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.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
During Q2 2024, Polyacrylamide (PAM) pricing in North America demonstrated a significant upward trend, driven by a combination of market dynamics and external factors. The surge in prices was primarily attributed to robust demand from key sectors, including water treatment and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Manufacturing employment levels also indicated economic recovery, bolstering the demand for PAM.
Additionally, the rise in raw material costs, notably acrylamide, and an increase in manufacturing PMI, further contributed to the price hike. The quarter was marked by an event of force majeure at SNF Floerger Group's facility in Pearlington, Mississippi, due to a power outage from May 27th to May 29th, creating temporary supply disruptions that impacted pricing. Focusing on the USA, where the most notable price changes were observed, the market exhibited strong upward momentum. Seasonal demand spikes, particularly from the oil and gas sector, coupled with ongoing stringent environmental regulations in wastewater treatment, played a crucial role in sustaining high prices.
The correlation between increasing crude oil prices and raw material costs further pushed PAM prices upward. Compared to the previous quarter's -2% change, this quarter saw a robust recovery in prices. The price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed a 2% increase, reflecting consistent demand and constrained supply. The period concluded with the quarter-ending price for Polyacrylamide Anionic Grade at USD 2410/MT on FOB Texas basis, underscoring a persistent positive pricing environment. Overall, the quarter has been characterized by a bullish sentiment, with strong demand and supply chain disruptions driving market prices upward.
APAC
The second quarter of 2024 has proven challenging for the Polyacrylamide (PAM) market in the APAC region, marked by a consistent decline in prices. This downturn can be attributed to several significant factors. Firstly, diminished demand from key sectors, particularly water treatment and paper industries, has exerted downward pressure on prices. Additionally, the oversupply of PAM, exacerbated by ample availability of raw materials, has further compounded the situation. The economic slowdown across the region has also resulted in subdued market sentiments, contributing to the bearish pricing environment. Furthermore, logistical disruptions have played a role, with significant plant shutdowns impacting supply chains. Notably, Anhui Tianrun Chemicals Co., Ltd. in China experienced an unscheduled shutdown in late June due to floods, which affected supply dynamics. Focusing on China, the PAM market witnessed the most pronounced price changes in the APAC region. The overall trend for the quarter was decidedly negative, influenced by seasonality and the inherent correlation of price changes with downstream demand fluctuations. Compared to the previous quarter, prices saw a steep decline, reflecting the broader market's bearish sentiment. Additionally, a comparison between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a further 3.6% drop in prices. The quarter concluded with the price of Polyacrylamide Anionic Grade FOB Qingdao at USD 810/MT. The pricing environment for Polyacrylamide (PAM) in the APAC region during Q2 2024 has been overwhelmingly negative, driven by a confluence of reduced demand, oversupply, and logistical disruptions, culminating in a substantial downward trajectory for PAM prices.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European Polyacrylamide (PAM) market experienced an overall increase in prices, driven by multiple critical factors. The quarter was marked by robust demand from key sectors such as water treatment, oil recovery, and paper production, which significantly influenced market dynamics. The steady rise in production costs due to elevated acrylamide prices, compounded by fluctuating crude oil prices, further bolstered the upward pricing trend. The stringent environmental regulations enforced across Europe also played a pivotal role in maintaining high demand for PAM, essential for wastewater treatment and industrial processes. Germany, in particular, witnessed substantial price changes and led the region in terms of pricing shifts. The country's manufacturing sector showed resilience, as indicated by the upward trend in the PMI, despite facing challenges such as supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material availability. Seasonal factors also contributed to the price increases, with higher demand observed during the early part of the quarter, leading to a notable price comparison of a 3% rise between the first and second half of the quarter. Germany's market for PAM saw no change from the previous quarter but a pronounced increase from the same period last year, reflecting a positive pricing environment. The latest quarter-ending price for Polyacrylamide Anionic Grade in Germany was USD 3425/MT FD Hamburg, underscoring the sustained upward momentum in pricing driven by consistent industrial demand and regulatory pressures. The quarter was devoid of major plant shutdowns or operational disruptions, ensuring a stable supply amid rising demand. Overall, the pricing environment in Q2 2024 for Polyacrylamide in Europe, and particularly in Germany, exhibited a positive sentiment characterized by rising prices and robust market dynamics.
