For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Povidone Prices in APAC
- In China, the Povidone Price Index rose by 4.8% quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher feedstock costs.
- The average Povidone price for the quarter was approximately USD 2798.33/MT, FOB Shanghai, showing variance.
- Povidone Spot Price firmed in March as 1,4-Butanediol costs rose, tightening producer margins and offers.
- Povidone Price Forecast indicates modest upside as exporters secure restocking orders despite balanced domestic stock.
- Povidone Production Cost Trend accelerated in March due to a significant 1,4-Butanediol price increase recently.
- Povidone Demand Outlook remains supportive from pharmaceutical binders and steady export enquiries, sustaining pricing leverage.
- Povidone Price Index signalled tightening in March as inventories stayed lean and overseas enquiries accelerated.
- Chinese operating rates stayed high; exporters maintained netbacks as ports reported normal logistics turnaround levels.
Why did the price of Povidone change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Upstream 1,4-Butanediol surged twelve percent, raising conversion costs and prompting producers to lift FOB offers.
- Robust export restocking from India, US and Germany increased immediate demand, tightening available export volumes.
- Inventories remained lean across plants and ports, limiting spot availability while logistics operated normally throughout.
Povidone Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Povidone Price Index rose by 3.17% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting firmer feedstock and tighter supplies.
- The average Povidone price for the quarter was approximately USD 2864.67/MT, supporting distributor margins and procurement.
- Povidone Spot Price strengthened in March, pushing the broader Price Index higher amid tighter French and Dutch allocations.
- Povidone Price Forecast indicates further modest gains as inventory drawdowns and restocking support CFR Hamburg offer levels.
- Povidone Production Cost Trend shows feedstock 1,4-butanediol increases prompted higher producer offers across Europe and Asia.
- Povidone Demand Outlook remains constructive driven by pharmaceutical and ophthalmic requirements sustaining stable offtake volumes.
- Povidone Price Index movement reflected inventory rebuilds and redirected Asian cargoes, limiting immediate upside in Hamburg.
- French GMP audits and vinyl-pyrrolidone line maintenance reduced regional allocations, tightening spot availability and elevating quotations.
Why did the price of Povidone change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Feedstock-driven cost push as 1,4-butanediol rose sharply, increasing polymerisation costs for producers and exporters notably.
- Regional supply tightening from French and Dutch maintenance reduced European allocations, forcing buyers to seek higher-priced Asian cargoes.
- Robust pharmaceutical demand and limited distributor stocks allowed sellers to pass through higher offers without significant buyer resistance.
Povidone Prices in North America
- In USA, the Povidone Price Index rose by 2.37% quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher freight and feedstock.
- The average Povidone price for the quarter was approximately USD 2917.67/MT across Gulf Coast import channels during Q1.
- Povidone Spot Price volatility remained limited while the Povidone Price Index reflected a modest upward cost pass-through.
- Povidone Production Cost Trend showed feedstock-driven increases, notably 1,4-butanediol pressures and higher container freight contributions.
- Povidone Demand Outlook remained steady as pharmaceutical formulators maintained contract call-offs and limited spot purchasing activity.
- Povidone Price Forecast indicates near-term firmness driven by restocking, but later moderation expected with improved imports.
- Povidone Price Index movements reflected tight March inventories, export offer adjustments, and sustained supplier margin recovery.
- Major exporters operated normally, maintaining shipments to Houston, supporting availability despite cost pressures on offers.
Why did the price of Povidone change in March 2026 in North America?
- Higher container freight and sharply rising 1,4-butanediol costs increased landed import costs, pressuring supplier offers.
- Strong pharmaceutical restocking reduced distributor inventories, improving seller leverage and enabling pass-through of cost increases.
- Stable vessel arrivals prevented shortages, but timely shipments costlier, combining logistics and feedstock to lift March prices.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In USA, the Povidone Price Index rose by 3.74% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting import improvements and restocking.
• The average Povidone price for the quarter was approximately USD 3610.00/MT, CFR Houston market average.
• Povidone Spot Price softened as freight declines and exports reduced landed-cost premiums for Gulf importers.
• Povidone Price Forecast indicates mild recovery 2026 as restocking and tighter European allocations support sellers.
• Povidone Production Cost Trend remained muted with butanediol stability limiting upward pressure on manufacturer margins.
• Povidone Demand Outlook cautious as pharmaceutical buyers defer spot purchases, drawing inventories instead of replenishing.
• Povidone Price Index volatility reflected mixed logistics and regulatory effects, keeping distributor cover and availability.
