Bromine is the only non-metallic element that exists in liquid form at room temperature, with the chemical formula Br₂. It appears as a deep reddish-brown liquid and has a pungent odor. Bromine exhibits highly reactive physical and chemical properties, allowing it to form a wide variety of inorganic bromides as well as numerous organic bromine-containing compounds. Due to the unique physicochemical characteristics of different bromides, bromine serves as a versatile basic chemical raw material and is one of the key raw materials in chemical production and even the entire industrial sector.

Looking at the price of bromine: According to the commodity analysis system of Business Society, the overall price trend of bromine in 2025 showed an upward movement. The average market price at the beginning of the year was 21,900 yuan per ton, while by the end of the year, it had risen to 36,100 yuan per ton, representing an increase of 64.84%. From the monthly K-bar chart of bromine, it can be observed that in 2025, prices rose for 8 months, declined for 3 months, and remained stable for 1 month. The largest increase occurred in March, with a price rise of 33.03%, while the sharpest decline was in April, with a price drop of 25.5%.

Examining the annual comparison chart of bromine, it is evident that the price of bromine remained relatively weak throughout the year, hovering near a five-year historical low.

Analyzing the specific price trends of bromine:

• From January to February, bromine prices remained stable. During this period, pre-holiday stockpiling took place, and production gradually resumed after the holiday. However, downstream demand was primarily based on immediate needs, leading to a balanced supply-demand situation and continued consolidation in bromine prices.
• In March, bromine prices rose due to tight inventory, active demand from downstream flame retardant manufacturers, and delays in bromine imports. Prices increased, and it was expected that they would remain stable with a slight upward trend in the short term.
• In mid-to-late April, bromine prices declined, mainly because bromine production increased as the weather warmed, leading to higher market supply and elevated enterprise inventories. Additionally, China’s high dependence on bromine imports began to normalize. The earlier price increase had led to resistance from downstream buyers, who mostly purchased based on demand, resulting in weaker bromine prices.
• From May to the end of August, bromine prices continued to rise. As the weather warmed, downstream demand improved, and environmental inspections affected production, leading to low inventory pressure for enterprises and firm quotations. During this period, supply was also reduced due to the rainy season, but downstream demand remained moderate, keeping prices firm amid supply-demand fluctuations.
• In September, a slight downward trend was observed. Although prices were expected to rise due to the traditional peak season ("Golden September, Silver October"), and despite environmental inspections and rainy season impacts keeping enterprise inventories low and market supply tight, downstream resistance to price increases led to a decline in bromine prices.
• From early October to the end of the year, bromine prices continued to rise.

Although bromine prices in 2025 were historically low, they showed an overall upward trend throughout the year. Can this firm trend be sustained in 2026?

Supply Side:
From the perspective of supply, China’s bromine production has seen minimal changes, with an overall stable supply trend. Due to the gradual depletion of underground brine resources, the growth in China’s bromine production capacity has been slow. Data shows that in 2025, China’s bromine production capacity was approximately 85,000–95,000 tons, with an output of 63,000 tons.

Import and Export:
Currently, China’s domestic bromine market has a low self-sufficiency rate, with heavy reliance on imports. In recent years, China’s bromine self-sufficiency rate has remained low, and the supply of bromine in the industrial chain is largely dependent on countries such as Israel, the United States, and India. Customs data indicates that China’s bromine imports in 2025 approached 80,000 tons.

Flame Retardant Sector:
Long-term weak downstream demand has led to slow inventory consumption among manufacturers. Major flame retardant producers, such as those of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), have maintained low operating rates, with prices near cost levels and significantly compressed profits. Due to a lack of order support, bromine procurement has been sporadic, with flame retardant manufacturers purchasing only to meet immediate needs.

Forecast:
Business Society analysis suggests that bromine prices are expected to remain firm in the near term. Downstream industries such as flame retardants and intermediates provide moderate support. Currently, bromine production is at its annual low, with widespread inventory shortages among manufacturers. Important news from overseas markets indicates that some bromine plants in Jordan have temporarily halted production. China’s bromine supply remains limited, relying heavily on imports. Overall, it is expected that bromine prices will maintain a strong trend in the short term.