For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American Acrylamide market in Q4 2024 exhibited a volatile price trajectory, primarily driven by a combination of supply and demand factors. The quarter commenced with a decline in prices due to weak consumer demand and increased imports of cheaper goods from Asia.
This trend was further exacerbated by declining crude oil prices and geopolitical uncertainties, which impacted overall market sentiment. However, prices experienced a significant rebound in October, driven by increased demand from the municipal and industrial sectors, particularly for water treatment applications. This upward trend continued into November, supported by steady demand and rising input costs.
However, prices declined sharply in December, primarily due to a combination of factors. Declining demand from the downstream sector, driven by factors such as reduced water management activities and end-use application rates, exerted downward pressure on prices. Additionally, the impact of declining Acrylonitrile prices, a key raw material, further contributed to the downward price trend. Despite some positive developments in the global water treatment market, including increased sales volumes across various regions, the impact of weak demand in key markets like China, coupled with cautious purchasing behavior from downstream consumers, significantly impacted prices.
APAC
The APAC Acrylamide market in Q4 2024 exhibited a volatile price trajectory, driven by a complex interplay of supply and demand factors. The quarter commenced with stable prices in October, supported by firm demand from the water treatment sector and stable upstream Acrylonitrile costs. However, prices plunged in November due to a significant decline in consumer demand, driven by destocking activities and weak demand from downstream industries. This downward trend was further exacerbated by a decline in Acrylonitrile prices. Subsequently, prices rebounded sharply in December, driven by a combination of factors, including increased demand from the water treatment sector ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays, rising Acrylonitrile costs, and firm demand from key overseas markets. While supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainties posed challenges, the overall demand for water treatment chemicals remained robust, driven by government initiatives to expand wastewater treatment infrastructure and meet stringent environmental regulations. This, coupled with increased production activity and improving economic conditions, contributed to a positive outlook for the APAC Acrylamide market towards the end of the quarter.
Europe
The European Acrylamide market in Q4 2024 exhibited a volatile price trajectory, driven by a complex interplay of supply and demand factors. The quarter commenced with a decline in prices due to weak consumer demand, primarily driven by sluggish industrial activity and economic pressures within the European region. This, coupled with elevated energy costs and regulatory complexities, significantly impacted demand for water treatment chemicals, including Acrylamide. However, prices rebounded in December, driven by increased procurement activities ahead of the holiday season and rising demand from the water treatment sector. This upward trend was partially offset by declining upstream Acrylonitrile prices and ongoing economic uncertainties. Despite these challenges, the European Acrylamide market demonstrated some resilience. The growing demand for water treatment solutions, driven by factors such as increasing water scarcity and stricter environmental regulations, continued to support the market. However, the overall market sentiment remained subdued, with concerns about economic slowdown and potential for further price volatility persisting throughout the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the acrylamide market experienced a mixed pricing environment in the North America region. In the first half of the quarter, U.S. acrylamide prices rose significantly due to high-priced imports and a 3% increase in upstream acrylonitrile prices. Demand from the water treatment sector remained strong, while inquiries from the paper and pulp manufacturing sector were low. Despite ongoing uncertainty in the upstream crude oil market, participants adapted to these changes. Additionally, global oversupply in packaging introduced competitive pressures, although the outlook for key segments like containerboard and kraft paper remained positive.
In the second half of Q3 2024, the acrylamide pricing environment in North America witnessed a significant decline, influenced by various market factors. The quarter was marked by disruptions, including plant shutdowns by key players like SNF Floerger Group and Kemira Water Solutions due to hurricanes, which led to supply constraints and contributed to the downward price trend. Decreased industrial and household activities, along with reduced demand in the water treatment sector, further pressured prices.
Specifically in the U.S., the market experienced a 3% increase from the previous quarter, with the quarter-ending price settling at USD 1494/MT for acrylamide powder CFR USGC. Overall, the quarter was characterized by fluctuating prices driven by supply chain challenges and reduced demand, creating volatile market sentiment.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the Acrylamide pricing in the APAC region saw a significant increase due to various factors. Market prices were influenced by firm consumer demand, heightened industrial activities, and increased demand in the water treatment sector, especially from the water treatment sector, where it played a vital role in flocculants for water purification. Additionally, while upstream acrylonitrile prices fell by 3.6%, manufacturers maintained moderate production levels, ensuring sufficient inventory to meet ongoing demand. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, along with drone attacks on Russian refineries, added pressure on the upstream crude oil market, contributing to the price surge. The disruption in plant operations at Yongsan Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. in South Korea also impacted supply, further boosting prices.