• Domestic production remained limited while imports supplied deficits and exporters discounted offers to clear inventories.
Why did the price of Povidone change in December 2025 in North America?
• Improved freight rates reduced landed costs, easing logistics premium and substantially pressuring imports' landed-price competitiveness.
• Stable butanediol quotations capped production cost increases, limiting manufacturers' need to pass through higher prices.
• End-user restocking remained muted as pharmaceutical buyers deferred purchases, significantly drawing down rather than replenishing inventories.
APAC
• In China, the Povidone Price Index rose by 3.82% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter feedstock and demand.
• The average Povidone price for the quarter was approximately USD 2670.00/MT, supported by FOB trade.
• Povidone Spot Price softened as buyers ran down inventories, curbing prompt demand and transactional activity.
• Povidone Price Forecast points to modest recovery into early 2026 as restocking and seasonality resume.
• Povidone Production Cost Trend saw small increases from coal and electricity, supporting firmer seller quotations.
• Povidone Demand Outlook remains stable with pharmaceutical and personal-care sectors driving selective forward purchasing activity.
• Povidone Price Index movements were moderated by comfortable coastal inventories and uninterrupted logistics, easing volatility.
• Major Chinese producers maintained normal operating rates, limiting supply disruptions and informing vendor pricing behavior.
Why did the price of Povidone change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Stable feedstock pricing and normal plant operations reduced upward cost pressure, nudging December prices lower.
• Buyers drew down inventories and limited fresh procurement, weakening spot demand and prompting seller concessions.
• Uninterrupted logistics and adequate coastal stocks prevented supply shocks, enabling sellers to offer modest discounts.
Europe
• In Germany, the Povidone Price Index rose by 3.8% quarter-over-quarter, driven by stronger November import tightness.
• The average Povidone price for the quarter was approximately USD 3566.33/MT, reflecting CFR Hamburg assessments and distributor spots.
• Povidone Spot Price softened in December while the Price Index showed moderation amid easing Asian feedstock costs.
• Povidone Price Forecast anticipates modest recovery as buyers restock after holidays, supported by stable logistics and demand.
• Povidone Production Cost Trend was benign as Asian 1,4-butanediol eased, lowering incremental polymerisation cost pressure.
• Povidone Demand Outlook remains cautious with pharmaceuticals and cosmetics restraining restocking, sustaining measured spot activity.
• Inventories in Germany stayed comfortable, muting replacement purchases and tempering the Povidone Price Index upward momentum.
• European producers operated normally while Asian reallocations to domestic markets tightened export availability, supporting firmer delivered offers.
Why did the price of Povidone change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Supply relief in December after Asian feedstock eased lowered production costs, enabling exporters to cut CFR offers modestly.
• Downstream demand remained muted with routine call-offs from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, limiting buyers urgency and spot tightening.
• Logistics normalization at Hamburg and stable freight reduced landed cost premiums, weakening immediate upward pressure on prices.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the United States, the Povidone Price Index rose by 3.42% quarter-over-quarter, driven by rebound demand and supply tightness.
• The average Povidone price for the quarter was approximately USD 3480.00/MT, reflecting firmer import costs and restocking activity.
• Povidone Spot Price remained firm as imports surged and restocking cycles supported resilience amid ongoing port congestion delays.
• Povidone Price Forecast remains cautious, projecting limited downside risk with steady downstream demand across pharma, cosmetics, and related segments.
• Povidone Production Cost Trend stayed elevated due to higher feedstock prices and energy costs, supporting price stability at levels.
• Povidone Demand Outlook remains robust from pharma cosmetics and industrial sectors, underpinning steady buying activity through autumn.
• Povidone Price Index reflects logistics strains and tariff uncertainty, with intermittent bottlenecks raising landed costs.
• Povidone Spot Price volatility may ease as supply chains stabilize and freight rates normalize in Q4.
• Overall, market fundamentals point to sustained momentum amid steady demand and controlled supply expansion into year-end.
Why did the price of Povidone change in September 2025 in North America?
• Tariff reinstatements and front-loaded Chinese shipments heightened import costs in September.
• Robust downstream pharma demand and stockpiling limited fresh supply relief.
• Logistics bottlenecks and seasonal headwinds kept distribution costs elevated.
APAC
• In China, the povidone Price Index rose by 3.27% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, due to sustained supply constraints globally.
• The average Povidone price for the quarter was approximately USD 3313.33/MT, reflecting exchange-rate volatility and freight costs this quarter.
• Povidone Spot Price movements reflected tighter supply, higher energy costs, and ongoing logistical constraints across APAC during Q3 2025.
