For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, Azithromycin prices in the U.S. followed a volatile trajectory, influenced by shifting trade policies, supply chain challenges, and changing demand patterns. Prices rose moderately in January as importers accelerated purchases ahead of the proposed 10% tariff on Chinese goods set for February. This frontloading, combined with the approach of the Chinese Lunar New Year and rising energy costs, put additional strain on supply chains and pushed prices upward. Shipment delays intensified due to port congestion in Los Angeles, exacerbated by wildfire-related disruptions, further driving up operational expenses.
In February, prices declined as production in China recovered post-holiday and lower transpacific freight rates facilitated smoother supply into the U.S. Market demand softened due to economic uncertainty and earlier stockpiling, which dampened fresh purchasing activity. March saw a modest price rebound fueled by renewed buying interest after President Trump’s March 4 tariff measures targeting key trade partners stirred concerns over pharmaceutical supply continuity. Expectations of further tariffs in April prompted early procurement efforts, while slightly easing consumer inflation contributed to improved market sentiment and firmer pricing.
Overall, the first quarter showcased a turbulent yet resilient pricing landscape, underpinned by geopolitical developments and logistical pressures.
Asia Pacific
In the first quarter of 2025, Azithromycin prices in China experienced notable volatility, shaped by evolving supply-demand dynamics. In January, prices rose due to strong demand from the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, coupled with reduced manufacturing output during the Lunar New Year holiday. Exporters also frontloaded shipments ahead of anticipated U.S. tariffs, tightening domestic supply and driving bullish sentiment. February brought a slight price decline as post-holiday manufacturing recovery improved supply availability. However, demand remained subdued amid deflationary pressures, weak consumer spending, and a sluggish pharmaceutical market. The imposition of U.S. tariffs further contributed to higher domestic inventories, as exporters redirected volumes to local markets. By March, prices edged up again as supply struggled to keep pace with steady demand. Low stock levels, increased foreign procurement amid trade uncertainty, and stronger domestic demand—fueled by fiscal stimulus and restocking ahead of plant maintenance—tightened market conditions. Overall, the quarter saw a moderate price increase, driven by intermittent supply constraints and fluctuating demand.
Europe
In Q1 2025, Azithromycin prices in Germany experienced marked fluctuations, influenced by shifting demand, supply conditions, and external developments. January saw a moderate price increase, supported by improved business sentiment in Germany and accommodative monetary policy, which stimulated demand from the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Stockpiling activity, prompted by anticipated delays linked to the Lunar New Year, added upward pressure on prices. In February, prices declined as supply remained ample and demand softened, reducing the urgency for new purchases. The strengthening Euro against the U.S. Dollar, combined with a steep drop in freight rates, made imports more cost-effective and contributed to an accumulation of inventories. By March, prices rebounded as supply constraints emerged due to port congestion and labor unrest across parts of Europe, which disrupted shipments. Restocking activities resumed, and growing confidence within the pharmaceutical sector lifted demand, driving a modest price recovery. Overall, Q1 ended with a moderate upward trend in Azithromycin prices, with market sentiment pointing to continued strength in the months ahead.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Azithromycin prices in the USA experienced notable volatility, influenced by changing market conditions. October saw a slight uptick in prices, driven by increased demand following Federal Reserve rate cuts, which boosted consumer confidence. However, supply chain disruptions, including persistent port congestion, labor strikes, and concerns about potential tariff increases under President-elect Donald Trump, further strained the supply-demand balance, pushing prices higher.
In November, prices began to ease as demand softened, weighed down by inflationary pressures and elevated interest rates. A stronger U.S. dollar helped lower import costs, while the resolution of the ILA strike eased logistical bottlenecks. Coupled with well-stocked inventories, these factors allowed suppliers to reduce prices, offering relief to consumers.
By December, prices continued to drop due to diminishing consumer confidence, seasonal demand slowdowns, and proactive inventory building in anticipation of January strikes and the Chinese Lunar New Year. Inflationary concerns and uncertainty surrounding tariffs led to more cautious purchasing, while abundant supply and competitive pricing further pressured prices downward. Overall, Q4 2024 saw a fluctuating yet declining trend for Azithromycin prices.
Asia Pacific
In Q4 2024, the Azithromycin market in China displayed a fluctuating pricing pattern, shaped by changing economic conditions and market dynamics. October witnessed a significant price increase, driven by a resurgence in China’s manufacturing sector, bolstered by government stimulus efforts. With rising domestic and export demand, supported by monetary easing and a weaker yuan, consumer confidence surged, leading to higher external orders and enabling suppliers to raise prices.