China, experiencing the maximum price changes, saw a notable increase in Acrylamide prices. The market trend in China reflected a positive sentiment with an overall increasing price environment. The quarter recorded a -7% change from the previous quarter. The quarter-ending price for Acrylamide FOB Ningbo in China stood at USD 1211/MT, showcasing a consistent upward pricing trend.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the acrylamide market experienced a hybrid pricing environment in the European region. During the first half of Q3 2024, the acrylamide market in Europe saw escalating prices driven by increased demand from industries such as textiles, water treatment, and paper and pulp, leading to a tightening of supply. Supply chain disruptions, including plant shutdowns, further constrained availability, pushing prices upward. Germany experienced the most significant price fluctuations compared to other European countries, influenced by seasonal trends and market dynamics that highlighted a strong correlation between demand patterns and pricing adjustments. In the second half of Q3 2024, acrylamide prices in the German domestic market declined due to weak upstream support, as continuous drops in acrylonitrile prices and reduced crude oil costs further weakened the cost structure. Despite a moderate uptick in demand from the water treatment sector, overall demand remained low to moderate, particularly from the subdued paper and pulp manufacturing sector. This led to cuts in purchasing activity and employment, with significant reductions in input demand resulting in decreased purchasing prices and output charges. The market situation was bearish, with manufacturers operating at reduced rates amid high material availability and sluggish consumer demand. Despite a slight decrease in prices from the previous quarter, the overall trajectory for acrylamide pricing in Germany remained positive throughout Q3. The quarter concluded with the price of acrylamide FOB Hamburg reaching USD 1412/MT, reflecting a market sentiment characterized by fluctuating pricing trends.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, Acrylamide pricing in North America experienced a significant upward trend driven by several key factors. There was a notable increase in demand for Acrylamide due to heightened industrial and household activities, especially in the water treatment sector. This demand surge coincided with supply-side disruptions, including a temporary Force Majeure declared by SNF Floerger Group in Pearlington, Mississippi, due to a storm in May 2024, which impacted market availability. Additionally, the rising cost of upstream raw materials such as Acrylonitrile and increased freight charges contributed to the elevated price levels.
In the USA, the market saw the most significant price changes within North America. The overall trend reflected a consistent increase in prices due to seasonal demand peaks for water treatment products during the summer. The quarter witnessed a 10% price increase from the previous quarter.
Hence, the pricing environment has been predominantly positive, marked by robust demand and constrained supply. The quarter ended with the price of Acrylamide Powder CFR USGC at USD 1558/MT. Despite some supply chain challenges and plant shutdowns, the market's upward pricing trajectory underscored the strong market fundamentals and anticipated ongoing demand.
APAC
In Q2 2024, Acrylamide prices in the APAC region experienced a mixed trend due to several significant factors. Initially, during the first two months of the quarter, prices showed an upward trend. Acrylamide prices in the Chinese domestic market rose due to improved consumer demand and increased industrial and household activities, particularly in the water treatment sector. The rise in upstream Acrylonitrile costs by 1.6% also contributed to the price increase. Despite a decrease in crude oil prices, driven by an unexpected surge in US crude oil inventories and subdued demand forecasts, Acrylamide prices remained bullish. Overall, China's exports and imports rebounded in April and May, reflecting improved domestic and international demand.
However, in June 2024, Acrylamide prices plunged in the Chinese domestic market due to a slowdown in consumer demand and high inventory levels. The monsoon season led to reduced purchases from the water treatment sector, and inquiries from the paper and pulp manufacturing sector remained muted. Upstream Acrylonitrile prices decreased by 1.0%, while ongoing conflicts and disruptions in the oil market continued to exert cost pressure. Overall, weak demand and sufficient supply contributed to the bearish market situation.
Focusing on China, where the most substantial price fluctuations occurred, the quarter saw a marked downward trend in Acrylamide prices. A significant event contributing to this decline was the force majeure declared by Anhui Jucheng Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd. due to a heavy rainstorm from June 23-30, temporarily halting operations and affecting supply. However, the impact on overall market prices remained limited due to high initial inventories and steady production rates from other manufacturers. The correlation between seasonal demand shifts and price changes was evident, with the summer season typically seeing lower consumption. Overall, the pricing environment for Acrylamide in Q2 2024 was negative by the end of the quarter, reflecting a consistent downward sentiment. Compared to the previous quarter, prices decreased by 7%, underscoring this trend. The quarter concluded with Acrylamide priced at USD 1197/MT FOB Ningbo, indicating a significant reduction from earlier levels and marking a period of price stabilization aligned with decreased demand and improved raw material availability.
Europe
In Q2 2024, Acrylamide prices in the European market experienced a pronounced upward trajectory, driven by a combination of supply chain disruptions, escalating raw material costs, and heightened freight charges. The prices surged as the market contended with ongoing issues in the Red Sea and Suez Canal, which exacerbated shipping delays and contributed to the rising cost of logistics. The rebound in crude oil prices also played a pivotal role, as OPEC+ members extended production cuts, directly impacting the cost pressure on upstream Acrylonitrile, a key precursor in Acrylamide production.
