For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The U.S. Panthenol market exhibited fluctuating pricing behavior throughout Q1 2025, reflecting a balance of shifting supply conditions, variable demand, and changing production costs. January saw the market begin with slight price fluctuations, driven by stable demand from the personal care and cosmetics industries, alongside steady production levels. The market remained relatively stable, supported by consistent inquiry levels and proactive inventory management by suppliers, although some upward pressure was observed due to steady demand and cost conditions.
In February, the market experienced a shift as supply conditions became more constrained. Tightening raw material availability, coupled with rising production costs, put upward pressure on prices. The imposition of trade tariffs on key import sources further escalated procurement expenses, leading to a more cautious procurement strategy among buyers. Demand for Panthenol remained robust, particularly from the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors, which provided support for the market despite the challenges faced on the supply side. However, fluctuating inventory levels and varying production schedules continued to influence price movements throughout the month.
March brought another round of price fluctuations, driven by continued supply constraints and an increase in raw material costs. While logistical challenges eased slightly, trade-related uncertainties and tariff impacts remained significant, continuing to affect procurement strategies. Demand remained steady from downstream sectors, but tighter supply conditions, along with fluctuating raw material expenses, continued to affect the overall market dynamics. The overall market sentiment in March reflected a cautious balance between stable demand and supply-side challenges, contributing to another phase of price fluctuations.
Throughout Q1 2025, the U.S. Panthenol market experienced fluctuating prices, influenced by consistent demand, ongoing supply constraints, and rising production costs. The complexity of trade-related issues added an additional layer of volatility to the market, while steady demand from key sectors such as personal care and pharmaceuticals helped to maintain market stability despite ongoing pricing fluctuations.
Asia Pacific
The Panthenol (cosmetic grade) market in China saw a strong upward price trajectory in Q1 2025, beginning with a notable +4.67% surge in January. This increase was primarily driven by robust demand from the cosmetics industry, coupled with rising manufacturing costs and tightening supply conditions. China’s dominance in the global production of cosmetic-grade Panthenol, crucial for personal care and beauty products, further bolstered the price hike. A combination of strong order volumes from local and international cosmetic manufacturers and heightened demand for premium-grade materials contributed to the price surge. Additionally, logistical challenges, including shipping disruptions and longer lead times, added further upward pressure on prices.
In February 2025, the market continued its upward trend as export prices rose, fueled by tightening domestic supply conditions and strong demand from both domestic and international markets. A decrease in inventory levels of domestically produced Panthenol, along with rising raw material costs and the impact of a 10% tariff hike on exports to the U.S., intensified market tightness. This scenario prompted many international buyers to accelerate their procurement, fearing potential supply disruptions due to trade-related uncertainties. At the same time, favorable freight rates supported global demand, particularly from Europe and the U.S., further driving price growth.
March 2025 saw a slight continuation of the upward pricing trend, supported by steady demand and accelerated procurement from international buyers, particularly in response to geopolitical risks and U.S. tariff increases. Tightening supply conditions were exacerbated by strong manufacturing activity, as indicated by a rise in China’s Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). While lower freight rates helped maintain competitiveness in international markets, domestic production costs continued to rise, fueling price strength. With supply constraints persisting, and high demand from both the domestic and international cosmetic sectors, Panthenol prices remained elevated throughout the month.
Overall, the first quarter of 2025 saw sustained strength in the Chinese Panthenol (cosmetic grade) market, driven by robust demand, supply chain constraints, and geopolitical factors. The combination of rising raw material costs, higher tariffs, and strong consumption from the global cosmetics industry shaped the market dynamics, signaling potential continued price increases in the near term.
Europe
In January 2025, the German Panthenol market recorded a significant price increase of 3.48%, reflecting intensified procurement patterns as international buyers, particularly in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors, rushed to secure inventory ahead of anticipated Lunar New Year holiday disruptions. German buyers aggressively raised their purchase volumes, further tightening supply conditions and leading to pronounced price volatility. This strategic procurement was prompted by the expectation of supply chain interruptions in February, which added pressure on an already constrained market. The surge in prices highlighted a significant supply-demand imbalance, exacerbated by logistical challenges that affected both production and shipping.
