For the Quarter Ending December 2025 聽
North America
North America鈥檚 Personal care chemicals market in Q4 2025 exhibited a largely mixed-to-soft trend, shaped by balanced supply conditions, cautious procurement behavior, and varying feedstock dynamics. Modest gains were observed in products such as Glycerin (+5.5%), Zinc Oxide (+4.73%), Glyoxylic Acid (+2.24%), Fatty Acid (+2.74%), and Biotin (+1.5%), supported by steady demand from personal care, pharmaceuticals, construction, and nutraceutical sectors alongside stable production costs and controlled inventories. Cellulose Ether (+1.3%), Oleic Acid (+0.4%), Dimethylcyclosiloxane (+1.1%), and Salicylic Acid (+0.6%) also recorded slight increases, reflecting stable operating rates and consistent downstream consumption.
Conversely, several chemicals experienced notable declines, including Coconut Oil (-10.1%), Ethyl Cellulose (-10.3%), Fatty Alcohol (-9.5%), Triethanolamine (-4.2%), and Benzyl Chloride (-6.7%), primarily due to ample import availability, elevated inventories, and weak or delayed downstream demand from construction, agrochemical, and industrial sectors. Diethylene Glycol (-4.3%) and Isopropyl Alcohol (-1.0%) also softened amid sufficient supply and cautious restocking trends. Meanwhile, products such as Citric Acid (-0.3%), Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol (-0.1%), Gelatin (-0.1%) remained relatively stable, indicating balanced market fundamentals and limited cost pressure.
Overall, steady feedstock availability, consistent domestic production, and smooth logistics ensured adequate market supply across the region. While demand remained stable in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care, industrial and construction-related consumption showed some weakness, particularly toward year-end. The market-maintained equilibrium, with selective price increases offset by broader declines, reflecting a cautious but stable outlook heading into early 2026.
APAC 聽聽
APAC鈥檚 Personal care chemicals market in Q4 2025 exhibited a predominantly soft-to-mixed trend, influenced by oversupply conditions, subdued downstream demand, and easing feedstock costs across several key products. Significant declines were observed in Isopropyl Alcohol (-0.7%), Diethylene Glycol (-16.1%), Fatty Alcohol (-6.0%), Coconut Oil (-11.4%), Fatty Acid (-2.2%), and Cellulose Ether (-3.9%), driven by elevated inventories, weak export demand, and cautious restocking across construction, coatings, and industrial sectors. Benzyl Chloride (-11.7%) and Acetaldehyde (-6.3%) also declined notably due to ample regional supply and reduced feedstock support. 聽
Conversely, notable gains were recorded in Glycerin (+15.4%), Ethyl Cellulose (+0.6%), Zinc Oxide (+5.8%), Gelatin (+1.6%), and Dimethylcyclosiloxane (+2.8%), supported by firm downstream demand from personal care, automotive, and nutraceutical sectors alongside tighter inventories and selective feedstock cost pressures. Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol (-0.1%), Oleic Acid (-1.9%), and Salicylic Acid (+1.5%) also showed modest increases, reflecting stable consumption patterns and balanced supply dynamics. 聽
Meanwhile, products such as Biotin (-0.0%), Melatonin (-0.8%), Triethanolamine (-2.2%), Gluconic Acid (--2.7%), and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (+1.0%) remained relatively stable to slightly soft, indicating balanced market fundamentals with limited pricing momentum. Citric Acid (-33.2%) and Glyoxylic Acid (+0.8%) showed near-flat trends, further highlighting the overall equilibrium in certain segments.
Overall, ample supply, steady operating rates, and smooth regional logistics ensured sufficient product availability across APAC. However, demand remained uneven, with strength in personal care, food, and automotive sectors offset by weakness in construction, exports, and industrial chemicals. The market remained balanced but cautious, with downward pricing pressure dominating most segments while selective products experienced gains due to tighter supply-demand conditions and localized cost support heading into early 2026.
Europe
Europe鈥檚 Personal care chemicals market in Q4 2025 exhibited a mixed-to-soft trend, influenced by ample imports, cautious downstream demand, and generally stable feedstock costs. Notable declines were recorded in Coconut Oil (-10.1%), Ethyl Cellulose (-10.4%), Citric Acid (-1.5%), Benzyl Chloride (-8.6%), Fatty Alcohol (0.1%), Diethylene Glycol (-7.5%), and Triethanolamine (-6.7%), primarily due to oversupply, elevated inventories, and weak consumption from construction, coatings, and industrial sectors. Acetaldehyde (-2.6%) and Biotin (-2.2%) also edged lower amid subdued demand and steady import flows.
