The US Sodium Methyl Paraben market kicked off January with a very solid foundation and continued where December left off. Early in the month, the price inched up by 0.4% but headed in the right direction. As the market moved into the second week of January, the momentum didn't drop off; it just kept building, due to steady demand from companies making personal care products, cosmetics, and over-the-counter drugs. All the holiday lull did was give buyers a chance to catch up on some ordering. They came back into the market looking to stock up on some working stock and get some materials in place for the first quarter production plans. But the market has been looking steady all round: no real supply problems to speak of, imports have been coming in as expected, due to reliable production in Asia and smooth sailing through the US ports. The price of materials to make it all happen is stable too, and shipping costs haven't been causing any problems either. Buyers just kept on buying: all that routine stuff and the usual regulatory requirements have kept them coming back for more. And the outlook is good, all the signs are pointing to the upward trend continuing at least right through January - restocking and people keeping on using products are expected to keep driving the market up
