Antibiotics prices in the US went up in May 2025 due to a combination of rising import costs, firm international prices and seasonal demand. One of the drivers of the price increase was the significant rise in Chinese export prices of antibiotics as suppliers in China raised their quotes due to inventory tightening and global demand.
Antibiotics prices in the US went up in May 2025 due to a combination of rising import costs, firm international prices and seasonal demand. One of the drivers of the price increase was the significant rise in Chinese export prices of antibiotics as suppliers in China raised their quotes due to inventory tightening and global demand. However, there are a few exceptions in the list. Some of the Antibiotics’ prices kept their downtrend continue during this month due to higher availability in the market (contrary to the trend observed by others).
US importers were further squeezed by the upward trend in freight rates from Asia to US ports in May. Increased shipping costs added to the landed cost and put pressure on buyers and local distributors to adjust their pricing. Meanwhile, the depreciation of US dollar against Chinese yuan made Chinese sourced material more expensive for American importers. These currency fluctuations affected not only current transactions but also future procurement planning as buyers anticipated price adjustments.
According to ChemAnalyst, domestically, the US pharmaceutical market saw a decline in inventory across major distributors and retail channels in early May and hence there was an increase in restocking activity. This increased procurement created shortage in the local market and gave suppliers an opportunity to increase prices.
From the demand side, antibiotics consumption in the United States moved up steadily through May, largely influenced by seasonal factors increasing levels of bacterial infections and more outpatient visits resulting in higher levels of prescriptions issued. It was also made possible by improved stability in terms of the supply chain (raw materials and transportation, etc), from upstream suppliers enabling the manufacturer to scale production and in turn further support and respond to the demand trends.
Moreover, the continued rise in demand was supported by replenishing inventories within both hospital and retail pharmacies. Many facilities, after having depleted supplies earlier in the year, were fast to replenish inventories in response to an increase in patient loads. Coupled with the movement across both supply and demand, this supported a strong bullish sentiment in the antibiotics market during the month of May.
Market experts expect an increase in antibiotics prices in the US market in the month of June. Prices were expected to push higher on the back of improving downstream demand. Purchasing activity was expected to pick up as buyers replenish lower inventories, while improving global trade sentiment was expected to contribute to increased export activity which would continue to support bullish market conditions in the near term.