On the upside, strong gains were observed in Glycerin (+13.8%), Gelatin (+1.8%), Glyoxylic Acid (+1.5%), and Isopropyl Alcohol (+3.1%), supported by tighter inventories, steady pharmaceutical and food-sector demand, and selective feedstock cost pressures. Zinc Oxide showed a softer-to-stable trend due to weak industrial demand despite niche support from pharma and cosmetics. Meanwhile, Cellulose Ether (+1.2%), Dimethylcyclosiloxane (+1.0%), and Oleic Acid (+0.4%) recorded modest increases, reflecting balanced supply-demand conditions and stable operating rates.
Products such as and Salicylic Acid (-0.4%) remained largely stable with slight downward bias, while Gluconic Acid and Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol exhibited stable-to-soft trends due to balanced inventories and cautious procurement. The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates market also softened amid adequate supply and weak year-end demand.
Overall, steady production rates, consistent intra-regional trade flows, and improved logistics ensured sufficient product availability across Europe. Demand remained uneven, with resilience in pharmaceuticals, personal care, and food sectors offset by continued weakness in construction and industrial applications. The market maintained a balanced yet cautious tone, with selective price increases outweighed by broader declines, indicating a stable-to-soft outlook heading into early 2026.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
In Q2 2025, the North American personal care chemicals market showed a mixed price trend across key products, reflecting divergent demand dynamics, cost pressures, and trade conditions. Acetaldehyde and Benzyl Chloride weakened on oversupply and muted industrial demand, though agrochemical activity provided late-quarter support.聽
Biotin stayed soft amid sluggish nutraceutical uptake, while Butylated Hydroxytoluene and Cellulose Ether held largely stable on balanced supply chains and cautious downstream buying. Citric Acid surged sharply on global supply disruptions and tariff-led cost inflation, while Coconut Oil prices firmed on constrained exports from Asia and robust U.S. restocking. Ethanolamine fell on ample supply and weak personal care demand, contrasting with steady-to-firm trends in Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol, Fatty Alcohol, and Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates, which benefited from skincare, hygiene, and clean-label demand.聽
Gelatin slipped on inventory overhangs and cautious procurement, whereas Glycerine rose steadily, led by refined grades in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Zinc Oxide edged lower on weak automotive demand, while Glyoxylic Acid held flat on sufficient inventories. Isopropyl Alcohol and Melatonin strengthened on tight supply and strong wellness-driven consumption, while Fatty Acid and Oleic Acid declined on oversupply and softer cosmetics demand despite temporary freight disruptions.聽
Overall, the quarter reflected a polarized landscape, price weakness in bulk intermediates and oleochemicals offset by bullish momentum in citric acid, glycerine, melatonin, and IPA, shaped by trade frictions, feedstock volatility, and uneven downstream sector recovery.
Asia
In Q2 2025, the Asia personal care chemicals market displayed a mixed pricing landscape shaped by feedstock volatility, sector-specific demand, and shifting trade flows. Acetaldehyde prices rose moderately in India on tighter supply and firm agrochemical demand, while Benzyl Chloride trended soft for most of the quarter before rebounding in June on strong Kharif-season procurement.聽
Biotin prices climbed early in the quarter but eased in June as exports slowed and inventories built up. Butylated Hydroxytoluene and Cellulose Ether declined on weak industrial and construction demand, contrasting with Citric Acid, which surged on supply disruptions, high corn feedstock costs, and robust food and pharma demand. Coconut Oil slipped sharply in June but recovered in July on tighter supply and improved export activity, while Dimethyl Carbonate fell consistently due to oversupply and soft procurement.聽
Ethanolamine surged nearly 18% in Malaysia amid strong exports and tight supply, although July showed signs of cooling, whereas Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol and Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates recorded bullish trends on tight palm-based feedstocks and firm coatings and skincare demand. Ethyl Cellulose prices dipped slightly but firmed in June on tighter supply and higher costs, while Fatty Acid and Oleic Acid weakened on oversupply despite intermittent support from food and cosmetics.聽
Fatty Alcohols edged higher overall, supported by steady personal care demand and feedstock-driven cost pressures. Gelatin and Glyoxylic Acid declined on oversupply and weak end-use demand, while Glycerine showed resilience in refined grades due to strong pharma and cosmetics offtake. Isopropyl Alcohol weakened but stabilized late in Q2 as supply tightened, while Melatonin softened on oversupply and weak export momentum. Zinc Oxide remained bearish throughout on sluggish tire and rubber demand.聽
Overall, the quarter highlighted a polarized market鈥攕trength in ethanolamines, citric acid, glycerine, and ethoxylates contrasted with softness in gelatin, zinc oxide, and oleochemicals鈥攄riven by feedstock movements, seasonal agrochemical cycles, and uneven downstream recovery across Asia.
