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[chem-analyst]

Cement and Concrete Additives Prices, Monitor, News and Demand

In Q4 2024, the North American raw material markets experienced mixed price trends across key commodities, influenced by supply disruptions, logistical challenges, and demand fluctuations. Several commodities faced bearish trends, including Cellulose Ether, which saw declining prices due to oversupply, weak exports, and bearish downstream sentiment despite temporary support from raw material shortages. Iron Oxide prices fell by 12% due to weak construction demand, logistical bottlenecks, and low-cost imports, while Quicklime declined as sluggish construction activity and cheaper imports from China pressured the market.

[chem-analyst]

Surfactants Prices, Monitor, News, market Analysis and Demand

In Q4 2024, the North American chemical market exhibited mixed pricing trends, influenced by raw material fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and shifting demand patterns. Several commodities experienced downward pressure, including Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA), which saw a 10% price decline due to weak detergent sector demand and seasonal slowdowns, while Soda Ash prices dropped 4.5% amid ample supply and sluggish consumption from construction and glass industries. Nonylphenol Ethoxylates also saw a late-quarter price decline following earlier stability, driven by seasonal demand softening and a slowdown in manufacturing.

[chem-analyst]

Pharmaceuticals Raw Materials Prices, Monitor, News and Demand

North American active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) sector exhibited market equilibrium across the majority of compounds, with select exceptions marking notable deviations during Quarter 4 of 2024. Core API commodities including Omeprazole, Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride, Naproxen, Amlodipine Besylate, Ibuprofen, Azithromycin, and Salicylic Acid maintained price stability, supported by balanced demand-supply dynamics and sufficient inventory levels.

[chem-analyst]

Phosphorus Based Fertilizer Prices, Monitor, News and Demand

In Q4 2024, the North American fertilizer market experienced mixed trends across key products, influenced by stable supply-demand dynamics, subdued agricultural activity, and global market challenges. The U.S. phosphoric acid market witnessed slight declines as steady production levels and adequate raw material availability balanced flat demand across sectors. Stable operations in port facilities ensured smooth supply chains, though labour shortages and transportation delays posed minor challenges.

[chem-analyst]

Textile Sector Raw Material Prices, Monitor, News and Demand

The North American textile industry faced persistent challenges in Q4 2024 due to weak demand, economic uncertainties, and external pressures such as inflation and shifting consumer spending patterns. The Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) market saw a 5.7% price drop during the quarter, driven by low-cost imports from Asia and reduced feedstock costs like PTA, compounded by the ILA Port Strike and high freight charges that discouraged stockpiling.

[chem-analyst]

Personal Care Chemicals Prices, Monitor, News, Analysis and Demand

The North American personal care chemicals in Q4 2024 exhibited a diverse range of price trends, influenced by supply-demand imbalances, global trade disruptions, and broader macroeconomic factors. Several commodities experienced strong upward momentum due to supply constraints and robust downstream demand. Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates saw a significant price surge, driven by disruptions in global palm oil supply, strong growth in the U.S. personal care sector, and inflationary pressures. Glycerine prices climbed steadily throughout the quarter, fueled by low inventories, rising raw material costs, and increased demand from key industries such as pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and personal care. Melatonin recorded a 3.2% price increase, supported by sustained pharmaceutical and nutraceutical demand, improved logistics, and strategic pricing moves by suppliers. Meanwhile, Glyoxylic Acid experienced volatility but ended the quarter on an upward trend due to supply constraints caused by extreme weather events and force majeure incidents.

[chem-analyst]

Packaging Materials Prices, Monitor, News, Analysis and Demand

The North American packaging materials market in Q4 2024 exhibited varied price movements across key commodities, influenced by seasonal demand, supply disruptions, and economic factors. Corrugated box prices initially rose due to hurricane-related production disruptions and strong holiday-driven demand but declined later as supply normalized and consumer demand softened. Cardboard prices followed a similar trend, peaking in November on holiday e-commerce activity before dropping in December as purchasing slowed post-Thanksgiving. BOPET film prices remained weak throughout the quarter due to excess supply, lower PET feedstock costs, and subdued demand, despite temporary freight cost increases from labor strikes. BOPP film prices declined steadily, driven by reduced pre-New Year demand, high global supply, and stable raw material costs.

