For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, Valsartan prices in the USA experienced moderate fluctuations due to various factors. January saw a price increase as U.S. importers rushed to stockpile in anticipation of a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and a potential strike by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), which created supply chain concerns. This was further exacerbated by the Chinese Lunar New Year and rising energy costs, contributing to higher operational expenses. However, the ILA strike was cancelled, limiting the impact on prices.
In February, prices declined as supply improved, thanks to higher manufacturing activity in China after the New Year and a decrease in shipping costs. Despite these factors, weak demand due to economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures led to reduced buying activity. In March, prices stabilized, rising slightly by 0.09%. This was largely due to frontloaded purchases in anticipation of new U.S. tariffs, including on Chinese goods, and expectations of further tariff measures.
The overall trend in Q1 2025 was characterized by a mix of cautious procurement, tariff-related uncertainty, and fluctuating supply-demand dynamics.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2025, Valsartan prices in China experienced a slight upward trend due to a combination of supply constraints and steady demand. In January, prices rose as the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors drove demand, compounded by a seasonal slowdown ahead of the Lunar New Year, which reduced manufacturing output. Anticipation of U.S. tariffs prompted a rush in exports, further tightening supply. In February, despite the Lunar New Year holiday disruptions, demand remained consistent, and inventory shortages persisted as production resumed slowly. The focus on international markets, especially in response to U.S. tariffs, exacerbated domestic supply constraints. As the month progressed, demand continued to be strong, and suppliers adjusted prices to reflect the limited supply. In March, prices increased marginally as the supply situation slowly improved but could not fully keep pace with growing demand. Domestic and foreign buyers anticipated further tariff actions, prompting early procurement, which added pressure to the already tight market. This combination of factors sustained a bullish market sentiment, with prices edging higher throughout Q1.
Europe
In Q1 2025, Valsartan prices in Germany exhibited notable fluctuations. January saw a moderate price increase due to improved business sentiment and strong demand from the healthcare sector. Optimism in the economic climate, coupled with early inventory restocking ahead of the Lunar New Year, placed upward pressure on prices. In February, prices declined as supply conditions improved, with favorable import conditions driven by a stronger Euro and reduced ocean freight rates. Early stockpiling reduced the need for new orders, while weak demand, fueled by political uncertainty, led suppliers to cut prices to maintain market share. March witnessed a slight price increase, supported by supply-side constraints from port congestion and labor unrest in key European logistics hubs. Renewed restocking activity from cautious buyers, along with improving sentiment in the pharmaceutical sector, helped lift prices. Additionally, a slight decline in Eurozone inflation bolstered confidence among purchasers, allowing suppliers to raise price offers. Overall, Q1 2025 showed a pattern of price increases followed by a decline, with logistical issues and demand fluctuations playing key roles.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Valsartan prices in the United States exhibited significant fluctuations due to a mix of evolving market factors. In October, prices saw a slight increase, fueled by heightened demand as a result of the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts, which boosted consumer confidence. However, disruptions in the supply chain—such as ongoing port congestion, labor strikes, and the looming threat of tariff hikes under President-elect Donald Trump—intensified pressure on the supply-demand equilibrium, driving prices higher.
By November, a shift occurred as demand began to cool, largely due to inflationary concerns and high interest rates. The U.S. dollar's strength helped reduce import costs, and the resolution of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike alleviated some logistical challenges. With inventories remaining well-stocked, suppliers found room to lower their prices, offering some relief to buyers.
In December, the downward price trend continued, spurred by waning consumer confidence, a seasonal dip in demand, and proactive inventory accumulation ahead of expected strikes and the Chinese Lunar New Year. Increased inflation worries and tariff uncertainty led to a more cautious approach by purchasers, while the combination of a healthy supply and competitive pricing kept downward pressure on prices. In sum, Q4 2024 saw a period of price volatility for Valsartan, ultimately trending lower as the quarter came to a close.
Asia Pacific
During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Valsartan market in China experienced notable price fluctuations, shaped by a range of economic factors and market trends. In October, prices increased sightly, driven by a rebound in the country’s manufacturing sector, which was further supported by government stimulus measures. This recovery, combined with rising domestic and export demand fueled by monetary easing and a weakened yuan, boosted consumer confidence. As a result, increased external orders allowed suppliers to raise prices.
