For the Quarter Ending September 2025
APAC
• In China, the Isothiazolinone Price Index fell by 2.41% quarter-over-quarter, pressured by weak domestic demand.
• The average Isothiazolinone price for the quarter was approximately USD 1483.33/MT, reflecting regional FOB Shanghai terms.
• Domestic supply remained ample, weighing on the Isothiazolinone Spot Price despite feedstock cost increases persisting.
• Forecast tables indicate a mixed Isothiazolinone Price Forecast with monthly oscillations driven by balanced fundamentals.
• Price momentum reflected industrial deflation, aligning Isothiazolinone Production Cost Trend with easing raw material prices.
• Demand softened across paints, adhesives, while premium care supported volumes; this shapes Isothiazolinone Demand Outlook.
• Inventories rose, cautious procurement exerted downward pressure on the Isothiazolinone Price Index and spot liquidity.
• Export demand remained steady, helping balance domestic weakness and limiting sharper Isothiazolinone Price Index declines.
Why did the price of Isothiazolinone change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Easing raw material costs and processing deflation reduced production expenses, contributing to downward pressure on regional prices.
• Domestic demand weakness in paints, adhesives and mass-market personal care led buyers to curtail procurement significantly.
• Elevated inventories and cautious restocking amid steady export flows limited upward movement in APAC Isothiazolinone pricing.
Europe
• In Italy, the Isothiazolinone Price Index fell by 3.16% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker downstream demand and procurement
• The average Isothiazolinone price for the quarter was approximately USD 1604/MT, reported by traders and distributors
• Isothiazolinone Spot Price eased as Price Index showed persistent softness amid oversupply and procurement activity
• Isothiazolinone Production Cost Trend remained stable with limited feedstock pressure, margins despite weaker Price Index levels
• Isothiazolinone Demand Outlook points to muted industrial procurement as coatings and construction-related segments remain subdued
• Near-term Isothiazolinone Price Forecast expects marginal volatility with potential limited upticks tied to restocking activities
• Inventory levels remained adequate, and export demand kept the Isothiazolinone Price Index under downward pressure
• Major producer operations stayed stable, limiting supply shocks while spot markets saw pressure on Price
Why did the price of Isothiazolinone change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Persistent European oversupply and muted downstream procurement reduced domestic buying interest and pressured Italian prices
• Logistical disruptions at Genoa port created delays, longer lead times, and localized availability issues affecting imports
• Limited feedstock cost inflation muted production cost pass-through, constraining upward price adjustments in the Price Index
North America
• The regional Price Index for isothiazolinone moved modestly higher in Q3 2025; the Isothiazolinone Spot Price tightened on seasonal coatings/restoration activity and selective restocking.
Why did the isothiazolinone price change in September 2025?
• Prices increased in September 2025 owing to firmer demand from paints & coatings and industrial water-treatment programs, combined with short-term supply constraints as some formulators shifted to reformulated blends under regulatory scrutiny.
• Key downstream uses driving demand include paints & coatings, household & industrial cleaners, personal-care preservatives, water treatment biocides, paper & pulp preservation, textile and metalworking fluids, underpinning steady baseline consumption.
• The Isothiazolinone Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from chlorine-chemistry feedstock volatility and elevated energy/logistics costs, squeezing merchant availability.
• Demand outlook: The Isothiazolinone Demand Outlook is cautiously positive into Q4 2025 as maintenance season and industrial biocide contracts support volumes, though regulatory reformulation risk may temper growth.
• Forecast: The Isothiazolinone Price Forecast signals a mild premium to Q3 levels near-term unless feedstock eases or reformulation slows.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia
• The Isothiazolinone Price Index in India declined in April and May, then rebounded in June. Overall, Q2 2025 saw mild volatility with downward bias followed by upward momentum driven by import cost changes.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
The Price Index in India increased in July 2025, continuing the momentum from June. This was driven by elevated import costs from China, ongoing freight rate pressures, and limited domestic supply buffers.
