US Diclofenac Sodium Prices Advance as Freight Rates Rise Nearly 20% and API Costs Increase

In July, Diclofenac Sodium prices in the USA firmed after easing in June, as higher Diclofenac Sodium API costs in India and China combined with sharply increased freight rates. Chinese CFR Shanghai and Indian-origin offers strengthened amid structural supply consolidation, transmitting elevated replacement costs into CFR Houston landed pricing. Demand for USP-grade Diclofenac Sodium remained supportive, with generic drug-maker procurement up 8% and US demand rising 5% month on month, according to ChemAnalyst data. Branded formulators and retail pharmacy chains increased buying by roughly 3%, while Latin American export demand rose about 12%, competing with US buyers. However, generic pricing erosion and GPO activity limited stronger gains. Diclofenac Sodium API supply from India and China remained relatively tight, while stable feedstock costs supported routine production. Logistics added significant pressure: Shanghai-to-Houston freight rose from USD 6,792 to USD 8,108 for a 40-foot container, while JNPT-to-Houston increased from USD 5,059 to USD 6,065. US-Iran tensions and higher crude oil prices initially increased cost pressure before crude corrected later in July. Tight supply and elevated freight kept landed costs firm.