By February 2025, Panthenol prices in Germany continued to rise, driven by increased import costs, particularly due to higher prices from China, the main supplier of cosmetic-grade Panthenol. The depreciation of the Euro against the U.S. Dollar added further financial strain, raising procurement costs. While reduced freight costs from China offered some logistical relief, the sustained demand from the cosmetics and skincare sectors, combined with persistent supply constraints, kept the price trajectory upward. This dynamic was further compounded by improved industrial activity, reflected in Germany’s Manufacturing PMI, which supported continued demand for Panthenol.
In March 2025, Panthenol prices in Germany saw a slight increase, primarily influenced by continuing strong demand and elevated production costs from China. The upward trend was further supported by improved manufacturing activity in Germany, as indicated by the higher PMI, which reinforced demand from downstream sectors like cosmetics and skincare. While the decline in freight rates provided some relief, the impact of currency volatility and persistent cost pressures from China maintained upward price momentum. As a result, Panthenol prices in Germany continued to reflect tight market conditions, driven by global supply chain challenges and robust demand across key industries.
Overall, the first quarter of 2025 saw sustained upward pressure on Panthenol prices in Germany, driven by strategic procurement, international supply constraints, and rising import costs. With demand remaining strong and logistical disruptions continuing to affect supply, the market is expected to maintain its bullish trend through the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
During Q4 2024, the Panthenol market in North America experienced notable price fluctuations throughout the quarter. October saw an upward price movement driven by increased seasonal demand from cosmetic manufacturers and tightening supply conditions. Buyers accelerated procurement activities in response to rising price trends, leading to more competitive market conditions. The personal care sector's heightened requirements, combined with limited spot availability, created upward pressure on prices especially in the first half.
November brought a price correction as market fundamentals eased. Supply chains showed improved flexibility while demand from personal care manufacturers moderated. Buyers adopted a more cautious approach, leading to reduced procurement volumes and downward price pressure across the region. Several distributors reported comfortable inventory positions, allowing them to negotiate better prices. The market witnessed systematic trading activity as end-users maintained routine buying patterns despite the softer price trend.
December witnessed renewed price strength as year-end activities intensified. Domestic suppliers implemented price increases, supported by rising production costs and renewed demand from cosmetic manufacturers. The market's upward momentum was further reinforced by strategic inventory building and increased consumption patterns through quarter-end. Several key manufacturers reported tighter supply conditions amid sustained demand from the personal care sector. The combination of year-end restocking activities and higher production costs contributed to the firmer price sentiment, with suppliers maintaining strong positions in negotiations.
APAC
In Q4 2024, Panthenol prices in APAC markets demonstrated significant volatility, particularly in the Chinese export market. October registered substantial price increases as Chinese exporters raised their offers amid growing domestic and international demand. Producers reported higher production costs due to elevated raw material prices and energy expenses, while robust inquiries from cosmetic manufacturers supported the bullish sentiment. The market witnessed accelerated trading activity as buyers sought to secure volumes ahead of anticipated further increases.
November saw a downward correction in prices as market fundamentals softened. Chinese manufacturers adjusted their pricing strategies amid moderating demand and improved supply availability. Regional trading activity slowed as buyers adopted a wait-and-watch approach, leading to price concessions from suppliers. Several facilities reported adequate inventory positions, while export inquiries showed signs of slowdown. The competitive market environment forced producers to offer more favourable terms to maintain market share.
December brought renewed price strength as manufacturers implemented fresh increases. Several facilities reported increased production costs amid active year-end demand. Chinese export prices strengthened, supported by improved inquiry levels from international markets and strategic inventory positioning by key producers. The domestic market also showed renewed vigor as local cosmetic manufacturers increased their procurement volumes. Major producers reported high capacity utilization rates and strong order books, while logistics operations remained smooth throughout the month.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Panthenol prices in Germany and broader European markets followed similar fluctuations, influenced by both regional dynamics and Asian import trends. October began with upward price movement as buyers faced higher offers from Asian suppliers and regional manufacturers. European producers increased prices citing rising production costs and strong demand from the cosmetic sector. The market witnessed active trading as distributors sought to secure volumes amid concerns over further price increases. Major manufacturers reported healthy order books and steady demand from key end-use sectors.
