For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American Dimethylformamide (DMF) market exhibited a mixed price trend, shaped by sector-specific demand dynamics and external market pressures. The pharmaceutical sector continued to be a major demand driver, maintaining steady consumption due to the essential role of DMF in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis and drug formulation. This consistent performance provided a strong base for market stability.
However, the chemical sector, particularly polymer and coating industries, saw weaker activity early in the quarter due to lingering winter-season slowdowns and inventory adjustments, leading to fluctuating procurement patterns. While feedstock costs remained relatively stable, occasional disruptions in logistics and supply chain operations caused regional inconsistencies in product availability and pricing. Sustainability trends and environmental compliance measures continued to influence operational strategies, encouraging investment in cleaner technologies and solvent recovery systems. Market participants adopted a cautious procurement approach, balancing between steady downstream needs and economic uncertainties.
Overall, while certain segments drove stable to firm demand, others contributed to subdued buying activity, leading to a mixed market performance. As industrial activity gradually picks up pace in the coming quarter, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic, hinging on broader economic stability and recovery in seasonal industrial demand.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the Dimethylformamide (DMF) market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, particularly China, exhibited a stable to slightly bearish price trend, largely driven by moderate demand from downstream sectors and steady supply conditions. Throughout the quarter, DMF prices hovered within a narrow range, with FOB Nanjing assessments mostly between USD 537/MT and USD 540/MT. The overall sentiment remained subdued due to cautious procurement behaviour and the absence of significant demand surges from key end-use industries such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electronics.
During January, market activity slowed in anticipation of the Lunar New Year, and production scaled back accordingly. However, pre-holiday stockpiling and adequate inventory levels ensured that supply remained sufficient to meet moderate demand, leading to price stability. The pharmaceutical sector offered some support with robust and consistent consumption, while the textile sector saw mixed trends due to declining exports.
February witnessed brief price fluctuations influenced by localized supply-demand dynamics, but prices largely remained range-bound. Despite a slight recovery in industrial activity post-holiday, buyers maintained a rigid and essential purchasing approach.
By March, the market sustained its stable outlook. While feedstock dimethylamine prices rose modestly, they did not significantly impact DMF prices due to limited production adjustments. Overall, Q1 2025 showcased a mixed-to-stable pricing trend in the APAC DMF market, underpinned by cautious procurement and moderate downstream demand.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European Dimethylformamide (DMF) market displayed a mixed price trend, shaped by uneven demand recovery and macroeconomic headwinds. The quarter began with subdued market sentiment, as downstream industries such as textiles and agrochemicals continued to exhibit weak procurement activity. Despite this, the pharmaceutical and specialty chemical sectors showed marginal improvement, particularly in regions witnessing increased R&D and formulation work, offering some price support.
Feedstock costs remained relatively stable, though minor fluctuations in Dimethylamine and formic acid prices added mild upward pressure during mid-quarter. Inventory levels remained balanced, with most producers adopting cautious production strategies to align with actual demand. However, inconsistent offtakes and price-sensitive buying behaviour led to occasional discounts and promotional pricing. The latter half of the quarter saw modest improvement, with seasonal demand recovery and export opportunities providing limited momentum. Nevertheless, the ongoing industrial slowdown and conservative buying patterns kept the overall market from gaining significant traction.
As a result, Q1 2025 reflected a mixed trend in the European DMF market, characterized by initial sluggishness and slight late-quarter improvements, with price movements largely dependent on sector-specific recovery and broader economic stabilization efforts.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Dimethylformamide (DMF) market in North America experienced a notable increase in demand, driven primarily by the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The region saw a moderate growth, reflecting the rising need for high-performance solvents in various industrial applications. This growth can be attributed to the moderate demand growth from pharmaceutical sector, where DMF is crucial for producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug formulations due to its excellent solvency properties.
Additionally, the chemical industry's demand for DMF in polymer production and coating formulations contributed significantly to the market's performance. Environmental regulations and the shift towards sustainable production processes also played a role, as companies adopted cleaner technologies and better recycling methods to reduce their environmental impact.
