For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In United States, the Optical Brighteners Price Index rose in Q3 2025, driven by increased production costs.
• Production costs for Optical Brighteners increased in Q3 2025, influenced by rising benzene feedstock and freight.
• Benzene feedstock costs rose in Q3 2025 due to upstream crude oil values and tight US supply.
• Demand strengthened in Q3 2025, supported by robust 5.42% retail sales growth in September 2025.
• Industrial production grew slowly at 0.1% year-over-year in September 2025, indicating modest industrial demand.
• The 4.3% unemployment rate in September 2025 supported consumer spending, boosting demand for end-use sectors.
• Optical Brighteners demand outlook remains positive for detergents, textiles, and sustainable packaging in Q3 2025.
• Overall chemical industry overcapacity in Q3 2025 presented a moderating factor for Optical Brighteners prices.
Why did the price of Optical Brighteners change in September 2025 in North America?
• Production costs rose from a 2.6% PPI increase in August 2025 and higher benzene feedstock.
• Strong 5.42% retail sales growth in September 2025 boosted demand for brightener-containing consumer goods.
• Tight US benzene supply and increased exports in Q3 2025 contributed to rising raw material costs.
APAC
• In China, the Optical Brighteners Price Index fell in Q3 2025, driven by deflationary pressures and market overcapacity.
• Optical Brighteners production costs remained stable in Q3 2025, as petrochemical feedstock prices showed stability.
• Demand for Optical Brighteners saw upward momentum from China's textile industrial output in Q3 2025.
• China's machine-made paper and paperboard output increased Jan-Aug 2025, supporting Optical Brighteners demand.
• The Manufacturing Index was contracting in September 2025, indicating reduced industrial activity and demand.
• Retail sales increased 3.0% year-on-year in September 2025, boosting consumer product demand for Optical Brighteners.
• Industrial production expanded 6.5% year-on-year in September 2025, indicating increased output in key consuming sectors.
• The unemployment rate of 5.2% in September 2025 contributed to cautious consumer spending, impacting demand.
• The Optical Brighteners Price Forecast suggests continued pressure due to weak consumer confidence (89.6) and industrial oversupply.
Why did the price of Optical Brighteners change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Producer Price Index declined 2.3% in September 2025, signaling lower input costs and weak demand.
• Consumer Price Index decreased 0.3% in September 2025, reflecting deflationary pressures and reduced purchasing power.
• The Manufacturing Index was contracting in September 2025, signaling reduced industrial production and lower demand.
Europe
• In Germany, the Optical Brighteners Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, influenced by declining production costs and weakened industrial demand.
• Production costs for Optical Brighteners decreased in Q3 2025, driven by a -1.7% PPI decline in September 2025 and softer feedstock prices.
• Demand for Optical Brighteners was subdued in Q3 2025, as Germany's industrial production declined 1.0% year-over-year in September 2025.
• Germany's manufacturing activity was contracting in Q3 2025, signaling reduced industrial demand for chemical additives.
• Naphtha and Benzene feedstock costs in Germany declined in Q3 2025 due to weak downstream demand and increased imports.
• German chemical exports outside Europe declined in Q3 2025, impacting Optical Brighteners trade flows and market competition.
• Retail sales increased 0.2% year-over-year in September 2025, providing slight support for consumer goods demand.
• The Optical Brighteners Price Index is forecast to remain under pressure from persistent weak industrial demand and ample feedstock supply.
Why did the price of Optical Brighteners change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Declining PPI by -1.7% in September 2025 reduced production costs for Optical Brighteners and consuming industries.
• Germany's industrial production fell 1.0% year-over-year in September 2025, weakening overall demand for the chemical.
• Weak consumption in key sectors and increased benzene imports contributed to downward price pressure in Q3 2025.
