Bromine is primarily sourced from natural reserves such as seawater, salt lakes formed by evaporation, and underground brine reservoirs. One of the most prominent sources is the Dead Sea in the Middle East. Additionally, bromine can be extracted as a by-product during the salt production process through seawater evaporation.

In certain chemical processes, chlorine and iodine can occasionally serve as substitutes for bromine. When it comes to flame retardants, alternatives such as aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, organic chlorine compounds, and phosphorus-based substances may be used, particularly because many plastics ignite at relatively low temperatures.

India Bromine Market (May 2025)
The price trend of Liquid Bromine (Mumbai, India) shows a significant upward trajectory from late March to the end of May 2025. The price rose from around ₹192/kg in late January to over ₹205/kg by the end of May.

Key Points

  • Weather constraints: The rainy season poses several challenges to bromine production from lower brine concentration and evaporation inefficiencies to logistical issues. These disruptions can affect overall supply, increase production costs, and lead to price volatility in the market during and immediately after the monsoon period.
  • Shortage of material: Limited domestic availability of raw bromine and delayed imports tightened supply.
  • Stable demand: Key downstream industries (e.g. flame retardants, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals) maintained consistent procurement.

China Bromine Market (May 2025)

  • Current reference price: $3,440/ton
  • Early May: Tight supply and delayed imports (from Israel, Jordan, India, US) pushed prices up.
  • From mid to late May, increased demand from downstream sectors combined with reliance on imported supplies contributed to upward pressure on prices.
  • Downstream resistance: Price hikes led to cautious buying behaviour, especially among flame retardant manufacturers.

Outlook for Q3–Q4 2025

India Market Outlook

Q2 FY 2025 (Jul–Sep)

  • Prices may remain elevated due to persistent weather, potential monsoon and related issues, and continued limited supply.
  • Demand likely to rise in Q3 due to seasonal manufacturing cycles in agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
  • Estimated price range: ₹205–230/kg

Q3 FY 2025 (Oct–Dec)

  • Seasonal cooling and a possible drop in demand from flame retardant manufacturers could ease the pressure.
  • Estimated price range: ₹180–205/kg

China Market Outlook

Q3 CY 2025

  • Moderate upward pressure expected due to continued global demand and limited flexibility in supply chain sourcing.
  • Inventory levels will balance out, but strong demand in electronics and flame retardants may support prices.

Q4 CY 2025

  • Weaker prices expected as downstream industries curb purchases in response to earlier high prices.
  • Supply normalisation from key exporting nations (Israel, Jordan, India, US) could restore global equilibrium.