For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The polyacrylamide (PAM) Spot Price in North America increased by 2.32% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, reflected in a bullish Price Index.
• The polyacrylamide market in North America, particularly the US, followed a bullish trajectory over the second quarter of 2025, reflected in a firm Price Index supported by rising upstream and logistics costs.
• The White House’s decision to fast-track ten mining projects under the FAST-41 initiative signaled long-term demand growth from the mining sector, increasing procurement of auxiliary chemicals like PAM.
• Supply remained steady but faced mild disruptions from tariff-related import constraints, tightening feedstock availability, and nudging the Price Index upward.
• Moderate demand from downstream sectors such as wastewater treatment and mining was supported by infrastructure agreements pointing to future growth potential.
• U.S. manufacturing activity improved, with increased new orders and a shift toward domestic sourcing, reinforcing market confidence despite flat production volumes.
• A surge in trading activity driven by proactive procurement, combined with stable economic conditions, contributed to a positive outlook and sustained upward pressure on the PAM Price Index through the quarter.
Why did the price of Polyacrylamide change in July 2025 in the US?
• The price of polyacrylamide in North America saw a change in July 2025 due to increased demand from key sectors such as water treatment and mining, which drove up consumption levels.
• While production remained steady and logistics were efficient, the tightening availability of certain feedstocks introduced cost-side pressure, contributing to upward pricing momentum.
APAC
• The polyacrylamide (PAM) Spot Price in the APAC region increased by 2.15% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, reflected in a bullish Price Index.
• The polyacrylamide market in China followed a bullish trend throughout the second quarter, supported by steady demand from downstream sectors such as mining and water treatment.
• Persistent supply-demand imbalance, due to port congestion and constrained inventory levels, led to tighter regional availability, putting upward pressure on the price index.
• Manufacturing operations remained stable, though rising feedstock costs and surging cargo bookings to the US added to supply-side strain.
• Proactive procurement behavior among buyers further increased market activity, reflecting efforts to secure sufficient inventory amid growing demand.
• Strength in China’s mining sector, including higher coal and alumina production, contributed to improved consumption of polyacrylamide in mineral processing applications.
• Suppliers adjusted their pricing strategies to align with firm market sentiment and increased trading activity, reinforcing the upward trend in the price index.
Why did the price of Polyacrylamide change in July 2025 in Asia?
• The price of polyacrylamide in Asia is witnessing an upward shift in July 2025, driven by rising demand from downstream sectors such as mining and industrial water treatment.
• Market participants are increasing their purchasing efforts to secure sufficient stock in anticipation of continued consumption growth, especially from the resource extraction sector.
Europe
• The polyacrylamide (PAM) Spot Price in the Europe region witnessed a slight decline of 0.3% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, reflected in a slight bearish Price Index.
• The polyacrylamide price index in Germany showed a consistent downward trend during the second quarter of 2025, primarily due to limited demand from downstream sectors such as mining and water treatment.
• Manufacturing activity remained stable with consistent production, while logistical networks functioned smoothly, maintaining sufficient inventory levels across the region.
• A decline in raw material costs, especially acrylamide, along with supplier-driven discounts, contributed to easing input costs and reinforced the bearish trend in the price index.
• Buyers remained cautious, adopting a wait-and-watch approach amid economic uncertainty and weak industrial sentiment, preferring to draw from existing inventories instead of placing new orders.
• The mining sector’s muted activity, combined with limited infrastructure investments and budget constraints in key regions, further reduced procurement volumes.
Why did the price of Polyacrylamide change in July 2025 in Europe?
• The price of polyacrylamide in Europe softened in July 2025 due to weakening industrial activity and reduced consumption across key sectors.
• Ample inventory levels and steady production limited any upward pressure on prices, while procurement remained cautious.
• Softer input costs and limited buying interest created the conditions for a minor price correction during the month.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American Polyacrylamide (PAM) market saw a marginal price increase of 0.58%, closing the quarter at USD 2,350/MT. This mild uptick was primarily driven by stronger performance in January and February, which offset March’s downward trend.
In January, demand rebounded as industrial activity resumed post-holiday, especially in the water treatment and oil & gas sectors. Environmental regulations encouraged adoption of PAM in wastewater treatment, while advancements in enhanced oil recovery supported its usage in the energy sector. Favorable feedstock costs and robust inventory management stabilized production, despite logistical challenges and labor shortages.
