For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the US and Canada, the Melamine Paper Price Index declined quarter-over-quarter, tracking weaker cabinetry, furniture, and laminate flooring demand.
• The average Melamine Paper price for Q3 2025 eased as the Melamine Paper Spot Price remained under pressure from cautious purchasing and competitive import offers.
• Softer downstream pull and elevated inventory levels weighed on manufacturers’ ability to secure premiums, tightening producer profit margins.
• The Melamine Paper Price Forecast stayed mildly bearish, with muted residential construction activity and selective restocking slowing any upside momentum.
• Melamine Paper Production Cost Trend remained stable to slightly lower, supported by subdued resin and pulp/impregnation chemical feedstock assessments.
• Melamine Paper Demand Outlook highlighted limited purchasing interest from panel mills and decorative laminate converters amid project deferrals and slower refurbishment cycles.
• Price volatility stemmed from distributor caution, short buying cycles, and selective contract negotiations that limited aggressive price recovery during the quarter.
• Ample regional availability combined with import accessibility provided competitive pressure, suppressing rapid pricing gains despite moderate cost stability.
Why did the price of Melamine Paper change in September 2025 in North America?
• September prices decreased as subdued seasonal demand restricted distributor restocking, pushing spot negotiations lower.
• Resin and paper inputs experienced soft cost dynamics, easing margin pressure and allowing producers to accept discounted orders.
• Competitive overseas shipments and excess domestic inventories narrowed premiums, weighing on September Melamine Paper Price Index readings.
APAC
• In India, the Melamine Paper Price Index fell by 2.62% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker export demand.
• The average Melamine Paper price for the quarter was approximately USD 2497.28/MT, market weighted value.
• Melamine Paper Spot Price softened amid subdued domestic orders and reduced inventories tightening producer margins.
• Melamine Paper Price Forecast remains bearish as panel demand moderates and Asian export competition continues.
• Melamine Paper Production Cost Trend eased following lower resin and energy feedstock pricing across region.
• Melamine Paper Demand Outlook shows softer domestic panels and laminates consumption, curbing buyer restocking activity.
• Melamine Paper Price Index volatility reflected muted port operations, limited export premiums and cautious distributors.
• Operational disruptions at select producers tightened regional supply, while competitive exports modestly constrained price recovery.
Why did the price of Melamine Paper change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Domestic demand softness reduced distributor restocking and effectively suppressed spot offers across coastal trading hubs.
• Lower feedstock resin and energy costs reduced production expenses, easing producer margin and pricing pressure.
• Export congestion and increased shipments limited premiums, weighing on local Melamine Paper price index metrics.
Europe
• The Melamine Price Index in Europe declined through Q3 2025 as construction-linked laminate and engineered wood demand remained subdued.
• Average regional Melamine prices reflected softer market-weighted assessments amid competitive overseas offers.
• Melamine Spot Price movement stayed weak due to limited contract lifting from panel, furniture and moulding-grade resin manufacturers.
• Melamine Price Forecast remains mildly bearish as downstream sectors continue postponed procurement cycles across Q4 2025.
• Melamine Production Cost Trend eased as urea-based feedstock values softened and energy input pressure reduced in major EU markets.
• Melamine Demand Outlook shows tepid domestic consumption from laminates, decorative surfaces, and industrial moulding sectors, resulting in conservative restocking.
• Melamine Price Index volatility reflected cautious distributor behaviour, modest import inflows and restrained margin push from suppliers.
• Stable operational output at European producers and persistent Asian supply inflows limited meaningful recovery in market sentiment.
Why did the price of Melamine change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Seasonal construction slowdown and reduced panel manufacturing activity weighed on procurement, dragging overall spot and contract values lower.
• Softer production costs from stable urea prices allowed producers to revise offers downward with limited margin risk.
• Increased availability of competitively priced shipments from Asia kept pressure on regional benchmarks and prevented upside momentum.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Throughout Q1 2025, the melamine paper market in North America followed a mixed trajectory. January began with stable conditions as weak demand from decorative laminate and furniture segments, along with elevated inventories, kept market sentiment subdued. Seasonal cold weather and widespread construction project delays further limited procurement activity.