Despite some challenges, such as fluctuations in raw material costs and geopolitical tensions, the DMF market in North America demonstrated resilience and innovation. The focus on sustainability and operational efficiency helped maintain steady growth, with companies investing in new technologies and enhancing their product portfolios. Overall, the DMF market in North America showed a positive trend in Q4 2024, with an increase in demand compared to the previous quarter, highlighting its importance in various industrial applications.
APAC
The Dimethylformamide (DMF) market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region particularly in China has experienced stable pricing, with only a 0.1% quarter-on-quarter price change. This stability can be attributed to several factors, including steady production costs and effective inventory management by manufacturers, particularly in China. The prices of key feedstocks, such as Dimethylamine, remained stable, ensuring consistent production costs, and contributing to the overall stability in DMF pricing. Demand from downstream sectors, such as the pharmaceutical and textile industries, showed growth potential, but overall demand remained moderate and subdued. The agrochemical sector faced challenges due to a weak pesticide market, which dampened overall procurement. Despite these weak demand conditions, the supply side remained balanced, with manufacturers maintaining high inventory levels and taking a cautious approach to pricing and orders. As a result, the market experienced little fluctuation, and producers offered discounts to encourage orders without overstocking. With smooth shipping and no major supply disruptions, production remained consistent. The combination of stable production costs, cautious downstream demand, and effective inventory management led to a steady market environment. While the overall sentiment was bearish, the equilibrium between supply and demand prevented significant price changes, contributing to the overall stability of DMF prices in the region.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Dimethylformamide (DMF) market in Europe experienced a relatively stable pricing trend, with limited fluctuations observed during the period. Prices remained supported by steady production costs and moderate demand from key downstream sectors. The overall market sentiment was cautious, as economic uncertainties and slow demand from industries such as textiles and agriculture influenced procurement levels. The pharmaceutical sector showed slight growth in the latter half of the quarter, driven by ongoing innovation and research activities, but this did not significantly boost overall DMF consumption. Feedstock prices, particularly for Dimethylamine, remained stable throughout the quarter, contributing to controlled production costs and helping maintain price stability in the DMF market. Inventory levels were generally adequate, preventing any significant supply shortages or price volatility. However, the slow recovery in the broader European economy and the cautious outlook in manufacturing and industrial sectors limited the demand for DMF. Manufacturers in the region adopted a conservative approach, focusing on meeting contract-based orders and offering discounts to stimulate demand. While there were no major supply disruptions, weak purchasing sentiment from downstream industries, particularly in the agrochemical sector, kept the market sentiment subdued. Overall, the Q4 2024 DMF market in Europe remained stable, with the balance between supply and demand preventing any sharp price changes despite moderate demand and cautious market conditions.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Dimethylformamide (DMF) market in North America experienced several key trends. Prices saw a slight increase due to higher freight costs and favourable conditions in the feedstock market. The cost-effective production helped maintain stable prices despite international market tensions. The demand for DMF remained strong, driven by its use as a solvent in the chemical processing, pharmaceutical, and textile industries.
The growing demand for synthetic leather in the footwear and automotive industries also contributed to the market's growth. The supply chain faced challenges, including higher freight costs and logistical issues. However, the production remained steady, supported by cost-effective feedstock availability.
There was an increased focus on health and safety regulations due to DMF's potential health risks, such as skin irritation and liver damage. Companies are investing in safer handling practices and exploring less harmful substitutes. The market is expected to continue growing, supported by the demand from various end-use industries. However, stringent regulations and health concerns may pose challenges to the market's expansion.
