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.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Isothiazolinone prices fluctuated within a narrow range under the influence of multiple factors acting simultaneously. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy exhibited mixed signals, maintaining underlying strength despite persistent inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions.
Supply dynamics were shaped by the interplay of steady manufacturing activity and evolving trade conditions. The Producer Price Index (PPI) for manufacturing industries slightly declined from 249.624 in Q2 to 248.383 in Q3, reflecting minor cost reductions for producers. Inventory restocking after significant drawdowns in the first quarter contributed to a rebound in GDP growth, which reached 3.0% in Q2 and is projected to grow at 2.7% for the year.
Consumer spending and business investments, fueled by supportive policies like the CHIPS Act, continued to drive demand, while inflationary pressures eased, with CPI inflation falling below 3.0% by July. However, geopolitical uncertainties—such as the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts—along with potential tariffs on imports posed risks to supply chains, threatening to elevate costs and disrupt trade flows. Despite these challenges, the Fed’s expected rate cuts aim to bolster household spending and economic momentum, though labor market shifts and trade policy uncertainties may continue to impact the supply landscape into 2025.
Asia
In Q3 2024, the APAC region experienced a notable increase in Isothiazolinone pricing, driven by a combination of factors influencing market dynamics. The market saw a surge in prices due to heightened production costs amidst weakened industrial demand and output, impacting the overall pricing trend. The region faced challenges such as slowing industrial growth, sluggish retail sales, and adverse weather conditions, all contributing to the upward price movement. Despite these obstacles, the automotive sector demonstrated resilience, particularly in new energy vehicle production, which bolstered chemical consumption. Plant shutdowns, such as those caused by Typhoon Yagi, further disrupted supply chains, influencing pricing trends. China, with the most significant price changes in the region, experienced fluctuations in Isothiazolinone prices throughout the quarter. The market exhibited overall positive trends, with a notable 8% increase from the previous quarter. Price comparisons between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a 7% uptick, culminating in a quarter-ending price of USD 1724/MT for Isothiazolinone MIT 14% FOB Shanghai. This consistent upward trajectory in pricing signifies a predominantly bullish sentiment in the pricing environment for Isothiazolinone in China during Q3 2024.
Europe
Isothiazolinone prices in Europe during Q3 2024 fluctuated within a narrow range, reflecting uncertainties caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia and sluggish growth in both Europe and the U.S. The freight sector experienced rising costs, as carriers like MSC and CMA CGM raised FAK rates to $6,500 per container, citing space shortages and operational surcharges. Red Sea disruptions and port congestion in Singapore further delayed shipments. Air freight rates from Northeast Asia to Europe also rose significantly, with a 40% increase in spot rates due to growing e-commerce demand and semiconductor activity. Despite expanded capacity, logistical imbalances persisted, complicating operations. As geopolitical tensions heighten and seasonal demand increases, freight market instability is expected to extend into Q4. Germany’s industrial downturn, marked by weak output, rising energy costs, and declining exports, weighed heavily on the eurozone's economic performance.
FAQs
1. What is the current price of Isothiazolinone (MIT 14%)?
In India, the Isothiazolinone Spot Price reached USD 1,623/MT in June 2025, and continued to rise into July. European and North American prices also moved higher in July due to import cost pressures.
2. What is the global market situation for Isothiazolinone?
The global Isothiazolinone Demand Outlook remains firm in FMCG and personal care channels, while industrial end-use remains cautious. The Isothiazolinone Price Forecast indicates modest price increases heading into Q3 2025, primarily driven by import-linked cost inflation and limited domestic production capacity.
3. What is driving the current production cost trend for Isothiazolinone?
The Isothiazolinone Production Cost Trend is up across all regions owing to rising feedstock prices in China, elevated freight rates, and constrained logistics. Import-dependent markets are particularly exposed to these cost pressures.
4. How is demand evolving for Isothiazolinone in key end-use sectors?
The Isothiazolinone Demand Outlook is mixed: rural FMCG usage remains stable, urban demand in personal care is improving, but industrial and cost-sensitive segments are cautious. Premium e-commerce channels continue to absorb higher-priced formulations more easily.