February maintained a positive trend due to increased inquiries from municipal utilities and steady operations in the mining sector. Feedstock acrylamide prices rose, pushing production costs higher, which contributed to moderate pricing pressure.
However, March saw a decline due to weakened demand and oversupply. Despite this, the strong start to the quarter sustained a net-positive price movement, reflecting stable underlying demand from key sectors.
APAC
In Q1 2025, Polyacrylamide (PAM) prices in China rose by 2.37%, reaching USD 860/MT in March. The price increase was largely driven by firm demand recovery from the mining and municipal water treatment sectors. Following the Lunar New Year, numerous infrastructure and wastewater treatment projects resumed in Northern China, increasing chemical procurement levels.
Simultaneously, mineral extraction activity in Inner Mongolia and Yunnan provinces ramped up in the last month of the quarter, boosting PAM consumption for solid-liquid separation and tailings treatment. This industrial momentum created a consistent demand stream, directly influencing price stability and upward movement.
Manufacturing remained stable, with producers operating at regular capacity. While some moderation in output was observed in late March to prevent overstocking, efficient supply chain responses helped match growing sector-specific demand.
Export interest slightly improved, adding to positive market sentiment. Overall, a combination of post-holiday industrial recovery, regional project restarts, and mining expansion played key roles in sustaining the upward pressure on Polyacrylamide prices during the first quarter.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European Polyacrylamide (PAM) market recorded a cumulative price increase of 2.24%, driven by strong cost-push factors and consistent demand from the water treatment and mining sectors.
January saw a 1.0% price rise, largely due to increased feedstock acrylamide costs and supply disruptions caused by severe winter weather. High energy prices and delayed logistics elevated production expenses, prompting manufacturers to adjust prices. Water treatment demand remained stable, underpinned by the rollout of the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.
In February, prices rose another 1.5% as acrylamide prices surged on the back of higher propylene values. Supply tightness intensified due to reduced plant capacity utilization and inconsistent import flows. Meanwhile, firm demand from water utilities and steady mining activity, especially in potash and brown coal, reinforced price strength.
March maintained the momentum with a 1.5% increase, supported by a post-winter recovery in water treatment operations and ongoing procurement in mineral processing. Overall, cost pressures and stable downstream demand fuelled the quarter’s upward price trend.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the Polyacrylamide market in North America faced a complex landscape marked by both opportunities and challenges. The water treatment sector remained a significant driver of demand, particularly as municipalities upgraded their facilities to comply with stricter environmental regulations aimed at improving wastewater management. This regulatory push led to increased adoption of Polyacrylamide in municipal plants, especially in regions experiencing water scarcity.
The oil and gas industry also played a pivotal role, with heightened activity in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. Operators sought to maximize extraction efficiency, further boosting demand for Polyacrylamide.
However, the market was pressured by rising production costs due to supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures affecting raw materials. Additionally, manufacturers faced scrutiny over the environmental impact of traditional Polyacrylamide formulations, prompting some companies to invest in research for more sustainable alternatives. By the end of December, while concerns about economic uncertainty lingered, industry stakeholders remained optimistic about growth prospects in 2025, driven by ongoing infrastructure investments and a shift toward environmentally friendly practices.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Polyacrylamide market in the APAC region witnessed dynamic changes, primarily driven by heightened demand in the water treatment and oil recovery sectors. The increasing emphasis on environmental regulations, particularly in China and India, spurred investments in wastewater treatment facilities, leading to a surge in Polyacrylamide usage as an effective flocculant. Municipalities and industries alike prioritized advanced water purification technologies to meet stricter discharge standards.
The oil and gas industry also played a crucial role, with Polyacrylamide being essential for enhanced oil recovery processes. As global energy demands rose, producers focused on optimizing extraction techniques, further propelling demand for this polymer.
However, the market faced challenges due to fluctuating raw material prices and supply chain disruptions stemming from geopolitical tensions. By December, manufacturers were adapting to these pressures by exploring alternative sourcing strategies and investing in production efficiencies. Despite these hurdles, industry stakeholders maintained a positive outlook for early 2025, anticipating sustained growth driven by ongoing infrastructure projects and a shift towards more sustainable industrial practices.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Polyacrylamide market in Europe faced a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The water treatment sector remained a key driver, with municipalities and industries increasingly adopting Polyacrylamide for its effectiveness in flocculation processes. Stricter EU regulations on wastewater discharge standards pushed many facilities to upgrade their treatment technologies, resulting in higher demand for this polymer.