However, by November, the upward trend reversed as high inventory levels, sluggish domestic demand, and weak international orders—particularly from the USA and Europe—created an oversupply. Falling crude oil prices further reduced production costs, prompting manufacturers to cut prices in order to remain competitive.
In December, prices continued to fall as consumer demand remained subdued amid ongoing disinflation in China. Changes in procurement strategies by pharmaceutical companies and international buyers contributed to weaker demand, while reduced foreign orders during the holiday season left suppliers with excess stock. This surplus prompted further price reductions as manufacturers sought to offload inventory before the year’s end. Overall, Q4 2024 saw a shift from early price increases to subsequent declines, driven by fluctuating demand and evolving market conditions.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Azithromycin prices in Germany followed a fluctuating trend throughout the quarter. October saw a modest price increase, fueled by a more optimistic business sentiment driven by hopes of economic recovery and the European Central Bank’s third interest rate cut to 3.25%. This monetary easing encouraged spending and investment, while supply chain disruptions at Hamburg’s ports and proactive inventory stockpiling added upward pressure on prices.
However, in November, the trend shifted as weaker demand from end-sectors and easing inflationary pressures led to price reductions. A notable drop in consumer spending and retail activity, along with a 1.9% decline in energy costs, lowered production expenses, allowing suppliers to reduce prices and stay competitive.
The downward trend persisted into December, driven by continued subdued demand from key sectors, cautious purchasing behavior amid ongoing inflation concerns, and higher import costs due to the euro’s depreciation. Elevated inventory levels and year-end clearance efforts further pushed prices lower, while harsh winter conditions disrupted logistics and dampened consumer activity. Overall, Q4 reflected a shift from early optimism to growing economic caution, leading to a volatile yet declining pricing environment.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, the North American market for Azithromycin exhibited a mixed performance, with notable price fluctuations particularly in the USA. The quarter began with a surge in prices, which initially rose until mid-quarter before experiencing a decline as it drew to a close.
The early increase in prices was driven by several contributing factors. A key element was the rising consumer optimism about business conditions, which positively influenced demand for Azithromycin Dihydrate. Additionally, supply chain disruptions had a significant impact; blank sailings caused by rerouted ships traveling around the Cape of Good Hope (COGH) were necessary due to severe congestion at major ports in Asia and North America. These logistical challenges limited the availability of Azithromycin, which further fueled the initial price hike. However, as the quarter progressed into September, prices began to drop. This decline was primarily attributed to a downturn in consumer demand, which was influenced by ongoing economic uncertainties. The political climate, particularly the upcoming presidential election in November, made consumers more cautious about their spending habits. The anticipation of potential tariff increases on Chinese imports also contributed to a more pessimistic market outlook, exerting additional downward pressure on Azithromycin prices.
Ultimately, by the end of the quarter, the price for Azithromycin Dihydrate (USP, FDA) CFR New York in the USA settled at USD 149,100 per metric ton. This figure reflects the complex interplay of factors influencing the market, including consumer sentiment, supply chain disruptions, and economic conditions.
Asia Pacific
In Q3 2024, the pricing landscape for Azithromycin in the APAC region demonstrated a mixed trajectory, shaped by various significant factors. During July and August, prices experienced an upward trend, fueled by robust global demand, particularly driven by strong export activities from Asia to key markets like North America and Europe. This surge in demand was partly due to proactive measures taken by foreign importers, who placed larger orders to mitigate the risk of potential shortages. However, as September approached, prices began to decline due to a combination of factors. A notable decrease in demand emerged as global economic uncertainties eroded consumer confidence, leading to a slowdown in purchasing activity. This decline was compounded by increased competition within the pharmaceutical sector, which intensified pricing pressures and compelled suppliers to lower their prices to stay competitive. By the end of the quarter, the price for Azithromycin Dihydrate (USP, FDA) FOB Shanghai settled at USD 145,900 per metric ton. This price point indicates a significant shift in the pricing environment within China, reflecting the complexities of the market dynamics at play.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European market for Azithromycin exhibited a mixed trend, influenced by a range of interconnected factors. Initially, prices experienced a rise up until mid-quarter, supported by steady demand from end-users that provided a solid foundation for price growth. Additionally, the easing of inflation in Germany to 2% annually played a crucial role, alleviating some financial pressures on consumers. This decline in inflation enhanced consumer purchasing power, which positively impacted the demand for pharmaceuticals, including Azithromycin Dihydrate. However, as September approached, prices began to decline significantly. A primary factor behind this decrease was a notable drop in demand, marking the most rapid decline seen in recent months. In response to this weakened demand, market participants reacted by slashing prices to stimulate sales, which further accelerated the downward trend in Azithromycin prices. By the end of the quarter, the price for Azithromycin Dihydrate in Germany settled at USD 146,000 per metric ton, reflecting the consistent decline observed throughout the month. This price point underscores the challenges faced in the market, including fluctuations in demand and the impacts of broader economic conditions.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, Azithromycin pricing in the North America region exhibited a robust upward trend, driven by a confluence of factors that significantly influenced market dynamics. The quarter experienced notable price escalations due to heightened consumer confidence and increased spending, alongside an early onset of the peak season, which intensified demand for this essential pharmaceutical ingredient.