In February, prices rose modestly amid improved nonresidential construction activity, which supported demand for melamine paper in interior and furnishing applications. While residential construction remained slow, a slight uptick in order volumes and cautious restocking from converters contributed to better market engagement. By March, the market showed further signs of strengthening, supported by improving offtake in key downstream sectors such as laminates, coatings, and molding compounds. U.S. manufacturing activity rebounded steadily, helping to maintain consistent production and distribution levels.
Despite a cautious long-term outlook driven by falling permits and project completion, positive indicators like increased housing starts and construction employment added near-term momentum. Overall, firmer downstream consumption and better industrial performance contributed to a more balanced market landscape by the end of the quarter.
APAC
Throughout Q1 2025, the melamine paper market in the Asia-Pacific region, with reference to India, witnessed a mixed pricing trend—starting with a decline, followed by a modest rise in February, and ending the quarter on a downward note. The market was weighed down by muted demand from key downstream sectors like laminates, coatings, and decorative furniture applications. January saw soft procurement activity amid high inventories and limited housing project momentum. In February, a temporary price uptick was supported by restocking in the furniture and wood panel segments and a favorable policy environment including the RBI’s rate cut and Budget 2025 infrastructure allocations. However, this was short-lived as March brought renewed weakness driven by poor offtake, falling feedstock melamine prices, and sluggish construction activity. High stock levels and reduced operational rates at upstream melamine plants in China reflected a broader supply glut. Buyers remained cautious throughout the quarter, favoring immediate-need purchases over large-volume commitments. Melamine paper prices in India closed the quarter at INR 266,500/MT Ex-Mumbai.
Europe
Throughout Q1 2025, the melamine paper market in Europe exhibited a mixed trend. January began with a slight decline in prices as demand from downstream laminates and decorative surfaces weakened due to seasonal holiday slowdowns and increased competition from low-cost Asian imports. Construction activity remained muted amid cold weather and delayed projects, further limiting melamine paper consumption. In February, the market saw a modest rebound supported by firmer feedstock melamine costs and limited restocking efforts. However, overall demand stayed restrained, particularly in coating and laminate applications. Germany’s manufacturing sector continued to struggle with weak output, and broader geopolitical and tariff uncertainties dampened trade confidence. By March, prices softened again amid subdued demand and stable raw material costs. End-use construction and civil engineering sectors across the eurozone remained sluggish, and persistently poor industrial sentiment discouraged bulk procurement. Ongoing port congestion at Hamburg and related export delays added logistical pressure without stimulating order volumes. The quarter concluded with oversupply, high energy costs, and limited downstream pull weighing heavily on market conditions.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the North American melamine paper market exhibited varied trends, shaped by supply constraints, feedstock melamine costs, and downstream demand dynamics. In October, prices rose, driven by tight supply following Tropical Storm Francine disruptions, low inventories, and strong demand in the downstream laminate and. Rising melamine costs, influenced by geopolitical tensions, further supported the upward price trajectory. Mid-October saw additional gains in energy prices as natural gas costs and robust downstream procurement amplified market momentum.
November maintained the upward trend with another price increase, attributed to steady procurement activity despite an improvement in supply conditions. Strong demand for laminates and coatings, offset any price-moderating effects from the stabilization of melamine costs. Other applications, such as adhesives, witnessed slower recovery but contributed marginally to the overall positive market sentiment.
By December, melamine paper prices stabilized as domestic supply improved, easing earlier tightness. Competitive pricing from APAC producers and reduced construction activity due to rising mortgage rates, hurricane disruptions, and severe winter weather tempered procurement. Manufacturers focused on year-end inventory management, and the holiday season further muted downstream demand. This stable conclusion reflected a balanced market as the quarter ended.