• Povidone Price Forecast remains cautiously firm as downstream demand supports prices over the period in APAC markets this year.
• Povidone Production Cost Trend shows persistent feedstock and logistics pressure on margins, despite seasonal production cycles amid regulatory checks.
• Povidone Demand Outlook remains robust in pharma and personal care, supporting sustained drawdowns and forward buying strategies across regions.
• Povidone Price Index will reflect ongoing supply tightness and seasonal demand in Q4, guiding buy/sell decisions for traders globally.
Why did the price of Povidone change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Supply constraints from maintenance and port congestion reduced availability in September 2025.
• Rising feedstock and energy costs pressed margins while demand remained solid in pharma through September.
• Logistics bottlenecks and tariff uncertainties strongly supported price resilience in APAC exports.
Europe
• In Germany, the Povidone Price Index rose by 2.74% quarter-over-quarter, in Q3 2025, aided by import dependence and port bottlenecks, and elevated logistics costs.
• The average Povidone price for the quarter was approximately USD 3435/MT, on a quarterly basis.
• Povidone Spot Price trends reflected tight import supply and elevated freight costs influencing the Price Index, feedstock fluctuations.
• Povidone Production Cost Trend remained pressured by energy and logistics, steering wider margins for suppliers across Europe.
• Povidone Demand Outlook stayed robust across pharmaceutical and personal care sectors, supporting elevated pricing momentum in Europe.
• Povidone Price Forecast suggested sustained strength into Q4 2025 amid ongoing port delays and regional demand resilience.
• Povidone Spot Price volatility mirrored cross-border logistics and currency effects, complicating near-term procurement planning and risk.
Why did the price of Povidone change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Supply constraints and port congestion in Northern Europe raised import costs and lead times in September.
• Rising energy and freight costs continued to feed into Povidone Production Cost Trend across German supply chains.
• Firm pharmaceutical and cosmetics demand provided price support despite currency fluctuations and regional trade pressures.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America:
• There existed a severe weakness in the price of U.S. Povidone in April 2025 due to global oversupply, high domestic inventories, and weak downstream demand—particularly from the pharmaceutical and food preservative industries.
• The sellers offered deep discounts to clear out overhangs against expected regulation and operation downtrends. The result was a clear buyer's market where transaction volumes were limited to strictly urgent buying.
• Lowering feedstock prices (specifically butanediol) and a stronger U.S. currency versus Asian currencies further reduced import costs, making U.S. arrivals even more competitive despite moderate freight uncertainty.
• Povidone Manufacturers in China and India continued aggressive production, anticipating a demand rebound that didn’t materialize in Q1. The resulting surplus was dumped into export markets like the U.S., intensifying price competition.
• In May 2025, import prices continued trending downward, despite higher freight rates and port congestion. U.S. buyers were reluctant to restock, relying on bloated Q1 inventories while anticipating further price corrections.
• Povidone Demand from pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and personal care sectors remained sluggish through May. A contracting manufacturing index (PMI 48.5) and cautious consumer sentiment discouraged new orders.
• Mid-May tariff revisions (reduction from 145% to 30% on Chinese goods) led to temporary frontloading of shipments, increasing inventories further. However, this was followed by erratic purchasing patterns due to policy uncertainty.
• June 2025 marked the start of a price rebound, driven by seasonal demand recovery in the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. Cosmetic formulators and OTC brands resumed stock replenishment for summer formulations, thereby supporting a modest upward trend with prices settling at USD 3375/MT CFR Houston.
• Tighter regional supply, production cutbacks in Asia, and upstream feedstock cost increases contributed to firmer price fundamentals in June. Importers showed willingness to absorb price hikes given improved logistics reliability.
• The Q3 2025 outlook is cautiously bullish, with expectations of further price increases amid sustained seasonal demand, global supply tightening, and continued geopolitical trade and logistics uncertainty.
Asia Pacific:
• April began with continued price erosion, driven by fragile global demand, particularly from Europe and Southeast Asia. Key buyers hesitated amid high inventory levels and muted downstream activity in pharmaceuticals and food sectors. Even minor logistical hiccups in Chinese ports couldn’t arrest the decline, as export sentiment remained bearish. Weak feedstock butanediol prices further enabled exporters to reduce offers.
• Povidone Manufacturing remained stable in April, with production units in Jiangsu and Shandong running uninterrupted. Low input costs and smooth inland logistics supported operational efficiency. While this bolstered internal supply chains, it led to accelerated inventory buildup overseas due to tepid procurement.