[chem-analyst]

Cleaning Solvents Prices, Monitor, News, Analysis and Demand

In Q4 2024, the North American chemical market exhibited mixed trends, influenced by supply-demand dynamics, logistical disruptions, and fluctuating crude oil prices. The toluene market remained stable, with prices steady due to sufficient stockpiles and declining production costs, though labor strikes caused logistical delays. The acetone market saw a bearish trend, with prices declining amid stable production costs and moderate demand, despite minor supply chain disruptions. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) prices dropped consistently, driven by weak demand from the solvents industry, excess inventory, and aggressive pricing strategies.

[chem-analyst]

Potassium Based Fertilizer Prices, Monitor, News and Demand

The North American potassium-based fertilizer market in Q4 2024 experienced dynamic price trends, shaped largely by supply-demand dynamics and the agricultural sector's performance. Potassium Chloride (MOP) exhibited a volatile trajectory, starting with price declines in Canada due to weak consumer demand and increased imports of low-cost goods. However, prices recovered in October and November, driven by robust demand from the agricultural sector and supply chain disruptions. December saw a sharp surge in prices, spurred by rising input costs and strong demand for winter wheat and corn fertilizers, coupled with increased exports to South America and Asia.

[chem-analyst]

Paints and Coatings Solvents Prices, Monitor, News, Analysis and Demand

In Q4 2024, the U.S. paints and coatings sector experienced a cautious environment, with varied price trends across key chemical products used in the industry. Acetone and Butyl Acetate prices remained steady, with supply conditions balanced despite sluggish demand. However, the construction sector, a major consumer of these solvents, faced challenges due to high interest rates and affordability issues, dampening overall demand for coatings. Both the Ethyl Acetate and Butyl Acetate markets showed minimal price movement, influenced by weak demand and elevated shipping costs.

[chem-analyst]

Food Preservatives Prices, Monitor, News, Analysis and Demand

The North American food preservatives market exhibited diverse price movements during the fourth quarter of 2024, characterized by notable variations across different compounds and market segments. A subset of preservatives demonstrated positive price momentum, led by Citric Acid which maintained consistent price appreciation throughout Q4. This upward trajectory was primarily driven by sustained buyer interest in the US market and robust demand from the Food & Beverage sector. Following similar positive trends, Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) recorded approximately 4% growth, while Calcium Propionate showed a 3% increase, both supported by sustained procurement costs and steady market demand during Q4.

[chem-analyst]

Biodegradable Polymers Prices, Monitor, News, Analysis and Demand

The North American biodegradable polymers market demonstrated varied price movements during Q4 2024, with distinct trends emerging across different product segments and applications.

[chem-analyst]

Synthetic Rubber Prices, Monitor, News, Analysis and Demand

The North American synthetic rubber market exhibited varied price movements in Q4 2024, shaped by supply stability, demand shifts, and sector-specific developments. EPDM Rubber prices inched up slightly, supported by stable supply and a recovering automotive sector, whereas Polyolefin Elastomer (POE) prices declined due to subdued construction activity despite steady automotive demand. Fluoroelastomer (FKM) remained largely stable, with minor gains driven by steady hybrid and electric vehicle demand, though aerospace sector weakness capped broader increases. Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) saw moderate price growth, supported by stable feedstock availability and sustained demand from the automotive and tire industries, despite an early Q1 dip in Butadiene prices. Meanwhile, Halo Butyl Rubber (HBR) prices rose modestly, backed by strong tire and tube demand, though weaker exports and fluctuating energy costs limited gains.

