For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Clarithromycin Price Index fell by 0.33% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting global oversupply and tariff uncertainty.
• The average Clarithromycin price for the quarter was approximately USD 205826.67/MT based on CFR Los Angeles shipments.
• Clarithromycin Spot Price volatility eased as logistics improved, supporting a firmer Clarithromycin Price Index through August.
• Clarithromycin Price Forecast points to modest gains as procurement front-loading counters residual oversupply and tariff-driven costs.
• Clarithromycin Production Cost Trend reflects rising freight and input costs, exerting upward pressure on the Clarithromycin Price Index.
• Clarithromycin Demand Outlook shows steady hospital and pharmacy consumption, limiting downside despite elevated importer inventories and cautious buying.
• Elevated domestic inventories and cautious importer behaviour suppressed spot transactions, prolonging weakness in the Clarithromycin Price Index.
• Downstream pharmaceutical procurement and hospital demand sustained order flows, supporting moderate upward momentum in the Clarithromycin Price Index.
Why did the price of Clarithromycin change in September 2025 in North America?
• Global oversupply from China and India forced exporters into aggressive pricing, creating U.S. inventory gluts.
• Tariff uncertainty and redirected shipments disrupted procurement, elevating landed costs and reducing spot buying September.
• Freight cost swings and improved port operations balanced logistics, enabling restocking and stabilising price formation.
APAC
• In China, the Clarithromycin Price Index fell by 0.31% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting intense competition and overcapacity.
• The average Clarithromycin price for the quarter was approximately USD 205730.00/MT, reflecting elevated inventory-driven markdowns.
• Clarithromycin Spot Price firmed; port congestion reduced availability, tightening the Price Index and prompting buying.
• Clarithromycin Price Forecast indicates moderate recovery from maintenance and restocking, limiting further downside risk near-term.
• Clarithromycin Production Cost Trend reflected higher logistics and feedstock expenses, providing partial floor to prices.
• Clarithromycin Demand Outlook remains weak domestically with muted procurement and constrained export orders suppressing offtake.
• Clarithromycin Price Index volatility reflected high inventories and disruptions, while producers increased volumes, pressuring margins.
• Operational shutdowns at major plants tightened supply, prompting short-term buying that influenced Spot Price dynamics.
Why did the price of Clarithromycin change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Temporary plant maintenance and port congestion reduced exportable volumes, increasing supply tightness and pricing pressure.
• Elevated freight and logistics costs and tariff uncertainty raised production costs, influencing pricing and restocking.
• Persistent domestic competition and high inventories forced aggressive discounts, while subdued pharmaceutical demand limited absorption.
Europe
• In Germany, the Clarithromycin Price Index fell by 0.31% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample inventories, weak demand.
• The average Clarithromycin price for the quarter was approximately USD 205833.33/MT based on reported shipments.
• Clarithromycin Spot Price momentum remained muted as distributors drew down inventories, limiting near-term market volatility.
• Clarithromycin Price Forecast shows gradual tightening as importers resume purchases, supporting modest upward pressure later.
• Clarithromycin Production Cost Trend softened as lower raw material and energy costs relieved upward pressure.
• Clarithromycin Demand Outlook remains subdued seasonally; downstream formulators utilised stocks, keeping the Price Index soft.
• Port congestion raised logistics costs, lifting the Price Index and triggering opportunistic restocking by buyers.
• Subdued export demand and cautious procurement constrained upward movement, limiting Clarithromycin Spot Price recovery near-term.
Why did the price of Clarithromycin change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Inventory abundance and seasonal lull reduced buying urgency, exerting downward pressure on the Price Index.
• Lower production costs in exporting countries reduced landed costs, allowing sellers to offer lower prices.
• Logistics delays and selective restocking increased term costs, partially offsetting downward momentum on spot prices.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Clarithromycin spot prices in North America demonstrated a stable to slightly downward trajectory in Q2 2025 with an average quarter-over-quarter fluctuation of approximately +0.38% in April-May and -1.17% in June, driven chiefly by pricing corrections in June following earlier increases.
• Prices held steady with a mild upward influence stemming from global price firming and elevated import tariffs, particularly a new 10% baseline import tariff on Chinese goods, which increased landed costs despite smooth logistics at major east coast ports.