Germany witnessed the most significant price fluctuations within Europe during this quarter. The German market displayed an incrementally bullish trend as demand from downstream sectors like textiles, water treatment, and the paper industry showed a moderate recovery. This recovery coincided with the pre-summer restocking activities, which further strained the supply-demand dynamics. The overall sentiment in the German Acrylamide market was positive, manifesting a 13% increase from the previous quarter.
The quarter concluded with Acrylamide priced at USD 1438/MT FOB Hamburg, underscoring a steady upward momentum in the market. Despite the disruptions, no significant plant shutdowns were reported, suggesting that the supply chain managed to navigate through the challenges without substantial operational halts. The pricing environment in Q2 2024 was decidedly positive, reflecting robust underlying demand and constrained supply conditions.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
The first quarter of 2024 has been a mixed period for Acrylamide pricing in the North American region. In the USA, the overall trend has been bullish, with prices inclining over the quarter. In the first month, Acrylamide prices dropped due to weak demand, especially in water treatment and paper-making sectors. Severe weather disrupted operations, leading to temporary closures. Paper demand fell by 2%, reflecting a broader slowdown in packaging. Supply disruptions in the Middle East caused shipping delays, affecting Acrylamide imports.
However, in the last two months, the prices noted a significant increase. Firstly, there was an increase in the cost of upstream Acrylonitrile, which led to higher production costs and subsequently impacted the pricing of Acrylamide. Additionally, during these two months, higher freight charges due to supply disruptions in the Middle East and potential issues in the Red Sea and Suez Canal continued to exert upward pressure on the prices of the product.
Demand in the downstream water treatment and paper-making industries was low, leading to decreased consumption and weaker market conditions. The downturn in the paper-making sector, coupled with a decline in packaging demand, further dampened the overall demand outlook in the region. In conclusion, the pricing environment for Acrylamide in the North American region, has exhibited mixed trends during the first quarter of 2024. The latest quarter-ending prices for Acrylamide Powder CFR USGC in the USA were USD 1399/MT.
APAC
In Q1 2024, the pricing dynamics of Acrylamide in the APAC region, particularly in China, saw a mixed trend with moderate to low demand and steady to moderate supply. The prices of Acrylamide in China experienced marginal fluctuations, primarily driven by weak consumer demand and oversupply situations. The downstream textile, paper, and pulp manufacturing industries witnessed slow inquiries and increased destocking practices, leading to a lack of growth in new orders from the overseas market in the first half of the quarter.
The cost support from the upstream Acrylonitrile remained stable, with no major fluctuations observed. However, crude oil prices exhibited a decline in the first half of the quarter due to global oversupply and weakening demand dynamics. The year-end holidays and destocking season further resulted in diminished industrial activity and decreased demand for raw materials. The businesses operated at a slower pace, and low market transactions were registered in the region.
However, towards the end of Q1, the prices noted marginal improvement due to cost pressure from the crude oil market. Overall, the market was influenced by various factors such as weak consumer demand, oversupply situations, global crude oil prices, and seasonal effects. Overall, the market situation remained bearish, with moderate to high supply and low demand. The final quarter's price for Acrylamide FOB Ningbo in China was USD 1265/MT.
Europe
In the first quarter of 2024, the Acrylamide market in Europe, particularly in Germany experienced notable fluctuations driven by various factors. In January, the market witnessed a continued decline in prices due to weak consumer demand, particularly from downstream industries like textiles and water treatment. High product inventories further exacerbated the negative sentiment, compounded by a 4.2% monthly drop in the prices of upstream Acrylonitrile. Additionally, rising crude oil prices, spurred by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, contributed to the market dynamics.
In February, the prices of Acrylamide reversed course and increased in the German domestic market. Concerns over supply disruptions, including tensions in the Red Sea region and conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas tension, intensified worries about global oil supply, leading to a 10% increase in crude oil prices during the first two months of 2024. This was attributed to increased cost pressure from upstream raw materials. Moving into March, Acrylamide prices in the German domestic market continued to rise due to further cost pressure from upstream raw materials, increasing by 2.2% monthly.
Additionally, OPEC+ members reached an agreement to prolong voluntary output reductions, further impacting manufacturing costs. Despite this, inquiries from downstream industries remained subdued amid low consumption rates. Inflation in Germany softened in March, indicating a potential decrease in price pressures across the eurozone. Final figures from the Federal Statistics Office revealed that inflation in Europe's largest economy eased to 2.3%, driven by declines in food and energy prices. Overall, while the market conditions showed a slight improvement in March, overall sentiments remained suppressed. The discussions for Acrylamide FOB Hamburg settled at USD 1314/MT at the end of Q1 2024.
