For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Chloroform Price Index in North America rose by 0.4% QoQ in Q2 2025, with spot prices reaching USD 603/MT FOB Texas by the final week of June.
• The Chloroform Spot Price remained stable for most of first half of the quarter but rose in second half due to tighter production schedules and higher downstream offtake.
• Why did the price of Chloroform change in July 2025 in USA? In early July 2025, with prices edging up due to reduced chlor-alkali run rates, maintenance shutdowns, and constrained chlorine availability.
• Chloroform Production Cost Trend faced upward pressure in middle of the quarter due to short-term feedstock constraints, including disruptions in chlorine and methanol supply.
• Despite trade uncertainties, steady demand from pharmaceuticals and refrigerants helped maintain a balanced market.
• Export demand from Latin America and Asia firmed up in late May, further lifting market sentiment.
• Domestic production remained strong enough to limit import reliance, providing insulation against tariff-related cost shocks.
• The Chloroform Demand Outlook remains stable to cautiously optimistic in North America for Q3, anchored by pharmaceutical demand and moderate agrochemical consumption.
APAC
• The Chloroform Price Index in China declined sharply by 13.5% QoQ, with spot prices falling to USD 242/MT FOB Qingdao by late June.
• Why did the price of Chloroform change in July 2025 in China? The Price Index decreased in July 2025, primarily due to high plant operating rates, falling methanol feedstock prices, and oversupply amid subdued downstream demand.
• Chloroform Spot Price saw multiple downward corrections, with a significant drop in mid-June alone, as sluggish pharmaceutical consumption and weak agrochemicals exports pulled down demand.
• Chloroform Production Cost Trend followed methanol’s sharp downtrend, reducing production expenses but failing to support prices due to limited demand pull.
• The pharmaceutical sector remained operational but cautious, with tariff impacts and cost containment curbing procurement.
• The agrochemical sector briefly improved in May due to glyphosate-related exports but slumped again in June as seasonal activity waned.
• Despite stable supply and feedstock access, weak export interest and internal inventory build-up created a bearish tone.
• The Chloroform Demand Outlook for Q3 remains weak in China, with downstream buyers expected to continue cautious purchasing amidst external trade pressures and economic uncertainties.
Europe
• The Chloroform Price Index in Europe increased by 12.3% QoQ in Q2 2025, with prices rising to USD 871/MT by end-June.
• The Chloroform Spot Price gained steadily through the quarter, driven by limited supply availability and strong downstream consumption from the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors.
• Why did the price of Chloroform change in July 2025 in Germany? The Price Index increased in July 2025, attributed to production constraints, reduced capacity utilization at chlor-alkali plants, and persistent energy cost challenges in Germany.
• Chloroform Production Cost Trend was influenced by falling methanol prices, which offered temporary relief, but ongoing structural challenges (e.g., energy inflation, weak industrial demand) limited any substantial cost benefit.
• Demand remained resilient, particularly from the pharmaceutical sector, driven by biosimilar development and EMA regulatory support for streamlined drug approvals.
• The agrochemical segment sustained chloroform usage amid active spring planting and the need for crop protection chemicals, despite mixed weather patterns.
• The Chloroform Demand Outlook for Q3 is cautiously optimistic, underpinned by strong pharmaceutical engagement and seasonally robust agrochemical usage.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the U.S. chloroform market exhibited strong price stability, underpinned by balanced supply-demand fundamentals and steady feedstock costs. The quarter opened with prices holding firm in early January, supported by consistent production levels and moderate demand from key sectors, particularly pharmaceuticals. Despite a brief dip of approximately 0.8% in mid-January due to weakened agrochemical demand and high inventory levels, the market quickly stabilized, returning to pre-dip levels by the end of the month.
Through February and March, chloroform prices remained largely unchanged, reflecting a resilient market environment. Methanol, the primary feedstock, experienced a 3.6% decline during the quarter, yet this cost reduction had minimal impact on chloroform pricing due to strong demand fundamentals and stable production. Notably, demand from the pharmaceutical sector remained robust, bolstered by major investments in domestic drug manufacturing and the continued expansion of drug development activities. Meanwhile, the agrochemical sector saw fluctuations in demand due to seasonal trends and agricultural output variations, but these shifts were not sufficient to disrupt overall market equilibrium.
