For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Paracetamol prices in North America exhibited an upward trajectory in Q2 2025, with an average Quarter over Quarter fluctuation around 1.79%, influenced by price changes of -0.46% (April), 2.63% (May), and 1.20% (June).
• The Paracetamol Spot Price was notably pressured in April due to weak demand and cautious procurement amid U.S.-China trade tensions and tariff-induced supply shifts, which created a buyer's market.
• Persistent elevated inventories coupled with reduced ocean container bookings (down 49%) led to oversupply and sustained downward price pressure in early Q2.
• May saw a sharp price rebound driven by intense disruption in freight logistics, port congestion, and rising Peak Season Surcharges (PSSs), escalating landed costs for Paracetamol imports.
• The surge in global freight demand, especially from China, boosted both the Paracetamol Spot Price and the Paracetamol Production Cost Trend due to increased transportation expenses.
• May’s robust downstream demand from pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors intensified procurement activity, increasing safety stock levels and reinforcing firm pricing.
• Paracetamol Price Forecast for June 2025 predicted higher prices amid tightened global supply and ongoing logistical challenges, driven by elevated feedstock costs in China and supply constraints.
• June marked historic highs in Paracetamol prices, with steady demand in pharmaceuticals, food, and biofuels sectors maintaining upward price momentum.
• The Paracetamol Demand Outlook indicated sustained growth, fueled by rising self-medication trends, chronic pain management needs, and innovative formulations emphasizing reliability and quality.
• Overall, North America’s Q2 witnessed volatility but ended with a strong upward price trend, reflecting a complex interplay between supply chain disruptions, tariff policies, and resilient downstream demand.
Asia Pacific
• The APAC Paracetamol market displayed a stable to slightly fluctuating price trend in Q2 2025, averaging a moderate net change of approximately +0.76%, with prices rising 0.32% in April, 2.89% in May, and dropping 0.94% in June.
• April’s Paracetamol Spot Price in China saw improvement driven by macroeconomic factors such as Yuan depreciation and port congestions, though buyer inventories remained lean and cautious.
• A temporary surge in outbound freight activity occurred following impending U.S. tariff announcements, which increased global exporter focus on Chinese Paracetamol supplies.
• Supply-side pressures intensified in May due to rising raw material costs (para-aminophenol and acetic anhydride), environmental regulations, and manufacturing inefficiencies contributing to increased Paracetamol Production Cost Trend.
• May also experienced a surge in container shipping rates (up 27%), driven by rushed import orders before tariff reprieves ended, which strengthened supplier pricing power globally.
• The Paracetamol Demand Outlook reflected renewed global buying momentum in May, particularly from U.S. pharmaceutical companies rebuilding inventories ahead of tariff reinstatements, leading to tighter stocks.
• June reversed the prior upward trend, as Chinese domestic deflationary pressures, excess inventories, and fierce price competition forced prices downward despite temporary production shutdowns of major producers.
• Maintenance shutdowns of large manufacturers in June allowed smaller, lower-cost producers to increase supply aggressively, exacerbating oversupply risks and reinforcing intense price competition.
• Demand in June weakened due to sluggish consumer and industrial consumption domestically, coupled with overcapacity that impacted overall market sentiment and Paracetamol Spot Price negatively.
• The June 2025 scenario suggested caution with the Paracetamol Price Forecast anticipating continued downward pressure amid persistent supply surpluses and subdued demand in APAC markets.
Europe
• Europe’s Paracetamol market witnessed a steady upward trajectory in Q2 2025 with an average Quarterly fluctuation of approximately 1.05%, reflecting price changes of 0.31% (April), 2.50% (May), and 0.15% (June).
• In April, logistics disruptions from holidays, port congestion, strikes, and low Rhine water levels hampered supply, contributing to firm Paracetamol Spot Prices due to increased inbound freight costs and limited freight capacity.
• April saw cautious demand from German buyers focusing on supply security to mitigate risks from uncertain delivery schedules and price volatility.
• May’s price surge was driven by ongoing port congestion, industrial actions, and severe inland transport restrictions, which combined with reallocation of vital shipping capacity to trans-Pacific routes tightened supply and pressured prices upwards.