However, the situation shifted in November as the market faced an oversupply. High inventory levels, weak domestic demand, and subdued international orders, particularly from the U.S. and Europe, led to a reversal of the upward price trend. The decline in crude oil prices reduced production costs, prompting manufacturers to lower their prices in order to stay competitive in the market.
In December, the downward price movement continued as consumer demand remained lackluster, amid ongoing disinflationary pressures in China. Pharmaceutical companies and international buyers adjusted their procurement strategies, leading to weaker demand. Meanwhile, reduced foreign orders during the holiday season left suppliers with excess stock, prompting them to further cut prices in an effort to clear inventory before year-end. Overall, Q4 2024 witnessed a shift from an initial price increase to subsequent declines, driven by a mix of fluctuating demand and changing market conditions.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Valsartan prices in Germany displayed a pattern of volatility. October saw a slight price increase, buoyed by an uptick in business sentiment fueled by hopes for economic recovery and the European Central Bank’s third interest rate reduction to 3.25%. This easing of monetary policy spurred spending and investment. At the same time, ongoing supply chain disruptions at Hamburg’s ports, combined with proactive inventory buildup, exerted additional upward pressure on prices.
By November, the market outlook shifted as demand from end-user sectors weakened, and inflationary pressures started to ease. A noticeable decline in consumer spending and retail activity, coupled with a 1.9% drop in energy costs, led to lower production expenses, allowing suppliers to lower their prices in a bid to remain competitive.
The downward trend continued into December, driven by persistent weak demand from major industries, cautious purchasing behavior due to ongoing inflation concerns, and rising import costs linked to the euro's depreciation. Increased inventory levels and year-end stock clearance efforts further pushed prices downward, while harsh winter weather disrupted logistics and further dampened consumer activity. In summary, Q4 2024 reflected a transition from early optimism to growing economic caution, resulting in a volatile yet generally declining pricing trend.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Throughout Q3 2024, the North American market for Valsartan experienced a varied trajectory, with initial price increases giving way to declines as the quarter progressed. Prices rose in July, driven by several influential factors. Notably, improved consumer optimism regarding business conditions fostered a positive outlook that supported higher Valsartan prices. Additionally, supply chain disruptions due to blank sailings, resulting from ships being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope (COGH) because of severe port congestion in both Asia and North America, also contributed to the initial price uptick.
However, the landscape shifted dramatically in August and September, with a significant drop in demand occurring at the fastest rate seen in recent months. In response to this declining demand, many market participants began reducing prices in an effort to stimulate sales, further propelling the downward trend for Valsartan. Compounding these challenges was a notable decrease in inflation, primarily driven by falling energy prices, which eased business overhead costs. This environment allowed companies to lower prices for consumers, contributing to the overall downward movement in Valsartan costs.
In the USA, the market experienced the most pronounced price fluctuations. By the end of the quarter, the price for Valsartan (USP, FDA) CFR New York settled at USD 84,780 per metric ton, highlighting the substantial shifts that characterized the market dynamics throughout Q3.
Asia Pacific
In Q3 2024, the APAC region experienced a fluctuating trend in Valsartan pricing, characterized by initial increases followed by notable declines. Early in the quarter, prices rose due to a combination of factors, primarily driven by robust global demand. This surge was particularly influenced by strong export activities from Asia to major markets such as North America and Europe. Foreign importers adopted precautionary measures, placing larger orders to mitigate the risk of potential shortages, which further fueled the upward price momentum. However, as the quarter progressed into August and September, Valsartan prices began to decline significantly. This downturn was largely attributed to weakening demand, highlighted by a sluggish pace of exports and falling prices that signaled a broader loss of economic momentum across the region. The situation was exacerbated by the implementation of anti-dumping measures by major markets, including the USA, Europe, and India, which negatively affected overall demand for Valsartan in the region. By the end of the quarter, Valsartan was priced at USD 83,000 per metric ton FOB Zhenjiang in China, reflecting the shifts in market dynamics and the challenges faced in sustaining price levels amid changing demand conditions and regulatory influences.