• Isothiazolinone Spot Price: Prices stood at USD 1,623/MT in June, reflecting a 2.2% gain over May’s price of USD 1,589/MT.
• Production Cost Trend: Indonesia relies heavily on Chinese imports. Rising Chinese export prices (up ~0.7% in June) and increasing freight and shipping costs pushed up landed production cost for Indian buyers.
• Demand Outlook: While rural FMCG demand remained resilient, urban and industrial formulations continue a cautious recovery. Rising MIT costs may prompt reformulation in low-cost segments; premium-grade users (e-commerce, personal care) are more insulated.
Europe
• European MIT price movements mirrored global volatility. The Isothiazolinone Price Index reflected mild fluctuations over Q2, as supply and demand across EU markets (cosmetics, personal care, coatings) adjusted to upstream cost dynamics and regulatory shifts.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
The Price Index in Europe increased in July 2025, following global cost inflation (feedstock and logistics) and renewed demand in personal care and specialty coatings segments. Limited domestic production amplified sensitivity to imported pricing.
• Production Cost Trend: European formulators faced rising landed costs due to supply-side pressures from Asia and sustained logistics inflation, pushing marginal cost higher.
• Demand Outlook: Renewed consumer activity in skincare and cosmetic restores near-term demand; however, cost-sensitive industrial users remain restrained, waiting for softer pricing.
North America
• In North America, the Isothiazolinone Price Index oscillated modestly. Q2 2025 saw softened demand in industrial coatings but stable purchase patterns in personal care and household hygiene markets.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
The Price Index in North America slightly increased in July 2025, due to tighter freight capacity and global shipping bottlenecks affecting import supply, coupled with steady consumer sector demand.
• Production Cost Trend: Costs edged up in July as upstream components from Asia became costlier; domestic sourcing remains minimal, exposing U.S. demand to global price shifts.
• Demand Outlook: Continued demand from household cleaning, personal care, and institutional hygiene segments supports steady usage. However, industrial formulators remain cautious on spending due to macroeconomic uncertainty.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American Isothiazolinone market experienced price fluctuations, influenced by sectoral demands and economic conditions. January saw a modest price increase due to steady demand from the wastewater treatment sector, driven by stringent environmental regulations. However, February witnessed a slight dip as the paper and pulp industry faced challenges, with companies like International Paper Co. (IP) and Packaging Corp of America (PKG) experiencing market pressures. March brought renewed price pressures, driven by rising raw material costs and supply chain disruptions.
The wastewater treatment sector's performance notably impacted Isothiazolinone demand. The increasing need for effective biocides in industrial wastewater treatment contributed to market growth. However, the paper and pulp industry faced challenges, with production slowdowns impacting demand for Isothiazolinone derivatives used in manufacturing processes.
Overall, North America's Isothiazolinone market in Q1 2025 was shaped by a recovering wastewater treatment sector and a struggling paper and pulp industry, leading to a nuanced pricing landscape influenced by varying sectoral demands and economic factors.
Asia
In Q1 2025, the APAC Isothiazolinone market experienced downward pressure driven by excessive inventories and persistent destocking across key markets. Industrial demand softened amid manufacturing contractions and subdued new orders, while freight cost reductions further eased import expenses, particularly in import-dependent regions. Despite pockets of sectoral growth, overall chemical consumption remained weak, with cautious purchasing behavior prevailing. The market sentiment was predominantly bearish, reflecting oversupply and muted downstream demand, with limited price recovery prospects as the quarter progressed. China's Isothiazolinone prices declined by 8.07% from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025, averaging $1567.33 USD/MT in the current quarter. Monthly prices remained relatively flat, underscoring persistent oversupply and subdued industrial activity, as manufacturing contracted and export orders weakened. The market trend is bearish, driven by cautious procurement and ongoing destocking. Near-term outlook suggests continued price pressure, tempered by occasional modest rebounds linked to shifting demand patterns.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European Isothiazolinone market experienced moderate price fluctuations, influenced by sectoral demands and economic conditions. January saw stable prices due to balanced supply and demand, even as economic factors slowed the paint and coatings sector. High interest rates and reduced trade activity tempered demand, keeping commodity prices steady. Germany’s cautious market approach, combined with ample inventory levels, limited price fluctuations despite attempts to curb production and stabilize margins. However, competition from imports prevented any significant price increases, maintaining a steady market landscape.