• A significant spike in May was driven by severe global freight disruptions, surging freight volumes from China (up by 300%), port congestion at LA and NY, equipment shortages, and the introduction of Peak Season Surcharges, all elevating supply chain costs and pushing prices upward.
• June saw a sharp price decline due to oversupply from increased production in China and India and subdued buyer activity owing to tariff-related uncertainty—exporters lowered prices aggressively to maintain market share amid softened demand.
• U.S. Clarithromycin production remains minimal, leading to high import dependency. Elevated freight and tariffs raised production costs indirectly, but increased global supply from Asian producers softened price pressures by June.
• Demand was stable across pharmaceutical and related sectors throughout Q2, driven by ongoing antibiotic needs for respiratory and Helicobacter pylori infections, though buyer purchasing was cautious due to pricing and tariff volatility.
• Elevated prices in May and tariff uncertainty encouraged strategic stockpiling and cautious procurement in anticipation of market stabilization or tariff shifts.
• Importers managed consistent inflow in April and May despite congestion; however, excess inventory built up in June as buying slowed, leading to supply-demand imbalances and pressure on spot prices.
• The U.S.’s lowest inflation rate since 2021 (2.3% year-over-year in April) offered some price stability, but tariff policies and global economic volatility pressured landed costs.
• Going forward into Q3, a cautious price outlook prevails, expecting moderate stabilization as tariff uncertainty resolves and freight cost pressures normalize, balanced against persistent demand in healthcare.
Asia Pacific
• Clarithromycin spot prices in APAC followed a mild upward movement in April-May (+1.87%, +0.44%) before declining in June (-1.20%), consistent with regional supply-demand dynamics and global trade influences.
• Prices increased slightly, supported by favorable export conditions—specifically a marginal depreciation of the Chinese Yuan boosting export competitiveness—and port congestion that limited smooth freight movement.
• Sharp price increases driven by manufacturing sector contraction effects, supply chain inefficiencies, and surging shipping demand due to U.S. buyers accelerating procurement before temporary tariff relief expiration.
• Market prices dropped significantly amid excess capacity, broad deflationary pressures in China’s pharmaceutical sector, and intensified domestic price competition, compounded by maintenance shutdowns at major manufacturers.
• Rising shipping rates and input costs in early Q2 led to production cost pressures; however, June’s oversupply and price wars among producers forced margins down notably.
• Demand remained buoyant in April-May fueled by global buyer stockpiling and resumed trade optimism but softened in June as inventory glut and weak consumer demand in China suppressed new orders.
• Persistent congestion at northern China ports and weather-related disruptions in April-May constrained shipments temporarily, while surging Transpacific freight demand led to peak-season surcharges, influencing pricing.
• Importers and exporters engaged in aggressive inventory management, with Chinese manufacturers capitalizing on the temporary tariff reprieve to boost shipments, resulting in segmented supply tightness by market.
• China’s sharp PPI drop, and sustained deflation signals challenged producers, increasing the impetus for price cuts and intensified competition within the pharmaceutical raw material sector.
• Expect gradual price stabilization in late Q3 as maintenance cycles conclude and supply-demand imbalances normalize, though competitive pricing pressure from smaller producers will remain a market feature.
Europe
• Clarithromycin spot prices in Europe demonstrated a marginal upward shift in April-May (+1.87%, +0.44%) before declining in June (-1.19%), reflecting supply chain bottlenecks followed by easing inventory pressures.
• Significant price firming occurred due to severe port congestion (Hamburg, Antwerp, Rotterdam), labor strikes, and low Rhine water levels restricting inland freight, triggering supply delays and pushing prices higher.
• Prices reversed downward in May driven by inflows of diverted Chinese shipments initially destined for the U.S., elevated inventories ahead of Chinese holidays, and subdued demand amid broader economic softening.
• June saw further price declines as distributors managed inventories conservatively in a weak demand environment, compounded by stable import activity and easing shipping costs without enforced Peak Season Surcharges.
• European producers faced margin pressures from logistics cost volatility, strike-related operational inefficiencies, and softened downstream consumption reducing pricing power through Q2.
• Demand remained cautious and subdued, influenced by typical seasonal lows for respiratory illnesses, budget constraints within healthcare sectors, and downstream formulators utilizing existing stocks rather than procuring new supply.