By quarter’s end, chloroform prices had decreased by only about 1.7% compared to early January, indicating remarkable market resilience. Stable procurement patterns and adequate inventories helped maintain price consistency, with no significant disruptions anticipated in the near term.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the South Korean chloroform market demonstrated remarkable stability, with prices experiencing only a brief 2.6% increase in early January due to a rise in upstream methanol and natural gas costs. This early surge was short-lived, as stable demand from the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors, coupled with consistent domestic production, brought the market back to equilibrium for the remainder of the quarter.
During February, market fundamentals remained steady. Methanol, a key feedstock, held firm in pricing, helping to stabilize chloroform production costs. Downstream demand was supported by strategic procurement, particularly in the agrochemical sector following K-REACH regulatory changes. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical sector showed cautious demand amid political uncertainty and restrained industrial activity, contributing to a largely unchanged market environment.
By the end of March, chloroform pricing had settled and remained unchanged from mid-January levels. The market closed the quarter with a well-balanced supply and demand scenario, reflecting efficient supply chain management and steady export volumes. Despite subdued domestic industrial sentiment and political instability, chloroform demand remained moderate, allowing the sector to avoid volatility and maintain consistent performance through Q1 2025.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the Chloroform market in Germany showed relatively stable price trends, with minor fluctuations observed. Early in the quarter, prices experienced a moderate increase of around 2-3%, supported by steady demand from the pharmaceutical sector and balanced supply dynamics. This stability persisted through January, as the equilibrium between supply and demand prevented significant market volatility.
However, February saw a slight dip in prices, reflecting a 2.5% decrease, driven by a drop in production costs linked to lower methanol prices. Demand from the agrochemical sector remained steady, although regulatory challenges and external factors like weather conditions limited growth. Despite these challenges, the overall market dynamics remained stable, with no substantial disruptions in supply or demand.
By the end of the quarter, Chloroform prices experienced a notable 6.4% increase, attributed to tight supply conditions caused by production slowdowns and logistical challenges such as port congestion. The pharmaceutical and refrigerant sectors continued to drive steady demand, supporting the upward price trend. Overall, the Q1 2025 market saw a 4-5% increase, primarily influenced by supply-side constraints and stable consumption from key industrial sectors.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the North American chloroform market experienced a quarter-on-quarter incline of 3.2%, driven by fluctuations in feedstock methanol prices, rising production costs, and moderate but stable demand from key downstream sectors. Methanol prices surged due to production outages in the U.S. and Europe, tightening global supply and raising production costs for chloroform.
Despite these challenges, effective inventory management by market players prevented significant price volatility, and supply levels remained sufficient to meet demand. The pharmaceutical sector maintained consistent demand, supported by increased production activities and regulatory changes under the new U.S. administration, which fostered optimism for growth in biopharmaceutical mergers and acquisitions. The agrochemical sector also contributed to demand, bolstered by strong fertilizer consumption driven by favourable growing conditions and soil nutrient replenishment following a reduced Q3.
However, EPA-proposed mitigation measures targeting pesticides, particularly atrazine, could impact chloroform demand in the long term as companies adjust to stricter compliance requirements. Additionally, geopolitical factors, including strengthened U.S. dollar dynamics and delayed OPEC+ oil production, influenced market sentiment. Overall, the quarter reflected a balanced interplay of supply and demand dynamics, with rising production costs being offset by stable downstream sector performance and effective inventory strategies, resulting in a modestly bullish market trend.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the chloroform market in APAC region specifically Japan experienced a significant quarter-on-quarter decline of 10.4%, driven by weakening downstream demand and a reduction in upstream costs. The overall market was influenced by several factors, including a decrease in global crude oil prices and stable methanol prices. The drop in crude oil prices put downward pressure on production costs, leading to lower chloroform prices. At the same time, the stability in methanol prices failed to support an increase in chloroform prices, resulting in a bearish sentiment in the market. Demand from key downstream sectors, particularly in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals, showed a noticeable slowdown. This decline in procurement activity was a direct response to the weaker demand for chloroform, which reflected the overall subdued industrial activity in the region. The prices in major exporting countries also followed a downward trend, exacerbating the situation in Japan. With reduced production costs and a lack of robust demand, the Japanese chloroform market struggled to maintain any upward momentum. Consequently, the market outlook for chloroform in Japan remained pessimistic as both domestic and international demand continued to show signs of stagnation, further contributing to the market's negative sentiment.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the chloroform market in Europe especially Germany saw a quarter-on-quarter incline of 1.9%, reflecting a modest upward trend despite a range of market dynamics. The market was supported by steady demand from key sectors, particularly the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, which helped maintain price stability and moderate growth. A significant contributing factor to this positive trend was the European Central Bank's second consecutive interest rate cut, which bolstered economic sentiment and further stimulated demand across various industries. This monetary easing fuelled optimism in the German market, encouraging industrial growth and, in turn, driving demand for chemicals like chloroform. The feedstock market also played a pivotal role in the price movement, as methanol prices saw an uptick, pushing production costs higher. Despite the relatively stable demand, fluctuations in the upstream market, particularly related to methanol, contributed to the moderate price increase. However, the impact of higher production costs was somewhat mitigated by efficient supply chain management and consistent demand from the pharmaceutical sector. This combination of factors resulted in a cautious yet positive outlook for chloroform in Germany, with continued steady demand supporting the modest price increase observed during the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Chloroform market in North America witnessed a significant uptrend in prices, with the USA experiencing the most notable fluctuations. Various factors contributed to the bullish market sentiment, including a surge in feedstock costs, logistical challenges, and increased demand from the pharmaceutical sector. These elements collectively pushed prices upwards, reflecting a positive market environment. The quarter's overall trend indicated a steady increase in Chloroform prices, aligning with seasonal patterns and market dynamics.