November experienced a downward trend as market conditions eased. Buyers leveraged improved supply availability to negotiate better prices, while Asian import offers became more competitive. The market witnessed slower trading as distributors managed existing inventories cautiously. Several buyers reported comfortable stock positions, allowing them to resist higher price offers. Import volumes from Asia remained steady, providing additional options for European buyers and contributing to the softer market sentiment.
December's market dynamics shifted upward again as European distributors faced renewed price pressure. The combination of higher import costs and increased regional demand supported price increases. While consumption patterns remained strong across cosmetic applications, suppliers successfully implemented price hikes through quarter-end, reflecting the market's bullish sentiment. Year-end restocking activities provided additional support to the market, with several key buyers increasing their procurement volumes. Manufacturers reported stable operations and well-managed inventory positions, while logistics activities continued smoothly despite the holiday season.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
The US Panthenol market exhibited a distinctive price trajectory in Q3 2024, with values trending upward through July and early August, before experiencing a notable downturn that led to significant price erosion in September. Initial market stability, driven by robust demand from the cosmetics and personal care sectors, eventually succumbed to broader market adjustments.
US market participants adopted cautious positions as they had enough inventory on hand and prices declined considerably in September mimicking China’s market trend. Improved freight conditions, combined with resolving supply chain constraints, contributed to market softening. Domestic end-users, especially in the personal care and pharmaceutical sectors, showed reduced buying interest, substantially impacting market dynamics.
American suppliers prioritized market share retention through competitive pricing strategies while managing inventory positions carefully. Despite decreased transaction volumes, market activity continued throughout September. The quarter ended with a notably relaxed market environment across North America, characterized by enhanced supply availability and subdued end-user demand. This market shift indicates a strategic realignment of the US panthenol sector, influencing pricing approaches and stock management strategies for Q4 2024.
APAC
The APAC Panthenol market demonstrated notable price volatility during Q3 2024 as prices first rose till August and then fell considerably in the latter half of the period. Early quarter stability was anchored by consistent demand from cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, but mid-quarter challenges emerged due to supply chain complications and plunged international demand.
September witnessed a striking 4.5% price reduction in China's cosmetic-grade panthenol, reaching $10,500 per MT. This decline reflects complex market dynamics, including dampened cosmetics sector demand and potential production surplus. The downturn coincided with pre-Golden Week inventory adjustments, a period traditionally marked by slower domestic trading activity. International purchasing sentiment remained subdued despite attractive price points. Chinese manufacturers faced pressure on profit margins, compelling them to offer competitive rates. While seasonal inventory management partially explains the market surplus, persistent supply chain uncertainties continue to influence international buyers' confidence in future deliveries.
Raw material cost fluctuations, coupled with shifting regional demand patterns and production adjustments, have created a complex market landscape. The interplay of these factors suggests continued market uncertainty heading into Q4 2024, with potential implications for global panthenol trade flows.
Europe
The European Panthenol market exhibited significant volatility in Q3 2024, with Germany, a key regional player, experiencing a dramatic 6.37% price decline in September with values reaching $10580 per MT CFR Hamburg. During Q3 2024, the European Panthenol market displayed a distinct pricing pattern, with values climbing steadily through July and early August, followed by a sharp reversal that resulted in considerable price deterioration through September. Early quarter stability, supported by steady cosmetics and personal care demand, gave way to substantial market corrections.
The German market's defensive posture reflected broader European trends as the market closely mirrored Chinese market dynamics. Improved delivery times from Asian suppliers, coupled with easing supply chain bottlenecks, contributed to market softening. European end-users, particularly in skincare and haircare sectors, notably reduced consumption, severely impacting market stability. European suppliers focused on preserving market share through aggressive price adjustments, while carefully managing excess stock. The quarter concluded with a significantly loosened market environment across Europe, marked by improved supply conditions and diminished end-user demand. This shift suggests a fundamental realignment of the European panthenol sector, with implications for pricing strategies and inventory management heading into Q4 2024.
Later in the quarter, buyers exercised caution, adopting a wait-and-watch approach amid Chinese market volatility. European distributors actively managed inventory levels to maintain market equilibrium, while closely monitoring Chinese pre-Golden Week destocking activities.