• Buyers delayed orders to leverage high inventory levels and await clearer market signals, further slowing spot market turnover rates and sustaining downward price momentum.
• Stable inflation at ~2%, alongside EU pharmaceutical regulatory frameworks emphasizing clinical assessments, did not significantly alter Clarithromycin pricing or availability during the quarter.
• Persistent strike activity and port disruption created logistical backlog through April; however, attempts to rebalance supply chains led to partial supply normalization by June as strike actions abated.
• Moderate price stabilization is anticipated in coming months with easing of logistical issues, continued conservative demand, and ongoing inventory normalization, balanced against macroeconomic uncertainties across Europe.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In the first quarter of 2025, Clarithromycin prices in the United States exhibited a largely upward trajectory, particularly in January and February, driven by strong pharmaceutical demand and persistent supply-side constraints. The month of January saw heightened price pressures as manufacturers adjusted output in response to rising freight rates and logistical disruptions, particularly congestion at the Port of Los Angeles. These supply chain inefficiencies, coupled with robust new orders reflected by a rising U.S. Manufacturing Indexes, led to increased procurement costs. In addition, global shipping delays and the restructuring of east-west shipping alliances created extended lead times, amplifying volatility in the market.
February sustained the bullish pricing momentum, with a sharp upswing supported by intensified export demand from Asia and Latin America, where buyers faced supply challenges in their local markets. The resulting pressure on U.S. inventories, along with continued port congestion at key hubs such as Savannah and New York/New Jersey, tightened domestic availability. Meanwhile, tariff-related cost increases on Asian imports raised production expenses for local manufacturers. These cost pressures were exacerbated by strategic inventory replenishment and bulk purchasing by downstream pharmaceutical players, seeking to hedge against further price hikes amid broader inflationary trends.
However, in March 2025, Clarithromycin prices began to ease slightly due to improved logistics and higher inventory levels. Early in the month, demand softened, but trade policy changes—particularly new tariffs on major partners like China—led to accelerated procurement before their April implementation. Although the overall market remained stable, this strategic buying behavior created short-term pricing pressure. Nevertheless, the quarter closed with a more balanced supply demand outlook, offering some relief after two months of elevated prices and market tightness.
Asia Pacific
In the first quarter of 2025, Clarithromycin prices in China followed a consistent upward trend, driven by a combination of seasonal, economic, and international factors. January saw heightened export activity as key international buyers, particularly from Western markets, accelerated procurement to hedge against potential policy shifts under the new U.S. administration. This surge in demand came at a time when Chinese manufacturers were recovering from aggressive year-end destocking, leading to recalibrated pricing strategies. Additional upward pressure came from rising freight costs, logistical constraints, and a slight increase in raw material prices. While China's overall manufacturing activity showed signs of slowing (PMI at 49.1), Clarithromycin exports remained resilient due to stable pharmaceutical demand.
In February, the market experienced further tightening as the Lunar New Year holidays led to temporary factory closures and limited production. Lean inventories, managed conservatively by manufacturers, were insufficient to meet the robust post-holiday rebound in demand from pharmaceutical sectors. This, along with steady global export activity and rising energy costs, significantly raised production expenses, which were passed on to buyers. The combination of tight supply, seasonal disruptions, and strong downstream consumption contributed to another round of price increases.
By March, the price momentum was reinforced as new production entered the market at higher input costs following the clearance of pre-holiday inventories. Rising labor, energy, and raw material costs, along with renewed global orders, intensified supply-side strain. Severe port congestion and shipment delays further disrupted supply chains, adding logistical premiums to the product’s cost. With domestic inventories still playing catch-up and a steady stream of premium-priced export contracts, Clarithromycin prices in China closed Q1 2025 on a firm upward trajectory.
Europe
The German Clarithromycin market witnessed a consistent upward price trend throughout Q1 2025, primarily influenced by logistical disruptions, seasonal demand shifts, and proactive procurement strategies amid global uncertainties.
In January, prices rose marginally by 0.25% as German pharmaceutical firms advanced their purchases to mitigate potential Lunar New Year supply disruptions from Asia. Although production in exporting nations remained stable, shipping delays—evidenced by a 9.4% blank sailing rate—prompted cautious stockpiling. Germany’s improving manufacturing sector and adequate inventory levels helped maintain market stability.
