In October 2025, the prices of polysorbates went down in India due to weaker demand and softer feedstock prices. Sorbitol prices fell and eased the production cost, while a slight hike in fatty acids' cost lent limited upside. Manufacturers were operating at a regular pace with sufficient inventories that avoided any supply side tightening. Demand from food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries was moderate as buyers continued to adopt cautious restocking. Export activities were at a low pace, with international buyers continuing to maintain conservatism in their procurement. Furthermore, the consumption and manufacturing further slowed down during the festive season, adding to the bearish sentiment. Looking ahead, increasing energy costs and year-end demand from pharmaceuticals and personal care might provide partial support. However, seasonal slowdowns and high inventory levels continue to put pressure on prices. The future trends may be influenced by innovations in sustainable polysorbates and rebounds in the cost of raw materials. All in all, the market goes into November cautiously, with further softening possible if demand does not recover.
Prices for polysorbate in India corrected downwards throughout October 2025, reflecting the bearish market sentiment driven by adequate supply and weak downstream demand. The correction was mainly because of softening feedstock values and sluggish demand from the food service industry, cosmetics, soaps, and pharmaceuticals. Manufacturing remained stable, as sufficient inventories were maintained, but market momentum lacked, forcing suppliers to adjust offers to stay competitive.
On the raw material front, sorbitol prices weakened by 2.2% and, subsequently, overall cost support for polysorbate manufacturers eased. While the prices of fatty acids were marginally higher, this was not enough to compensate for sorbitol's decline. The economics for production, therefore, remained favorable for continued output, with domestic manufacturers operating steadily in the month. Inventory levels, meanwhile, were ample and prevented any supply-side tightening of polysorbate availability.
Demand-side fundamentals were particularly poor. The food and beverage industries had seasonal fluctuations, while cosmetic and personal care producers made only limited purchases due to sufficient previously held inventory. Pharmaceutical demand was routine without any notable increases, and bulk buying was soft as buyers cautiously restocked supplies. Export activity also remained muted during the month as overseas buyers of Chinese surfactants adopted conservative purchasing strategies in response to worldwide economic uncertainty and stable inventory positions. This reduced export momentum further lowered polysorbate market sentiment.
The overall outlook for polysorbate in the Indian market is cautious into November. Demand and manufacturing will likely slow during the season, while high inventories from previous month production are likely to add downward pressure on polysorbate prices. Low operational activity and modest consumption of the commodity in the beverage segment could extend the bearish trend. However, coming close to the end of the year may turn around sentiments, and an upside can be witnessed with increased demand from the pharmaceuticals and personal care sectors.
Energy prices are likely to rise, further raise end-product prices. New developments in eco-friendly, value-added polysorbate should also spur selective demand. Reviving raw material prices, especially fatty acid and sorbitol, may again impact polysorbate prices over the next few months. Seasonal decline in the manufacturing of emulsified drug formulations will lower purchases of bulk drugs. Export volumes from China and Europe, which have returned to normal levels, will also loosen the supply chain tightness that prevailed earlier.
Overall, the outlook for the Indian polysorbate market, entering November, is cautious. Though current fundamentals suggest a further softening of polysorbate prices is possible, shifts in demand, cost structure, and global trade flows will be important for determining price trajectories through the rest of the quarter.
