For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In the first quarter of 2025, Sorbitol prices in North America showed a mild drop of around 1.17% compared to the previous quarter. The market remained steady during the early part of the year. Seasonal transition from winter to spring brought smoother logistics operations which helped maintain stable supply positions. Most manufacturers followed a cautious procurement approach and kept inventory levels balanced without building up extra stock.
Demand from key downstream sectors like pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food and beverage stayed moderate. There was no strong surge in consumption during this period, as product requirements from the personal care industry also remained steady without much fluctuation. Tariff regulations and policy controls continued to have a slight influence on pricing, though no major changes were observed.
Overall, the market carried a soft and stable tone. Price corrections were mainly due to regular supply movements and routine buying patterns. A few buyers adjusted their procurement cycles anticipating upcoming production schedules for mid-year. This maintained an orderly market environment with no aggressive price fluctuations throughout the first quarter of 2025.
Asia Pacific
During the first quarter of 2025, Sorbitol prices in the Asia Pacific region witnessed a decline of nearly 2.85% from the previous concluding quarter of 2024. The market saw steady supply positions as manufacturers operated smoothly. A notable holiday period early in the quarter contributed to slightly reduced procurement activity and kept the buying interest lower than usual.
Downstream sectors like pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and food and beverage maintained cautious consumption patterns with most buyers avoiding aggressive restocking. This controlled demand played a key role in pulling prices down marginally. Seasonal transition also ensured uninterrupted logistics operations and helped in maintaining market balance. Although buying activities picked up toward the end of the quarter, it was mostly limited to routine orders.
Suppliers refrained from pushing large quantities into the market and kept stock levels steady. The price dip during this period can be seen because of well-managed inventory and restrained demand rather than any major supply disruptions. The market remained orderly in first quarter of 2025 due to gradual activity improvement in the upcoming period.
Europe
Sorbitol prices in Europe recorded a noticeable quarterly decline of about 7.47% in first quarter of 2025 in comparison to previous quarter. The market experienced subdued demand from downstream sectors with buyers maintaining cautious procurement activity. Pharmaceuticals and food and beverage industries kept their orders steady but avoided large-volume purchases. Personal care segment demand remained limited as most producers continued to rely on existing stock, given soft consumption trends in early 2025.
The region also saw well-maintained inventory levels which reduced the need for urgent replenishments. Seasonal changes brought stable logistics and helped to ensure timely deliveries without major disruptions. Suppliers offered competitive prices to stimulate buying interest, but overall market sentiment remained on the quieter side.
The downward trend in prices was largely driven by routine stock adjustments and a balanced supply situation. No strong buying triggers appeared in the market during the first quarter. Anticipation of stable production runs in the coming months kept procurement strategies controlled, leaving the market with a soft tone and gradual price corrections throughout the first quarter of 2025.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The U.S. Sorbitol Market in Q4 2024 witnessed fluctuating trends, culminating in a notable price increase by December. In early Q4, Sorbitol prices surged due to strong demand, declining inventories, and supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by China’s Golden Week holiday and higher import costs linked to a weaker U.S. dollar. However, mid-quarter saw a downturn, with prices dropping due to oversupply, weak trading activity, and soft Corn markets. Manufacturers offered discounts to clear excess inventory, but market sentiment remained subdued.
By December, the market reversed its trajectory, driven by increased reliance on imports, higher Asian export prices, and strong downstream demand in the U.S. Production cuts and limited quotations from Chinese suppliers intensified competition, pushing prices upward. Logistics challenges, including port congestion and rising freight costs, compounded the price hike.
Overall, Q4 showcased a volatile market marked by intermittent price declines in November, followed by significant gains in December. The quarter closed with Sorbitol prices rising 2.06%, reflecting robust Western demand, constrained supply, and strategic pricing by manufacturers to navigate ongoing market challenges. Industry stakeholders must remain vigilant amidst such dynamic trends.
Asia Pacific
The Sorbitol market in Q4 2024 exhibited a predominantly downward price trend, characterized by significant supply-demand imbalances and fluctuating global economic conditions, before showing signs of recovery in December.
