US spot prices for cetirizine dihydrochloride firmed markedly in March, underpinned by seasonal demand and constrained import availability. Early-month supply tightness arose as Indian and Chinese exporters lifted offers and lengthened booking windows; by late March, retailers and finished-dose packagers accelerated purchases ahead of the April-May pollen peak. Demand from OTC antihistamines, finished-dose packs, and chronic therapies dominated API consumption, while clinical-trial material remained active but small and largely non-pressureful on prices. Upstream friction and cost pressures supported the rally: higher input costs for chlorinated aromatics and cyanide-derivative intermediates, plus tighter environmental rules in key producing regions, tightened conversion economics. Indian contract manufacturers redirected capacity abroad, reducing US allotments, and Chinese campaigns were curtailed by inspections and delays. Logistics risk also rose, with higher insurance and container surcharges shaping landed costs. Looking ahead, market participants expect sustained strength into the near term, underpinned by tight API supply, raw-material and compliance costs, and seasonal buying. Risks include inspections, and shipping-route disruptions.