The wastewater treatment sector contributed to steady demand, driven by stringent environmental regulations and the need for effective biocides. The pulp and paper industry also showed resilience, with companies like UPM and Stora Enso maintaining operations, supporting consistent consumption levels in downstream applications. Overall, Europe's Isothiazolinone market in Q1 2025 was shaped by stable demand in key sectors, balanced supply, and cautious economic sentiment, leading to a nuanced pricing landscape.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the Isothiazolinone market in North America saw a generally stable trend, with some price fluctuations driven by varying demand across sectors. In start of Q4, prices increased slightly, reflecting steady production and solid demand from key industries like paper and cardboard manufacturing, where Isothiazolinone is widely used as a biocide and preservative. The manufacturing sector showed signs of recovery, supporting consistent consumption levels in downstream applications.
The market faced some challenges, as global economic uncertainties and export difficulties created downward pressure. While the water treatment and personal care sectors continued to drive demand, competition from alternative preservatives in global markets limited potential for further price increases. Despite these pressures, Isothiazolinone demand remained relatively stable, aided by ongoing use in industrial applications.
Additionally, the U.S. chemical industry raised concerns about the potential impact of an extended dock workers' strike on the Gulf and East Coasts. Such a strike could disrupt exports and exacerbate supply surpluses. With production levels remaining moderate, ongoing supply chain challenges continued to affect both imports and exports, further dampening market sentiment.
Overall, Isothiazolinone prices in North America experienced moderate fluctuations in Q4 2024, reflecting stable demand but facing external market pressures.
APAC
In Q4 2024, Isothiazolinone prices in the APAC region showed a mixed trend. In October, prices rose by 1.2% in China, driven by stable production and growing demand, particularly from the paper and cardboard sectors, where Isothiazolinone serves as a biocide and preservative. This uptick was supported by a recovery in manufacturing activity, marking a return to growth after several months of contraction.
Throughout the quarter, the market faced some challenges as global economic uncertainties and export pressures weighed on demand. While some chemicals saw price declines due to oversupply, Isothiazolinone remained stable, supported by consistent demand from the water treatment and personal care sectors. However, increased competition from alternative preservatives and a slight decline in imports created some pricing pressure.
Throughout the quarter, domestic consumption remained stable but subdued, and export growth faced limitations due to price competition. Overall, the Isothiazolinone market in APAC experienced moderate price fluctuations, driven by steady demand from key industrial sectors, but constrained by external market conditions.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Isothiazolinone market in Europe remained relatively stable, with some price fluctuations influenced by varying demand across key sectors. Prices saw a slight increase, supported by steady demand from industries such as paper and cardboard production, where Isothiazolinone is used as a biocide and preservative. The manufacturing sector’s recovery also contributed to consistent consumption levels, maintaining stability in the market.
Throughout the quarter, the market began to show signs of weakening. Global economic uncertainties and increased competition from alternative preservatives put downward pressure on prices. While the water treatment and personal care sectors continued to support demand, it was not enough to offset broader market challenges. As a result, prices remained subdued.
Additionally, the European market faced concerns about the potential impact of global supply chain disruptions, including slower exports and rising logistical costs. This resulted in a bearish market outlook, with prices expected to stay subdued unless there was a significant recovery in demand in the near future. The overall market sentiment remained cautious, with participants anticipating slow growth moving into 2025.
Overall, Isothiazolinone prices in Europe experienced moderate fluctuations in Q4 2024, with cautious sentiment prevailing as the market faced external challenges.