[chem-analyst]

Pharmaceutical Solvents Prices, Monitor, News and Demand

The North American pharmaceutical solvents market demonstrated diverse price movements during Q4 2024, with certain commodities experiencing notable appreciation while others witnessed significant depreciation. In the positive spectrum, Chloroform exhibited robust growth on a quarterly basis. This upward trajectory was supported by steady demand dynamics, feedstock market conditions, and strategic inventory management. The market was further influenced by EPA's proposed mitigation measures regarding pesticides, potentially affecting Chloroform demand patterns. Additionally, the feedstock Methanol market experienced supply tightness due to production outages in both U.S. and European markets, leading analysts to revise price forecasts upward through 2025.

[chem-analyst]

Polyacrylic Acid Prices, News, Monitor, Demand & Analysis

North America

The North American Polyacrylic Acid market exhibited varied price movements during the fourth quarter of 2024, influenced by changes in feedstock dynamics, regional demand, and supply conditions. In October, the market experienced a price surge despite declining Acrylic Acid and Propylene costs. This was primarily driven by robust demand from the water treatment sector, which maintained strong offtake levels, and supply-side constraints due to production curtailments and logistical challenges. Demand from the textile industry, however, remained subdued as weaker economic activity persisted across the region.

In November, Polyacrylic Acid prices stabilized despite upward pressure from rising Acrylic Acid costs. Steady demand from downstream industries like construction and paints and coatings supported the market, but slower growth in these sectors, coupled with cautious pricing strategies by suppliers, prevented significant price changes.

By December, Polyacrylic Acid prices declined, driven by increased competition from imported materials and weakened feedstock cost support. Mixed demand from the construction sector, which faced challenges such as delays and cautious project spending, further contributed to the bearish market trend.

[chem-analyst]

Phosphoric Acid Prices, News, Monitor, Analysis & Demand

North America

In the past quarter, the U.S. phosphoric acid market witnessed a slight decline of 0.74% compared to the previous period, largely due to stable supply and demand dynamics. Phosphoric acid supply remained steady with consistent production levels, supported by adequate raw material availability, including phosphate rocks.

Manufacturers, while facing flat demand across various sectors, adjusted their output to maintain market balance, preventing any significant fluctuations in pricing. Despite challenges such as labor shortages and transportation delays impacting delivery times, the market experienced smooth operations in port facilities, ensuring efficient supply chain management.

On the demand side, agricultural sectors, particularly fertilizer production, sustained stable demand, driven by the ongoing crop fertilization mid-season. However, overseas demand showed signs of weakening due to lower agricultural outputs in major export markets like Mexico and Brazil, which may dampen global demand. The continued challenges in global phosphate supply, including Chinese export restrictions and U.S. production disruptions, contributed to a tight market, but the overall market balance was maintained. Manufacturers, cautious about inventory management, adjusted production levels in response to reduced purchasing activity and market uncertainty.

[chem-analyst]

Neoprene Rubber Prices, Monitor, Demand & Market Analysis

North America

The Neoprene Rubber market in the U.S. experienced a 2.99% decline in pricing during the final quarter of the year, influenced by evolving market dynamics across key sectors. The decrease can be attributed to weaker feedstock prices, particularly Butadiene, which saw consistent declines throughout the quarter. Lower production costs for Chloroprene-based monomers further pressured prices, reflecting subdued feedstock trends.

Demand dynamics presented a mixed outlook. The automotive sector remained a strong performer, with steady vehicle sales and increased production levels contributing to robust consumption of Neoprene Rubber. However, the aerospace and construction sectors faced challenges, including production disruptions, reduced orders, and economic constraints, leading to weaker demand in these areas.

On the supply front, adequate raw material availability and effective supplier strategies ensured steady market supply, despite temporary disruptions such as hurricane-related delays and port congestion. Manufacturers maintained cautious inventory management, aligning production with moderate to lower demand to avoid oversupply. Overall, the quarter highlighted the resilience of the automotive sector amid broader economic headwinds. However, the aerospace and construction sector's subdued performance, combined with reduced input costs, shaped a softer market sentiment.