In October, Sorbitol prices displayed initial stability, influenced by balanced market conditions and the Chinese Golden Week holiday. However, by mid-October, an oversupply situation led to a gradual price decline, exacerbated by weak downstream demand and a bearish global economic environment. The downward trend persisted into November, with Sorbitol prices dropping further due to increased domestic production, reduced Chinese exports, and declining crude oil and corn prices. These factors created a buyer's market, compelling suppliers to adopt aggressive destocking strategies to manage surplus inventory.
The trend shifted in December, with Sorbitol prices rebounding due to tightening supply, heightened export demand, and strategic inventory management. Strong procurement activities following holiday seasons and bullish corn prices further bolstered market dynamics. By late December, Sorbitol prices reached $704/MT FOB Shanghai, reflecting a recovery driven by robust demand and improved market sentiment, setting a more optimistic tone heading into 2025.
Europe
The Sorbitol market experienced significant volatility in Q4 2024, marked by an initial price surge in October due to robust demand and constrained supply, followed by a sharp decline in November and December due to subdued demand and oversupply.
In October, Sorbitol prices surged, driven by high domestic and international demand, tight inventory levels, and rising production costs linked to escalating corn prices. Prices peaked at $1,540/MT FOB Le Havre by the month's end, despite challenges like elevated freight rates and global supply chain disruptions. However, French exporters benefitted from strong Asian demand and limited corn supply due to adverse weather in Brazil and the Ukraine conflict.
By November, the market reversed, with prices falling to $1,400/MT by month-end, reflecting weaker regional demand, oversupply, and reduced logistics costs. December continued this bearish trend, with prices dropping to $1,370/MT, driven by increased corn production forecasts and aggressive global competition. The Q4 Sorbitol market exhibited a downward trajectory post-October, highlighting the dynamic interplay of supply-demand fluctuations, geopolitical factors, and cost pressures.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American Sorbitol market experienced a significant uptrend in prices, with the USA leading the surge. This quarter has been characterized by a multitude of factors influencing market dynamics. Rising demand both domestically and in export markets has been a key driver, fueled by supply challenges from major exporting regions, increased production costs, and geopolitical tensions.
The weakening US dollar against other currencies, particularly the Chinese yuan, has further elevated import costs, amplifying the price escalation. Geopolitical instabilities globally, including in the Middle East, have also contributed to heightened crude oil prices, adding to overall supply chain expenses. Market activity intensified due to low inventory levels, pre-festival purchasing, and anticipated closures, while maintenance shutdowns at critical production facilities further disrupted global supply. Supply constraints from China, a key exporter, worsened the situation due to higher production costs, natural disasters, and geopolitical events.
The quarter-ending price of USD 963/MT of Sorbitol 70% Solution CFR New York with an average quarterly incline of 5.02% in the USA underlines the positive pricing environment prevalent throughout Q3 2024.
Asia Pacific
The third quarter of 2024 has been a period of significant price increases for Sorbitol in the APAC region. Several key factors have influenced market prices during this time. Tight supply conditions, consistent demand from various industries, and disruptions in production regions due to adverse weather have all contributed to the upward trajectory of prices.
In China specifically, the market has experienced the most substantial price changes, driven by strong demand, limited product availability, extreme weather conditions, and currency fluctuations. The quarter-ending price for Sorbitol in China stands at USD 731/MT, with an average quarterly inline of 2.49% reflecting a positive and increasing pricing environment in the APAC region. The appreciation of the Chinese yuan against the U.S. dollar further bolstered exports, as traders capitalized on the stronger currency by selling at higher prices in global markets.
Additionally, after a sustained period of declining prices, market participants revised their quotations upward to correct the market trajectory. The raw material corn market also saw price hikes, while U.S. corn exports to China dropped by 62.8% year-on-year. In preparation for the upcoming planting season, some market participants began procurement activities, further driving the market upward.