• The Paracetamol Production Cost Trend was influenced by rising import and transport expenses, including congestion surcharges and reduced vessel availability, pushing manufacturers to increase prices.
• Downstream demand remained robust in May, particularly from healthcare and pharmaceutical industries actively replenishing stocks against supply uncertainties, supporting a seller’s market.
• June continued the upward price momentum, supported by stable manufacturing outputs combined with an order surge and export deal influx due to buyers replenishing critically low inventories.
• Freight bottlenecks persisted in June due to congested northern ports and extended transit times from alternative routes such as the Cape of Good Hope, further inflating landed costs in Europe.
• The Paracetamol Demand Outlook in June reflected strong restocking efforts from pharmaceutical manufacturers and OTC healthcare sectors, reinforced by Germany’s improved Manufacturing PMI, signaling industrial recovery.
• Overall, Europe’s Q2 saw steady price increases underpinned by sustained demand, supply chain complexity, and logistical constraints that kept Paracetamol prices firm by quarter-end.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the U.S. Paracetamol market displayed a generally bearish price trend, primarily driven by weak demand, high inventory levels, and ongoing logistical challenges. In January, prices continued to decline by around 3%, influenced by subdued demand from sectors like pharmaceuticals and food, along with elevated stockpiles. Global oversupply, particularly from key producers, further pressured the market, while shipping delays at major U.S. ports exacerbated the situation, limiting new procurement.
February followed a similar pattern with continued price declines as oversupply remained, compounded by improved logistics and lower shipping costs, making imports more competitive. Domestic buyers in the pharmaceutical sector showed minimal purchasing activity, focusing on managing existing inventories ahead of anticipated tariff changes. However, in March, the U.S. imposed tariffs on several major trading partners, including China, which created short-term uncertainty and spurred accelerated procurement.
This resulted in upward pressure on prices, but the overall impact was tempered by strong global production and continued logistical bottlenecks. Despite this brief uptick, demand remained stable, and the market ended Q1 2025 on a relatively steady note, with lingering concerns about trade disruptions and global supply chain conditions. Moving into Q2, the market is expected to remain subdued, with inventory management and flexibility in procurement strategies being key priorities for businesses navigating the ongoing volatility.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2025, China's Paracetamol market witnessed significant price fluctuations, marked by a downward trend in January and February, followed by a rebound in March. The early part of the quarter was characterized by weak demand and oversupply, particularly in January, where sluggish domestic consumption, excess inventories, and a contracting PMI (49.1) led to price pressure. The economic uncertainties, including the risk of U.S. tariffs and broader deflationary trends, further dampened market sentiment.
By February, the oversupply situation worsened as the Lunar New Year holidays reduced industrial activity, and trade restrictions compounded the excess inventory, especially in key importing nations like the U.S. and Germany. As a result, manufacturers slashed prices to move excess stock and adjust to weak market conditions. However, March saw a reversal in this trend. Prices began to rise due to a tightening of supply, fueled by the clearing of pre-holiday inventories and the resumption of industrial activity.
A return of demand in the pharmaceutical and food processing sectors, coupled with rising costs of production, pushed prices upwards. Additionally, logistical challenges, including congestion at major ports and an increase in export orders, strained domestic supply further, driving prices higher. As the quarter concluded, the market showed signs of stabilization, with a modest recovery in prices, signaling a shift towards a more balanced supply-demand environment moving into Q2.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the German Paracetamol market experienced significant price fluctuations, primarily influenced by supply-demand dynamics and logistical challenges. January saw a notable price drop of -3.61%, driven by an oversupply situation. Despite logistical disruptions, high inventories and competitive offers from Asian suppliers allowed European buyers to negotiate favorable terms, particularly as they prepared for the Lunar New Year holiday.