February saw sharper price increases due to reduced Chinese exports during the holiday season, combined with intensified demand across Europe. Supply tightness was aggravated by berthing delays and infrastructure constraints at the Port of Hamburg. Rising operational costs, alongside easing inflation (down to 2.4%), supported strong downstream demand and restocking activity.
By March, logistical bottlenecks deepened with widespread port congestion and labor actions across major Northern European hubs. Even alternate ports like Wilhelmshaven faced high yard occupancy. Amid declining inventories, stable freight rates, and further inflation easing to 2.2%, suppliers capitalized on limited competition to raise prices. Buyers responded with aggressive procurement, particularly in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic sectors. In summary, Q1 closed with firm upward price momentum, driven by tightening supply, resilient demand, and shipping inefficiencies. Heading into Q2 2025, market players are expected to maintain vigilant inventory management and flexible sourcing strategies amid continued logistics and labor uncertainties.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
After an initial price decrease in October, Clarithromycin prices showed significant increases through November and December, driven by multiple supply chain disruptions. The U.S. Clarithromycin market experienced substantial volatility in Q4 2024. Following October's price decline, November saw a sharp upward trend due to escalating import costs and persistent port congestion.
The market was primarily impacted by rising procurement expenses from Asian suppliers, especially China, where production and export costs increased significantly. The situation was further complicated by dollar-yuan exchange rate fluctuations and anticipated U.S. tariff changes, prompting accelerated procurement activities. Despite temporary relief from the ILA strike resolution, major ports continued facing operational delays. The combination of high cargo volumes and ongoing labor disputes maintained upward pressure on freight rates.
Limited domestic inventory levels forced suppliers to implement strategic allocation methods. The market's heavy dependence on Chinese imports emerged as a critical vulnerability, suggesting these elevated prices could become a long-term feature rather than a temporary spike. As the quarter concluded in December, downstream sectors maintained robust demand despite the challenging conditions, indicating the market's structural shift toward a new, higher-price equilibrium heading into 2025.
Asia Pacific
The overall trend of Q4 in the Chinese Clarithromycin market showcased price fluctuations, with a decline in October followed by a significant price surge in November and subdued conditions in December. In October 2024, Clarithromycin prices in China experienced a decline due to persistent high inventories and weak demand. Aggressive destocking by suppliers, triggered by potential tariff threats and Chinese currency adjustments, created a buyers’ market.
By November, the market rebounded sharply as Western post-holiday demand surged, tightening supply chains and boosting prices. Manufacturers leveraged limited inventories and falling freight rates to capitalize on global inquiries. Increased purchasing activity from domestic and international downstream buyers further drove up prices.
However, in December, confidence waned as weak foreign orders, stagnant domestic demand, and economic challenges led to subdued manufacturing activity. Buyers and suppliers hesitated to engage at higher price levels, maintaining a cautious approach. This kept prices under downward pressure, with input costs and selling prices declining across sectors. The quarter highlighted the market's sensitivity to geopolitical shifts, inventory dynamics, and demand fluctuations, with overall volatility marking the Clarithromycin sector in Q4.
Europe
Prices in the German Clarithromycin market declined steadily throughout Q4 2024. In October, prices began to decrease due to weak demand and stable supply. This downward trend accelerated in November, driven by an oversupply and reduced production costs amid broader economic challenges in the eurozone. Favorable production conditions, combined with abundant stock levels, intensified competition, forcing producers to implement price cuts and promotional offers. Buyers remained cautious, adhering to need-based procurement strategies, further suppressing demand.
By December, the German Clarithromycin market faced significant declines as the country’s industrial activity weakened. The Manufacturing PMI fell to 42.5, reflecting reduced manufacturing output and lower new orders. Limited downstream demand led to inventory surpluses, exacerbated by pre-holiday stockpiling and favorable import conditions. Businesses adopted aggressive pricing strategies to manage excess inventories, while muted business confidence restrained market recovery.
Throughout Q4, the market was characterized by a persistent bearish sentiment, driven by surplus supply, weak industrial activity, and cautious buying behavior. This trend is expected to continue until supply-demand dynamics stabilize or industrial activity recovers.