APAC
In Q4 2024, melamine paper prices in the APAC region displayed mixed trends, influenced by fluctuating feedstock melamine prices, seasonal factors, and subdued demand from key downstream sectors like laminates, coatings, and impregnated paper. In India, the market saw the most significant price changes, with prices declining in October and December while stabilizing briefly in November. October’s decline was driven by weak demand amid a construction slowdown, limited government spending on infrastructure, and above-average monsoon disruptions. Ample supply across the region, coupled with cautious procurement, added to bearish sentiment. In November, a marginal price increase reflected some market stabilization as manufacturers sought to clear inventories with targeted discounts, though oversupply conditions persisted. By December, prices fell further, reflecting subdued demand from laminates and coatings and reduced activity in India’s northern regions due to severe cold weather. Feedstock melamine prices remained low, pressuring production costs and discouraging downstream purchasing. While new construction projects declined sharply, the premium real estate sector offered limited support to demand.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European melamine paper market experienced fluctuating trends influenced by supply constraints, feedstock costs, and downstream demand dynamics. In October, prices rose as tight supply and increased costs from rising urea prices, driven by geopolitical tensions, supported upward pressure. Demand from laminates and coatings remained strong, outpacing limited inventories, which further tightened the market. By November, the trend stabilized as improved supply conditions followed the resumption of operations at major facilities like LAT Nitrogen's Linz melamine plant. Sufficient inventories and steady procurement ensured balanced market fundamentals, though competitive pressures from APAC production capacity expansions were noted. In December, prices declined as domestic supply improved and APAC producers offered competitive pricing. Weakened demand from Germany's construction sector, marked by slow project activity and seasonal downturns, contributed to softer market sentiment. Manufacturers prioritized destocking ahead of the year-end, while reduced activity during the holiday season further muted procurement. These dynamics left the European melamine paper market subdued as the quarter ended, with expectations of gradual recovery contingent on downstream sector improvements and construction activity resumption.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North America melamine paper market experienced significant fluctuations in pricing trends. After a dip in July, prices began to rise steadily through August and September, supported by strong cost pressures from feedstock melamine and increasing energy prices. The quarter saw a significant drop compared to the same period last year and a modest decrease from Q2 2024. Despite these year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter drops, the market displayed signs of recovery toward the end of Q3.
Key drivers of this recovery included supply chain disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl, which tightened supply, and a gradual rebound in downstream demand from sectors such as laminates, coatings, and adhesives. These factors helped strengthen market sentiment. On the supply side, continued tightness added upward pressure on the melamine paper prices.
Overall, the pricing environment for melamine paper in North America during Q3 2024 remained bullish, with prices steadily rising toward the end of the quarter, driven by constrained supply, increased demand, and rising input costs, reflecting positive market sentiment amid earlier challenges.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC melamine paper market experienced an overall decline in prices during the last two months, following an initial increase in the first month of the quarter. India, in particular, saw the most significant price fluctuations. Several factors contributed to this downward trend, including weak demand from downstream sectors such as laminates and coatings, which heavily influenced pricing dynamics. Seasonal impacts, especially heavy rainfall, further slowed construction activities, thereby reducing demand in key downstream industries. Additionally, limited cost support from melamine feedstocks weakened market confidence, creating a negative sentiment that persisted throughout the quarter. Demand in APAC remained sluggish, and the introduction of new production capacities during the quarter exacerbated oversupply issues. The combination of oversupply and declining melamine paper prices fueled a bearish pricing environment. In India, while prices experienced significant fluctuations, the overall trend remained stable when compared to the previous quarter. As Q3 came to a close, the spot price of melamine paper in India stood at USD 3403/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflecting the subdued market sentiment that dominated the quarter.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European melamine paper market experienced a shift in pricing trends, with notable fluctuations across the quarter. After a slight decline in July, prices began to rise steadily through August and September, driven by strong cost support from feedstock melamine and rising energy prices. The quarter saw a significant drop compared to the same period last year and a modest decrease from Q2 2024. Despite these year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter declines, the melamine paper market showed signs of recovery toward the end of Q3. Key factors contributing to this upward trend included supply chain disruptions, tightening supply, and a gradual rebound in downstream demand, particularly from the laminates, coatings, and adhesives sectors. The flooding across central and eastern Europe, coupled with logistical challenges, further limited supply, adding pressure to prices. On the supply side, the melamine paper market continued to experience tightness. Overall, the pricing environment for melamine paper in Europe during Q3 2024 remained bullish, with prices steadily rising toward the end of the quarter, driven by constrained supply, increased demand, and rising input costs, reflecting positive market sentiment amid earlier challenges.