However, the market remained well supplied, leading to a shift in pricing power toward buyers. In February, prices continued to decline due to weak demand from the pharmaceutical sector and improved supply conditions. Enhanced production and steady imports, coupled with reduced ocean freight rates, further pressured prices downward. The euro’s appreciation against the U.S. dollar also contributed to lower costs for buyers. The trend reversed sharply in March, with prices rising significantly. Supply chain disruptions, including severe port congestion and labor strikes in major European ports like Hamburg, limited the availability of imported Paracetamol.
This, combined with increasing demand as industries like pharmaceuticals restocked ahead of Q2, led to a tightening market. Suppliers regained pricing power, and prices increased accordingly. Overall, Q1 2025 saw a volatile market, with prices dropping initially but rising in March due to supply chain issues and a shift in demand. Moving forward, businesses should focus on flexible procurement strategies and maintain adequate inventories to navigate potential market uncertainties.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The U.S. Paracetamol market faced significant price declines in October and November 2024 due to market saturation, subdued demand, and competitive supplier strategies. Oversupply was exacerbated by stable raw material availability and reduced production costs, enabling manufacturers to lower prices. Hurricane-related disruptions and port strikes further pressured prices, while cautious end-user procurement dominated market behavior.
In November, reduced inventories, lower export prices, and holiday-driven supplier discounts intensified the downward trend. However, supply chain improvements, including better inventory management and increased port activity, helped stabilize the market. Manufacturing PMI showed a slight recovery but remained in contraction territory, signaling ongoing weakness in manufacturing activity.
December 2024 marked a turning point, with supply chain constraints, rising production costs, and pre-holiday inventory building driving price increases. Concerns over trade policies, including potential tariffs on Chinese imports, added strain, pushing businesses to adopt preemptive inventory strategies. The Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.4, reflecting weakened output and client hesitation amid political uncertainty. By the end of the quarter, the price of Paracetamol (USP, FDA) CFR Houston in the USA settled at USD 3,495/MT showcasing a quarterly decline of 2.70%, indicating a challenging pricing environment.
Asia Pacific
In Q4 2024, China’s Paracetamol market faced significant price volatility due to shifting supply-demand dynamics. October and November saw persistent oversupply driven by heightened production capacity and strategic inventory reductions ahead of the holiday season. Prices fell as demand remained moderate, with buyers benefiting from stabilized procurement opportunities. However, December marked a pivotal turnaround.
Manufacturers throttled production, inventories were critically depleted, and rising post-holiday Western demand reset market pricing. This structural shift signaled a recalibration of supplier leverage, potentially reshaping global trade flows. Meanwhile, China’s manufacturing sector showed resilience, with the PMI exceeding the 50-mark for three consecutive months, supported by government stimulus.
Growth was led by strong domestic buying activity and expansion in key sectors like automotive and machinery. However, weak export orders, stagnant employment, and cautious global demand tempered recovery momentum. Input cost surges and rising prices added pressure, signaling ongoing challenges for the sector in the near term. The quarter-ending price of USD 3,300 per metric ton FOB Shanghai reflected negative sentiment in the region with an average quarterly decline of 1.42%.
Europe
Germany’s Paracetamol market in Q4 2024 faced significant volatility, transitioning from a bearish trend to upward price pressures by year-end. October and November were marked by weak demand, lower production costs, and oversupply, forcing producers to resort to discounts to manage excess inventories. Regional importers maintained a conservative stance, with financial constraints limiting procurement activity. Competitive freight rates and a stronger euro further pressured prices, reflecting subdued industrial activity and a contracting manufacturing sector, as indicated by a stagnant PMI at 43.
However, December brought a notable shift. Tight supply conditions, rising raw material costs, and constrained logistics disrupted the supply chain, reversing the downward trend. German buyers faced increased procurement costs, compounded by inflation rising to 2.6%. Despite weak downstream demand, inventory reductions and supply constraints pushed Paracetamol prices upward.
This transition highlights structural challenges in the supply chain and the need for robust procurement strategies. The market’s shift underscores the growing complexity of navigating supply-side disruptions and inflationary pressures in a highly competitive landscape. The quarter recorded price with the ending price settling at USD 3,450/MT CFR Hamburg showcasing an average quarterly decline of 1.79%.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, Paracetamol prices have significantly declined in North America, particularly in the United States. This downward trend was largely driven by a reduction in production costs in major manufacturing and exporting countries, intensifying price competition. As U.S. buyers anticipated further price declines, many postponed new purchases, worsening the supply-demand imbalance and increasing downward pressure on prices.
