For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In United States, Camphor Price Index rose in Q3 2025, driven by increased input costs and shrinking inventories.
• Camphor production costs increased in Q3 2025, influenced by 2.6% PPI rise in August 2025 and elevated energy expenses.
• Camphor demand outlook was mixed; robust retail sales increased 5.42% in September 2025, supporting consumer spending.
• Camphor demand faced headwinds from near-stagnant industrial production, up 0.1% in September 2025.
• Pharmaceutical sector showed upward trajectory in Q3 2025, positively impacting Camphor demand in medical applications.
• US beauty and personal care market continued expansion in Q3 2025, bolstering Camphor demand in consumer products.
• Chemical inventories shrank in Q3 2025 due to accelerating destocking, contributing to tighter Camphor supply.
• US chemical production declined in Q3 2025, tightening supply, as manufacturing activity continued contraction.
Why did the price of Camphor change in September 2025 in North America?
• Increased input and raw material costs, with PPI rising 2.6% in August 2025, elevated production expenses.
• Shrinking chemical inventories in Q3 2025 due to accelerating destocking contributed to tighter supply conditions.
• US chemical production levels declined in Q3 2025, alongside continued contraction in manufacturing activity.
Asia (China)
• In China, the Camphor Price Index showed an upward trend in Q3 2025, supported by firmer feedstock costs and intermittent supply tightening across key production hubs.
• Camphor production costs increased due to stronger demand for Alpha-pinene and restricted Turpentine oil availability from domestic suppliers.
• Energy-related expenses for chemical plants rose in Q3 as electricity and fuel input costs remained elevated in several manufacturing provinces.
• Manufacturing activity in China displayed a mixed trend, with some coastal provinces reporting slower factory output compared to earlier quarters.
• Despite uneven industrial performance, Camphor demand from pharmaceuticals, personal care, and aroma-chemical producers stayed firm, providing market support.
• Regional chemical production experienced occasional disruptions due to maintenance schedules and tightening feedstock allocations.
• Consumer demand for Camphor-linked household and medicinal products stayed resilient, aided by stable domestic consumption trends.
Why did the price of Camphor change in September 2025 in Asia?
• Higher Alpha-pinene costs and constrained Turpentine oil supply raised Camphor production expenses during the quarter.
• Several planned maintenance shutdowns and reduced feedstock inflows temporarily tightened regional supply.
• Steady demand from pharmaceuticals, personal care, and aroma-chemical segments helped maintain price strength despite softer industrial activity.
Europe
• In Germany, the Camphor Price Index rose in Q3 2025, driven by elevated feedstock costs and tightening regional supply.
• Camphor production costs faced upward pressure from elevated Alpha-pinene and tightened Turpentine oil availability.
• High natural gas and wholesale electricity prices increased chemical production energy costs in Q3 2025.
• Overall industrial demand for Camphor weakened; Germany's industrial production declined 1.0% in September 2025.
• The Manufacturing Index was contracting in Q3 2025, reflecting a slowdown in industrial activity.
• Despite industrial weakness, Camphor demand from pharmaceutical, fragrance, and flavor sectors remained strong.
• German chemical production declined in Q3 2025, with regional supply tightening due to plant outages.
• Consumer purchasing power was impacted by a 2.4% CPI increase; retail sales rose 0.2% in September 2025.
• Unemployment remained stable at 6.3% in September 2025, supporting consumer income for Camphor-containing products.
Why did the price of Camphor change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Elevated Alpha-pinene and tightened Turpentine oil availability increased Camphor production expenses in Q3 2025.
• Regional chemical supply tightened due to German production decline and July 2025 plant outages.
• Strong pharmaceutical, fragrance, and flavor sector demand supported Camphor prices despite industrial weakening.