Additionally, logistical challenges in key shipping routes and the Red Sea region, combined with operational bottlenecks and increased charter rates, further strained supply chains, exacerbating price pressures. The looming threat of geopolitical disruptions, particularly the war in Gaza, prompted stockpiling behaviors among companies, further elevating demand. Focusing on the USA, the country witnessed the steepest price changes within the region, primarily owing to persistent strong demand fueled by proactive inventory management and extended lead times. The overall pricing environment was markedly bullish, driven by seasonal demand fluctuations and strategic stock accumulation by businesses preparing for potential supply chain disruptions.
Compared to the previous quarter in 2024, prices surged by 9%, reflecting a sustained upward momentum. A comparative analysis between the first and second half of the quarter noted a similar 9% increase, underscoring the consistent rise in prices.
Asia Pacific
During Q2 2024, Azithromycin prices in the APAC region displayed a consistent upward trajectory, driven by multifaceted market dynamics. This quarter was notably impacted by a surge in demand from both domestic and international markets, coupled with supply chain constraints. The unprecedented increase was primarily fueled by the robust recovery of the manufacturing sector post-Lunar New Year, which saw an expansion in production and purchase activities. Moreover, the depreciation of local currencies against the USD made exports more attractive, further intensifying demand from overseas buyers. This heightened demand, combined with strategic inventory build-ups by manufacturers anticipating future market growth, exerted significant upward pressure on prices. Focusing on China, which experienced the most pronounced price changes, the overall trend showcased a marked increase in Azithromycin pricing. Seasonal factors such as post-holiday manufacturing ramp-ups contributed to the surge in demand and subsequent price elevation. The correlation between increased production activities and price hikes was evident, as manufacturers responded to the buoyant market sentiment by adjusting their pricing strategies accordingly. The quarter recorded a 9% increase from the previous quarter in 2024 and a notable 10% price escalation between the first and second halves of the quarter. The pricing environment was distinctly positive, reflecting an optimistic market outlook and robust economic activity.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the market for Azithromycin in Europe experienced a significant and consistent increase in prices, driven by a multitude of interrelated factors. The overarching trend was a robust economic environment marked by rising business activity and new orders throughout the region. This surge in economic momentum led to heightened demand for pharmaceuticals, including Azithromycin, as businesses urgently restocked inventories that had been depleted in anticipation of weaker consumer demand. Compounding this upward pressure were substantial logistical challenges, including severe port congestion in key Asian hubs due to seasonal cargo spikes and geopolitical disruptions, notably the Red Sea crisis. Additionally, adverse weather conditions and service conflicts in North European terminals further exacerbated shipping delays and costs, constraining supply and driving prices higher.
Germany, in particular, observed the most pronounced price changes, reflecting a sharp 9% increase from the previous quarter. This was primarily influenced by a robust recovery in business confidence within the country and an unexpected surge in consumer demand. Seasonal factors, such as the Labour Day holiday in China, also contributed to the urgency in restocking activities, thereby amplifying demand pressures. Furthermore, the appreciation of the Euro against the USD added to the complexity, increasing import costs and further inflating prices. The second half of the quarter saw a marked escalation in prices compared to the first half, indicative of persistent supply chain bottlenecks and sustained demand. Despite these challenges, the pricing environment for Azithromycin in Germany has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a market buoyed by strong economic fundamentals and robust consumer sentiment.
