In May 2025, the global polyacrylamide (PAM) market witnessed varied regional pricing trends, largely influenced by the performance of its key downstream industries, namely mining and water treatment. While China reported an upward movement in PAM prices, India experienced a decline.
In May 2025, the global polyacrylamide (PAM) market witnessed varied regional pricing trends, largely influenced by the performance of its key downstream industries, namely mining and water treatment. While China reported an upward movement in PAM prices, India experienced a decline. On the other hand, the U.S. and Germany recorded firming price trends, highlighting how regional industrial dynamics are shaping market behaviour.
Prices for polyacrylamide increased noticeably in China in May 2025. Strong demand from the mining industry, which has experienced increased activity as a result of ongoing infrastructure improvements and mineral extraction projects, was the main driver of this increase. A favourable environment for PAM producers was also created by steady investment in municipal wastewater treatment projects, which raised downstream demand. Price increases were further supported by moderate inventory levels and comparatively stable upstream raw material costs.
On the other hand, PAM prices in India trended lower. Due to a seasonal slowdown in public sector infrastructure activities and muted government project spending, the water treatment industry, a significant PAM consumer, saw a decrease in procurement. In the meantime, the mining sector failed to meet demand since it stayed largely unchanged and did not see a notable increase in operations. Prices decreased during the month as a result of these factors as well as the domestic market's abundance of products.
Throughout May, polyacrylamide prices in the US remained rising. The water treatment industry continued to be the main driver, especially in the municipal and industrial sectors, where rising chemical consumption has been fuelled by efforts to mitigate drought and increase regulatory compliance. Demand was further supported by the continued activity of the oil and gas industry, which employs PAM in enhanced oil recovery. The region's prices also strengthened as a result of tight supply and high freight costs.
Over the past month, Germany has also reported rising PAM prices. Despite being smaller than in other areas, the nation's mining sector has grown moderately, especially in the areas of rare earth and lithium mineral exploration for the energy transition. Furthermore, the wastewater treatment market continues to see strong demand due to Germany's strict environmental regulations, particularly among industrial facilities. The firm pricing trend was also influenced by supply-side limitations brought on by slower imports and production costs associated with energy.
The PAM market is anticipated to provide crucial information about how downstream sector performance and regional industrial activity are affecting price dynamics, according to ChemAnalyst. The report will probably draw attention to the disparate economic environments in Asia, with China exhibiting PAM price increases due to infrastructure and mining demand and India experiencing decreases due to reduced water treatment activity. A clear picture of how supply chain, environmental, and regulatory factors are influencing PAM pricing globally will be presented concurrently by the firming price trends in the U.S. and Germany, which are supported by robust demand from the energy and water treatment sectors.