Germany led the charge in innovation, with several companies investing in research to develop more sustainable formulations, including biodegradable alternatives. This shift was partly influenced by public pressure for environmentally friendly products and the European Green Deal's goals. However, the market was not without obstacles. Rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions, particularly from Eastern Europe, impacted production timelines and availability. By late December, manufacturers reported concerns over inventory levels as demand fluctuated due to economic uncertainties. Looking ahead to 2025, industry experts expressed cautious optimism, anticipating that ongoing investments in infrastructure and a focus on sustainability would drive growth in the Polyacrylamide market across Europe despite the prevailing challenges.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Polyacrylamide (PAM) market in North America exhibited a generally stable pricing environment, reflecting balanced market dynamics throughout the quarter. The stability was underpinned by moderated inflationary pressures and a steady supply of raw materials, which kept production costs in check. Consistent demand from key sectors such as wastewater treatment and oil recovery further contributed to maintaining this stability, despite ongoing global supply chain challenges and elevated transportation costs.
In the USA, the market saw price adjustments as manufacturers responded to seasonal trends and shifts in production activities, especially in preparation for the holiday season. These factors contributed to fluctuations, with prices rising in July and August before stabilizing in September. Despite these changes, the market maintained a consistent balance between supply and demand.
The quarter concluded with Polyacrylamide Anionic Grade priced at 2,502 USD/MT FOB Texas, showcasing a steady pricing trend. The absence of notable disruptions or plant shutdowns during this period further emphasized the market's resilience, positioning it for continued stability as it moves into the final quarter of the year.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the Polyacrylamide (PAM) market in the APAC region experienced a steady increase in prices, with China leading in terms of market fluctuations. The price rise was primarily driven by strong domestic demand in key sectors, such as water treatment and industrial production, which bolstered market sentiment. Additionally, supply chain challenges, including longer lead times and transportation constraints, further pressured prices upwards. China, as a significant market player, faced notable disruptions, particularly with the temporary shutdown of the Beijing Hengju plant due to a typhoon. This event affected short-term supply, contributing to the upward momentum in prices. Seasonal factors, coupled with robust demand, sustained the positive trend throughout the quarter. The overall market environment remained optimistic, with prices rising consistently from July through September. By the end of Q3, Polyacrylamide Anionic Grade FOB Qingdao reached 860 USD/MT, reflecting a stable and upward trend. Despite challenges, the market's ability to maintain supply continuity emphasized resilience, positioning the region for continued growth in the upcoming quarters.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Polyacrylamide (PAM) market in Europe displayed a stable yet upward-leaning pricing environment. The increase in prices during this period was supported by steady demand from critical industries such as water treatment and oil recovery. Improved supply chain efficiencies and better availability of raw materials, such as acrylamide, also helped mitigate some cost pressures, contributing to the market's overall stability. In Germany, fluctuations in prices were more prominent, as local factors like supply chain disruptions and varying input costs influenced the market. The region, being a significant player in the European market, witnessed a notable rise in prices through July and August before experiencing a slight pullback in September. Seasonal trends and production adjustments further shaped market dynamics. Despite the challenges posed by economic uncertainties, the quarter recorded a consistent upward movement in prices, with no major supply disruptions. By the end of Q3, the price of Polyacrylamide Anionic Grade FD Hamburg was recorded at 3,551 USD/MT, marking a balanced yet positive pricing environment throughout the period.
FAQs
1. What are the primary industrial applications of polyacrylamide?
Polyacrylamide is widely used in water and wastewater treatment, mining for mineral processing, oil recovery, paper manufacturing, and as a soil conditioner in agriculture.
2. What is the difference between cationic, anionic, and non-ionic polyacrylamide?
These types differ in their charge and are selected based on the application; for instance, anionic types are suited for treating mineral-laden water, while cationic ones are preferred for organic sludge treatment.
3. How is polyacrylamide typically supplied to industrial users?
It is commonly available in powder, granular, and emulsion forms, depending on the specific use case and handling requirements.
4. Is polyacrylamide considered environmentally safe?
While polyacrylamide itself is generally considered safe for industrial use, concerns may arise from residual monomers like acrylamide, which must be controlled to meet environmental and safety regulations.