• Povidone Demand remained subdued, with overseas buyers opting for minimal procurement, wary of macroeconomic pressures, currency volatility, and delayed regulatory approvals in the pharma segment. Contract renewals dropped significantly, with a preference for short-term buying or deferred deliveries.
• May sustained the downward trend as previously stocked Povidone inventories remained largely unconsumed. Demand across pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food sectors remained sluggish, reinforcing the weak market. Buyers delayed new orders, waiting for a price floor.
• On the supply side, low butanediol and upstream input costs in May kept production cheap and uninterrupted, but this oversupply pressured prices. Export competitiveness dipped slightly due to a marginal yuan appreciation, forcing exporters to undercut prices or offer flexible terms.
• Procurement remained minimal as end-users, especially pharmaceutical and personal care firms—focused on inventory liquidation. Budgetary restrictions, low retail demand, and high freight costs further depressed global offtake.
• June marked a sharp reversal as Chinese export prices spiked amid a sudden cost-push inflation. Feedstock prices surged steadily due to environmental audits, energy price hikes, and tighter supply of gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL). This constrained manufacturing output, triggering bullish price movement for Povidone with values assembled at USD 3200/MT FOB Shanghai.
• Operational disruptions in June—including scheduled plant maintenance, monsoon flooding, and stricter emission norms—curtailed production in major hubs. Logistic issues and delayed shipments compounded the tight supply situation, allowing smaller suppliers to dominate the market with high price quotes.
• Povidone Demand rebounded strongly in June, particularly from pharmaceuticals in Europe, India, and ASEAN. Restocking cycles aligned with seasonal production runs in cosmetics and food preservation, resulting in synchronized global buying. This, combined with geopolitical volatility and freight uncertainty, kept prices on a sharp upward trajectory.
• Povidone Q3 2025 outlook remains cautiously firm, with prices likely to remain elevated unless upstream supply bottlenecks ease or freight pressures normalize. Buyer behavior in the upcoming quarter will largely hinge on stability in raw material pricing, plant operating rates, and regional demand momentum.
Europe:
• April began with continued bearish pricing momentum, driven by persistent global oversupply, especially from China and India. Importers in Germany were holding elevated inventories from Q1, leading to destocking at discounted rates. Subdued downstream demand due to post-Easter seasonality and economic caution further pressured prices.
• Weaker procurement activity from pharmaceutical and food sectors, alongside a structural shift towards clean-label ingredients, suppressed fresh orders. Traders struggled to move material, despite lower prices and favorable freight rates from Asia. The strengthening Euro helped lower landed costs but did not improve overall market sentiment.
• In May, Povidone import prices declined further as rerouted Chinese cargoes (originally meant for the U.S. market) flooded Europe following temporary U.S. tariffs. This redirected supply overwhelmed German ports like Hamburg and Rotterdam, where congestion slowed customs clearance and made buyers wary of new purchases.
• High pre-Labour Day stockpiling in April across Germany and nearby EU regions led to minimal fresh procurement in May. Logistical bottlenecks at North European ports and excess inventory forced suppliers to offer steep price reductions to stimulate movement, yet buying interest remained muted.
• Raw material prices, especially butanediol, weakened in May, lowering production costs. However, this benefit was offset by poor downstream demand, particularly in pharmaceutical and food manufacturing sectors. Buyers preferred to draw from stock, anticipating further price drops.
• June marked a reversal of pricing, with steady upward movement in Povidone import prices. Feedstock butanediol prices rose globally due to energy inflation and tighter environmental norms, notably in China, prompting cost pass-throughs by Asian exporters.
• Severe logistical disruptions in Germany—including congestion at Hamburg and Bremerhaven ports, low Rhine water levels, and container shortages—led to rising inland haulage costs and delayed deliveries. These pressures inflated landed costs, supporting higher price points.
• A strong demand rebound in June from pharmaceutical, food, and nutraceutical sectors helped absorb increased prices. Restocking efforts accelerated in anticipation of Q3 needs, especially from pharma players prioritizing compliance and high-purity excipients with prices for povidone assembled at USD 3360/MT CFR Hamburg.
• Broader chemical industry demand also contributed to stronger offtake, particularly in coatings and construction-linked applications. Germany’s domestic production remained limited, so reliance on imports further amplified price sensitivity to global shifts.
• Q3 outlook for Povidone in Germany remains cautiously bullish, contingent on whether logistical inefficiencies persist and raw material inflation continues. However, any easing of global freight disruptions or softening of feedstock prices could cap the current upward momentum.
