acid, often derived from palm oil and other organic sources. There is also a growing trend toward high-purity and pharmaceutical-grade production to serve emerging domestic applications in cosmetics and healthcare.
United States
The United States holds a stable position in the global zinc distearate market, focusing primarily on high-grade and customized formulations. Production facilities are concentrated in the Midwest and southern states, catering to automotive, healthcare, and electronics industries. The country’s strict environmental regulations have pushed producers to adopt advanced, low-emission production technologies. While production volumes are not as high as China or India, U.S. producers are recognized for quality and product consistency, especially in applications requiring regulatory compliance.
Germany and Western Europe
Germany remains a key European producer, specializing in zinc distearate variants for pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses. Production facilities here are technologically advanced and often emphasize environmental sustainability. Other countries like France, Italy, and the Netherlands also contribute to regional output. Western European manufacturers tend to focus on smaller volumes but high-margin grades due to the region’s stringent regulatory framework. Supply chain strategies often prioritize quality and traceability, targeting the medical, beauty, and high-end plastics industries.
Southeast Asia
Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam are increasing their zinc distearate production capacity to meet growing regional demand. These nations are investing in mid-scale production units designed to support domestic consumption in plastics and construction industries. Access to low-cost labor and proximity to palm oil production make Southeast Asia a competitive region for zinc distearate manufacturing, especially for standard industrial applications.
Middle East
The Middle East is slowly entering zinc distearate production, with initial plants being established in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These facilities are part of broader industrial diversification efforts. Although still in early stages, these countries aim to reduce their reliance on imports by building integrated chemical complexes, including additives like zinc distearate used in PVC and plastic pipes.
Latin America
In Latin America, Brazil leads zinc distearate production. Local manufacturers cater primarily to domestic markets, supported by a robust packaging and automotive sector. While not a major exporter, Brazil has the infrastructure to meet regional demand and has been investing in modernizing production lines for better environmental compliance.
Africa
Africa’s zinc distearate production remains limited but is gradually increasing. South Africa has small-scale production facilities serving the local plastics and construction industries. Most of the continent still relies on imports from Asia. However, governments in Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya have initiated policies to boost domestic chemical production, which may include zinc distearate in the coming years.
Globally, the production trend is leaning toward regional self-sufficiency and product diversification. Automation, eco-friendly processes, and investment in high-purity variants are common themes across the major geographies. With demand continuing to grow from multiple sectors, countries are actively evaluating production expansion to secure supply and manage pricing more effectively.
Zinc Distearate Market Segmentation
Market Segments:
- By Form:
- Powder
- Granules
- Pastilles
- By Grade:
- Industrial Grade
- Pharmaceutical Grade
- Cosmetic Grade
- By Application:
- Plastics
- Rubber
- Paints and Coatings
- Pharmaceuticals
- Cosmetics
- Paper
- Others (Adhesives, Construction)
- By End-Use Industry:
- Automotive
- Packaging
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Consumer Goods
- By Geography:
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
Explanation of Leading Segments
Among all segments, the form-based and application-based divisions hold the most commercial importance in determining the direction of zinc distearate sales and pricing trends.
In terms of form, the powder form dominates the zinc distearate market due to its ease of blending, dispersion, and cost-effectiveness. Powder is the preferred choice for plastic and rubber manufacturers because it integrates smoothly during production without additional processing steps. Granules and pastilles are gaining traction in high-precision applications such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where uniform particle size and controlled flow properties are crucial.
When viewed through the lens of grade, industrial-grade zinc distearate has the largest market share. This segment supports bulk demand from the plastics and rubber industries. Used widely as a lubricant and mold release agent, industrial-grade variants are in continuous demand from countries with strong automotive and packaging industries. On the other hand, pharmaceutical and cosmetic grades are high-margin segments that have seen increased interest over the past five years. These grades require higher purity and compliance with quality certifications, making them more expensive but essential for sensitive applications.
Looking at applications, the plastics segment is the largest consumer of zinc distearate worldwide. It is extensively used as a lubricant, stabilizer, and anti-blocking agent in PVC, polyethylene, and other thermoplastics. The rise in plastic product manufacturing in Southeast Asia, China, and India has contributed to the growth of this segment. Rubber is the second-largest application area. Zinc distearate serves as a processing aid and release agent in rubber compounds, primarily for automotive tires, industrial seals, and footwear.
Paints and coatings form a growing segment where zinc distearate improves texture and acts as a flatting agent. Increasing demand for decorative and industrial coatings, especially in the construction industry, is adding momentum to this application. The pharmaceutical and cosmetics segments, although smaller in volume, are fast-growing due to consumer demand for high-quality, skin-safe additives. Zinc distearate functions as a binder, lubricant, and opacifier in tablets, powders, and creams.
In terms of end-use industry segmentation, the automotive sector plays a leading role in zinc distearate consumption. Rubber components like seals, hoses, and gaskets rely heavily on zinc distearate for processing. The packaging industry is also significant due to the compound’s utility in plastic films and containers. As sustainability initiatives drive recycling and bio-based plastics, the need for efficient processing agents like zinc distearate is expected to rise.
Construction is another notable end-use sector. Zinc distearate is used in PVC pipes and plastic fittings, contributing to demand in residential and infrastructure projects. In the healthcare and consumer goods sectors, its use in non-toxic formulations such as medical plastics and skin-care products is expanding.
From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific holds the largest share of the zinc distearate market due to high industrial output and expanding consumer markets. North America and Europe follow, driven by technological advancements and specialized applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The future of zinc distearate segmentation is likely to see further diversification. As manufacturers focus on product specialization, high-purity and function-specific variants will command higher value in the market. End-users are also increasingly seeking customized formulations for specific industry needs, pushing producers to innovate in both grades and formats.
Overall, the zinc distearate market segmentation reflects a complex landscape shaped by industrial performance, regulatory demands, and evolving customer requirements. The market’s direction will continue to align with broader trends in manufacturing, consumer safety, and environmental sustainability.