Comparing to the same quarter last year, prices have surged by 8%, showcasing the market's growth and resilience. Additionally, the quarter recorded a 3% increase from the previous quarter in 2024, highlighting the continuous upward trajectory. Notably, the second half of the quarter saw a 2% price hike compared to the first half, emphasizing the strengthening market conditions.
The quarter concluded with Chloroform priced at USD 600/MT FOB Los Angeles in the USA, reinforcing the prevailing positive pricing environment and indicating a promising outlook for the Chloroform market in North America.
APAC
In Q3 2024, Chloroform prices in the APAC region experienced a notable decline, influenced by several key factors. Weak demand from downstream industries, particularly in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, played a significant role in the decreased market prices. Additionally, stable feedstock prices and ample supply further contributed to the downward trend in Chloroform pricing. In Japan, the market saw the most substantial price changes, reflecting overall trends of muted demand and supply dynamics. The quarter saw a significant decrease in Chloroform prices compared to the same period last year, with a notable -15% decline. Furthermore, the quarter-on-quarter change in 2024 recorded a -5% decrease, indicating a continued negative trend. The price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter also showed a decline of -7%. The quarter-ending price of USD 440/MT of Chloroform CFR Nagoya in Japan further solidified the decreasing sentiment in the pricing environment, highlighting a challenging period for Chloroform markets in the region.
Europe
In Q3 2024, Chloroform prices in Europe experienced a notable uptrend, particularly in Germany, where the market saw the most significant price fluctuations. Several key factors influenced this price surge. Firstly, the increase in feedstock prices, particularly Methanol, played a crucial role in driving up production costs and subsequently pushing Chloroform prices higher. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and potential supply disruptions in major producing regions contributed to supply constraints, further bolstering prices. The overall market sentiment was bullish, with moderate to low supply levels and moderate demand. Germany, in particular, witnessed the maximum price changes within the region. The quarter showed a consistent upward trend, with prices increasing by 1% from the first half to the second half. Compared to the same quarter last year, prices were down by 5%, reflecting the current upward momentum. The quarter-on-quarter change from the previous quarter in 2024 was recorded at -2%, indicating a significant turnaround towards positive price growth. The quarter ended with Chloroform prices at USD 780/MT FOB Hamburg in Germany, marking a substantial increase from the beginning of the quarter.
FAQs
Q1. What is the current trend in Chloroform Spot Prices across key regions?
Chloroform Spot Prices rose modestly in North America and Europe in Q2 2025, while APAC (China) saw a significant price decline due to oversupply and weak demand.
Q2. What is the forecast for chloroform prices in Q3 2025?
The Chloroform Forecast suggests firm-to-rising prices in Europe and North America due to supply constraints and stable demand, while APAC is expected to remain under pressure unless demand rebounds or production slows.
Q3. What’s driving the Chloroform Production Cost Trend globally?
Declining methanol prices offered some cost relief across regions. However, in Europe, high energy prices and reduced capacity utilization kept cost pressures intact. In China, cost benefits failed to support prices due to demand weakness.
Q4. Which sectors are influencing the Chloroform Demand Outlook?
The pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors are the key drivers. Biosimilar development in Europe, steady API production in the U.S., and fluctuating glyphosate demand in China are shaping the regional Chloroform Demand Outlook.