Europe
Throughout Q3 2024, the Sorbitol pricing landscape in Europe witnessed a significant uptrend. This surge was primarily fueled by heightened global demand, both domestically and in major import markets, leading to a tightening of supply chains and pushing prices upwards. Rising production costs, especially due to escalating raw material expenses, notably for corn, further contributed to the price increments.
Additionally, geopolitical tensions, particularly in key oil-producing regions, resulted in higher crude oil prices, elevating supply chain costs and adding pressure on Sorbitol prices. Furthermore, ocean carriers operating in larger headhaul trades from France successfully pushed freight rates higher due to tight vessel space availability, benefiting exporters and allowing them to command stronger pricing in a constrained global market.
France, as a prominent player in the Sorbitol market, experienced the most substantial price changes during the quarter. By the end of Q3 2024, Sorbitol prices in France reached USD 1380 per metric ton FOB Le Havre, with an average quarterly incline of 1.78% underlining a positive and upward-trending pricing environment in the region.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the Sorbitol market in North America demonstrated a persistent upward pricing trend, primarily driven by escalating operational costs, particularly in energy and raw materials. The sector faced significant production expense increases due to these rising costs. Concurrently, logistical challenges, such as shipment delays and higher freight charges, further exacerbated supply chain strains, thereby contributing to the overall price increase. Geopolitical tensions and environmental disruptions also amplified cost pressures, tightening the market further.
Within the USA, which experienced the most pronounced price adjustments, the general trend was a steady ascent in Sorbitol prices. Seasonal demand fluctuations and effective inventory management practices played pivotal roles in this price trajectory. The market saw moderate price increases in the first half of the quarter, which accelerated in the latter half, culminating in a 1% rise. This reflects the influence of seasonal market dynamics and renewed purchasing activities.
By the end of the quarter, Sorbitol 70% Solution CFR New York was priced at USD 826/MT, with a quarterly average incline of 0.50%. This indicates a stable and positive pricing environment overall. The sustained price increase throughout Q2 2024 can be attributed to a combination of rising costs, ongoing supply chain disruptions, and strategic market adjustments, suggesting a cautiously optimistic outlook for market participants.
Asia Pacific
In Q2 2024, the Sorbitol market in the APAC region maintained stable pricing due to several key factors. Raw material costs, particularly for corn starch, remained consistent, leading to stable production expenses. Additionally, demand across industries such as pharmaceuticals and personal care was balanced, with no extreme fluctuations in consumption. This equilibrium ensured that inventory levels were well-managed, effectively preventing significant price variations.
In China, while the broader market showed stability, there were notable price adjustments influenced by seasonal factors. Manufacturers proactively adjusted stockpiles in anticipation of summer shutdowns, which played a crucial role in managing product quality. Despite these strategic adjustments, the price difference between the beginning and end of the quarter was negligible, indicating a stable pricing trend throughout the period.
By the end of Q2, Sorbitol 70% Solution FOB Shanghai was priced at USD 676/MT, reflecting a modest quarterly increase of 0.77%. This stability in pricing, coupled with balanced supply and demand and effective inventory management, underscores a resilient market environment despite minor fluctuations.
Europe
In the second quarter of 2024, sorbitol prices across Europe have seen a notable increase, driven by a combination of factors including heightened downstream demand, rising production costs, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. The persistent rise in raw material costs, especially corn starch, has exerted upward pressure on manufacturing expenses. Furthermore, proactive procurement strategies and strategic inventory management by manufacturers have significantly influenced market conditions.
France, in particular, has experienced the most pronounced price adjustments. The market trend has been positively skewed, with seasonal factors and overall market optimism contributing to a 5% price increase between the first and second halves of the quarter. This regional trend highlights France's central role in the broader European sorbitol market dynamics.
As of the quarter's end, the price of Sorbitol 70% Solution FOB Le Havre has reached USD 1340/MT, marking an average quarterly increase of 0.84%. This reflects a generally strong pricing environment, underpinned by solid downstream demand, stable raw material costs, and strategic supplier actions. Despite minor fluctuations, the overall market sentiment remains positive, indicating a stable to favorable outlook for the sorbitol sector in Europe.
