The US Hydroxypropyl Cellulose market in CFR Houston moved higher through April as pharmaceutical and nutraceutical buying, higher feedstock costs and ocean freight pressures pushed landed costs and encouraged imports to accelerate purchases. Early in the month imports were adequate, but buyers accepted surcharges to protect viscosity-critical grades, with late-month logistics costs sustaining the uptrend. The tone remained constructive for specialty cellulose ethers as formulators prioritized continuity of supply ahead of mid-year gummy and sports-nutrition campaigns. Pharmaceutical demand constituted the main support, with brand formulators keeping call-offs steady for oral solid-dose formulations, tablets, capsules and coatings, while construction demand stayed muted. Nutraceutical packers maintained high-volume gummy runs ahead of the summer surge. Upside risks stem from freight cost pressure and potential supply constraints; geopolitical tensions in the region could affect seaborne propylene inputs. Looking ahead, the outlook is mixed but volatile, with May activity higher and anticipated renewed activity later in summer, subject to logistics and feedstock shifts.