Companies actively liquidated excess inventories to reduce storage costs, further contributing to market oversupply and diminishing buyers' willingness to pay higher prices. The U.S. market's challenges were compounded by weak demand both domestically and internationally, with reduced demand from neighboring regions exacerbating the situation. As a response to this weakened demand, manufacturers cut production, leading to the first contraction in supplier lead times in three months.
While prices initially declined, a mid-quarter increase was observed due to rising global demand, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions, which tightened supply from key exporting regions. Additionally, the depreciation of the U.S. dollar inflated import costs. By the end of the quarter, the price of Paracetamol (USP, FDA) CFR Houston in the USA settled at USD 3,800/MT, indicating a challenging pricing environment.
Asia Pacific
In Q3 2024, the Paracetamol market in the APAC region experienced a downward price trend due to multiple factors. China faced significant challenges from economic, geopolitical, and seasonal influences. In July, prices dropped sharply due to oversupply and reduced domestic and international demand. The appreciation of the Chinese yuan against the US dollar diminished export competitiveness, leading to increased domestic supply. Geopolitical tensions disrupted trade flows and raised freight costs, complicating logistics. Additionally, scheduled plant shutdowns prompted inventory liquidation, particularly for heat-sensitive products like Paracetamol, while falling costs for para-aminophenol further contributed to price declines.
August continued to reflect oversupply, with aggressive price reductions from suppliers managing excess inventories. Weak domestic consumption and ongoing supply chain disruptions strained the market, resulting in preemptive destocking of powdered Paracetamol due to moisture concerns from the monsoon season. This trend persisted into September, exacerbated by increased production capacity and logistical challenges. As the quarter concluded, market players offered discounted prices to clear inventories, indicating significant price pressures. However, mid-Q3 saw a brief price increase driven by strong demand from downstream industries and rising input costs. The quarter-ending price of USD 3,450 per metric ton FOB Shanghai reflected negative sentiment in the region.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European Paracetamol market, particularly in Germany, experienced a significant price decline influenced by various global and domestic factors. Reduced production costs in key manufacturing countries allowed producers to adopt competitive pricing strategies, easing upward pressure on global prices. Anticipating these favorable conditions, many buyers postponed purchases, resulting in decreased demand. To minimize storage costs and reduce the risk of product degradation, companies liquidated their inventories, which further contributed to the decline in prices as market participants destocked at discounted rates. The appreciation of the Euro against the USD also provided a stabilizing effect on the market.
Despite improved procurement conditions, market sentiment remained cautious, with prices consolidating at lower levels throughout the quarter. The persistent downward trend in prices can be attributed to lower energy costs and ongoing congestion at major container ports in Northern Europe, adding uncertainty to the market.
Midway through Q3, a notable price surge occurred due to rising production costs, increased global demand, and maintenance shutdowns at critical production facilities. The quarter recorded price with the ending price settling at USD 3,645/MT CFR Hamburg. Overall, Q3 2024 showcased a dynamic pricing environment driven by supply chain challenges and robust market demand.
FAQ’s
1. What are the current Paracetamol prices in key regions?
As of June 2025, Paracetamol prices reached historic highs in North America, sustained steady growth in Europe, and faced downward pressure in APAC due to oversupply and weaker demand.
2. Who are the major global producers of Paracetamol?
Key producers include Anhui BBCA and Granules India in APAC, BASF in Europe, and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals in North America, among others.
3. What factors are influencing Paracetamol prices globally?
Prices are shaped by raw material costs, freight and logistics challenges, geopolitical trade tensions, production shutdowns, and fluctuating pharmaceutical demand across regions.
4. What is the demand outlook for Paracetamol in the coming months?
Demand remains strong in North America and Europe driven by healthcare and pharmaceutical needs, while APAC may experience a slower rebound due to ongoing supply gluts and weak domestic consumption.