Europe
Throughout Q3 2024, Valsartan pricing in the European market exhibited a mixed trend, with Germany emerging as the most significantly affected region. In July, prices experienced an uptick, driven by positive consumer sentiment and increased purchasing activity. This period coincided with peak seasonal demand, compounded by ongoing capacity constraints and logistical challenges, particularly related to congestion in the Red Sea area, which significantly impacted shipping costs and spot rates. However, the trend shifted in August and September, as several key factors converged to exert downward pressure on prices. The overall economic environment in Europe encountered challenges that weakened consumer sentiment and led to a decrease in domestic demand for pharmaceuticals, including Valsartan. Furthermore, a notable decline in inflation rates, coupled with lower energy prices and favorable base effects, helped ease pricing pressures. These factors contributed to reduced costs for imported Valsartan, prompting suppliers to lower their prices. By the end of the quarter, the price for Valsartan in Germany settled at USD 85,000 per metric ton CFR Hamburg, reflecting the interplay of changing market dynamics and the impact of external economic conditions on pricing strategies.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the North American market for Valsartan experienced a fluctuating pricing trajectory, influenced by a range of factors affecting the pharmaceutical sector. The USA, which saw the most pronounced price changes, exhibited an unstable pricing environment with notable fluctuations throughout the quarter.
Prices initially increased in April and May due to rising domestic demand. Consumers continued to spend despite cost fatigue, as evidenced by stronger retail sales that boosted Valsartan demand. Additionally, shipping disruptions in the Red Sea region led to longer transit times and faster sailing speeds to mitigate delays. These logistical adjustments resulted in higher fuel costs and elevated charter rates, compounded by operational bottlenecks that further strained shipping capacity, contributing to the price increases.
By June, however, prices began to decline. This shift was driven by a downturn in business sentiment and growing economic uncertainty, which impacted the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors and led to a decrease in Valsartan demand. Comparing the first and second halves of the quarter, there was a significant -2% decline in prices, reflecting the broader trend of reduced demand and improved supply conditions. Concluding the quarter, Valsartan prices settled at USD 91,400 per metric ton (MT).
Asia Pacific
In Q2 2024, the pricing landscape for Valsartan in the APAC region displayed a varied trajectory due to a range of influential factors. Initially, prices rose as market confidence improved compared to the previous month. The manufacturing sector was in expansion mode, driven by a surge in both domestic and international demand, which led to accelerated output growth. Manufacturers increased production levels to take advantage of the higher order volumes. However, as the quarter progressed, prices began to decline. This shift was largely due to an oversupply situation created by increased manufacturing capacities that outpaced current demand. The warmer seasonal climate contributed to a reduction in bacterial illnesses, which are traditionally treated with Valsartan, thus lowering overall consumption. Additionally, lower production costs—resulting from decreasing raw material prices and reduced transportation expenses—enabled manufacturers to lower their prices. External demand also remained weak, as key export markets faced high interest rates that affected consumer spending on pharmaceutical products. This combination of factors led to a negative market sentiment and a struggle to stabilize prices amidst these challenges. By the end of the quarter, the price for Valsartan (USP, FDA) FOB Zhenjiang in China settled at USD 90,000 per metric ton (MT).
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European Valsartan market experienced a fluctuating pricing trajectory, influenced by a variety of factors. The quarter began with rising prices as consumers showed increased willingness to spend, which boosted demand for commodities, including Valsartan. This uptick was initially supported by a positive economic climate. However, businesses operating in this environment faced rising supply chain costs due to escalating wages and high energy prices, which translated into higher costs for goods like Valsartan. By June, prices began to decline as consumer demand slowed, the market became overstocked, and freight rates fell. The central bank's decision to maintain interest rates contributed to financial strain on consumers, which further suppressed purchasing activity. Despite periodic disruptions in the global supply chain—such as port congestions in Asia and Northern Europe, and adverse weather conditions—the situation improved slightly due to easing geopolitical tensions and seasonal spikes in cargo volumes. These factors helped reduce transportation costs, contributing to the downward price trend. The price of Valsartan in Germany saw a significant -3% decline from the previous quarter and a further -4% drop when comparing the first and second halves of the quarter. The quarter concluded with Valsartan priced at USD 92,345 per metric ton (MT).