APAC
Dimethylformamide pricing in the APAC Region during Q3 2024 has witnessed a significant decrease, reflecting a challenging market environment. Various factors have influenced this downturn, including weakened demand from downstream sectors like agriculture and pharmaceuticals, leading to an oversupply situation. Additionally, the ongoing global economic uncertainties have contributed to the downward pressure on prices. In China specifically, the market has experienced the most pronounced price changes, with a notable -27% decrease compared to the same quarter last year. The quarter-on-quarter decline of -10% further highlights the negative trend in pricing. The second half of the quarter saw a continued drop in prices, with a -4% decrease compared to the first half. The latest quarter-ending price of USD 540/MT of Dimethylformamide FOB-Nanjing in China underscores the persisting downward sentiment in the market. Overall, the pricing environment for Dimethylformamide in the APAC Region has been consistently negative, with prices reflecting a challenging and unstable market landscape.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Dimethylformamide (DMF) market in Europe experienced several key trends. Prices saw a slight increase due to higher freight costs and favorable conditions in the feedstock market. The costeffective production helped maintain stable prices despite international market tension. The demand for DMF remained strong, driven by its use as a solvent in the chemical processing, pharmaceutical, and textile industries. The growing demand for synthetic leather in the footwear and automotive industries also contributed to the market's growth.The supply chain faced challenges, including higher freight costs and logistical issues. However, the production remained steady, supported by costeffective feedstock availability.There was an increased focus on health and safety regulations due to DMF's potential health risks, such as skin irritation and liver damage. Companies are investing in safer handling practices and exploring less harmful substitutes.The market is expected to continue growing, supported by the demand from various enduse industries. However, stringent regulations and health concerns may pose challenges to the market's expansion.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In the US market, the market for Dimethylformamide (DMF) is facing challenges due to sufficient inventory levels and low demand from market participants. Despite a positive outlook in the pharmaceutical sector, which has been experiencing growth, the agrochemical sector has seen a decline, impacting overall demand for DMF.
The textile industry remains positive, but it has not been enough to offset the broader market challenges. Additionally, the feedstock for DMF, Dimethylamine, declined by 1.7% in Q2, contributing to the complex market dynamics. Current pricing for DMF reflects these factors, with market participants being cautious due to the ample availability of inventories and subdued demand across several key sectors.
This situation has created a challenging environment for DMF suppliers and producers as they navigate fluctuating demands and feedstock price variations. The pharmaceutical sector's uptrend provides some relief, but the downturn in agrochemicals and a stable textile sector collectively shape a cautious and restrained market outlook for DMF in the US market.
APAC
The second quarter of 2024 for Dimethylformamide (DMF) in the APAC region has been characterized by a consistent decline in prices, driven by multiple significant factors. The primary influences on market prices have been subdued demand from key downstream industries such as textiles and pharmaceuticals, coupled with ample supply from major producing countries. The oversupply scenario was exacerbated by high inventory levels and a cautious purchasing approach from buyers, which collectively pressured prices downward. Focusing exclusively on China, the region that experienced the most substantial price changes, the overall trend has been a marked decrease in DMF prices. Specifically, there was a -37.6% change in prices compared to the same quarter last year, indicating a steep decline primarily due to an oversaturated market and tepid demand. From the previous quarter in 2024, prices further dipped by -2%, confirming the ongoing bearish sentiment. Seasonality factors also played a role, with typically lower demand during this period contributing to the downtrend. The correlation in price changes between the first and second half of the quarter was also negative, recording a -2.4% decrease which underscores the sustained downward trajectory. As a result, the latest quarter-ending price for Dimethylformamide FOB-Nanjing in China settled at USD 901/MT.
Europe
In the European market, the outlook for Dimethylformamide (DMF) is particularly challenging due to abundant inventory levels and significantly reduced demand from key market participants. The pharmaceutical sector, a traditionally strong driver of DMF demand, is currently experiencing a downturn, which is compounded by declines in both the agrochemical and textile sectors. The manufacturing sector's underperformance further adds to the subdued demand environment. This has created a scenario where DMF prices are under considerable pressure, reflecting the low consumption rates and oversupply in the market. The decline in the price of Dimethylamine, a crucial feedstock for DMF production, by 5.7% in Q2, has not been sufficient to counterbalance the demand slump. This price reduction in feedstock highlights a decrease in raw material costs, yet the overall DMF market remains sluggish. Suppliers and producers are navigating a tough market landscape characterized by a downturn across multiple sectors and significant inventory overhangs. The current dynamics suggest that unless there is a recovery in the downstream industries or a substantial reduction in inventories, DMF prices are likely to remain depressed, presenting ongoing challenges for stakeholders in the European market.