Europe
In Q2 2025, the European personal care chemicals market showed a mixed trajectory, shaped by uneven demand recovery, fluctuating feedstock costs, and persistent logistics challenges. Acetaldehyde strengthened on coatings and resin demand despite sluggish construction activity, while Benzyl Chloride trended bearish for most of the quarter due to weak agrochemical and construction-linked demand before showing signs of recovery in July.聽
Biotin prices edged higher mid-quarter on pharmaceutical and nutraceutical restocking but softened in June amid stable supply and cautious buying. Antioxidants like Butylated Hydroxytoluene declined on weak industrial demand, while Cellulose Ether also fell sharply as construction sector weakness and port congestion weighed heavily. Citric Acid remained bullish with volatility, ending Q2 higher on tight Asian supplies and food and pharma demand.聽
Coconut Oil slid in June but rebounded strongly in July on renewed buying and tighter supply, whereas Dimethyl Carbonate dropped over 12% amid oversupply and muted battery-sector demand. Surfactants such as Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol and Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates gained momentum, supported by resilient skincare, coatings, and eco-friendly formulations, though supply chain costs remained elevated.聽
Ethyl Cellulose prices softened on oversupply and weak food and pharma demand, while Fatty Acid and Oleic Acid weakened under high inventories despite stable niche skincare support. Fatty Alcohols saw modest gains in June on restocking for summer launches. Glycerine showed resilience, supported by pharma and cosmetics offtake, although easing logistics softened prices late in the quarter.聽
Gelatin and Glyoxylic Acid remained subdued due to oversupply and muted downstream uptake, while Melatonin stayed stable on steady nutraceutical demand. Isopropyl Alcohol moved slightly lower overall as pharma demand held but industrial consumption lagged. Zinc Oxide weakened throughout on poor tire demand, though July saw slight cost-driven gains, while Salicylic Acid edged higher early in the quarter before correcting in June amid cautious buying.
聽Overall, Q2 highlighted a polarized market with strength in citric acid, surfactants, and glycerine offset by persistent weakness in oleochemicals, cellulose derivatives, and industrial-linked products, reflecting fragile end-use recovery and ongoing macroeconomic headwinds in Europe.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North American
In Q1 2025, the North American personal care chemicals market demonstrated a mixed trend, reflecting both supply-side fluctuations and variable downstream demand. Dimethylcyclosiloxane (DMC) prices increased by 1.22% due to strong restocking activity in February, particularly from the personal care segment, although overall demand was restrained by sluggish performance in industrial sectors and high inventories. Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol saw a notable 2.96% price rise by March, following early-quarter oversupply and cost softness, as supply tightened and raw material costs rose alongside seasonal demand.
听颁辞苍惫别谤蝉别濒测, Biotin prices declined by 1.27% amid cautious procurement strategies from pharmaceutical and dietary supplement manufacturers, leading to inventory build-up and reduced buying sentiment. Ethyl Cellulose, another key ingredient in personal care formulations, fell by 1.34% as early-year demand and logistical constraints gave way to oversupply and weaker end-user interest by March. Similarly, Triethanolamine experienced a consistent downturn, declining by 4.98% over the quarter, impacted by subdued demand in personal care and coatings, ample supply, and competitive import pressure. Fatty Acids and Fatty Alcohols experienced notable declines of -2.47% and -3.38%, respectively, due to falling palm oil prices, cautious consumer sentiment, and oversupply concerns. Gelatin saw the steepest drop at -16.90%, driven by economic uncertainty, weak demand, and inventory overhang.
Salicylic Acid prices also declined sharply by -8.94%, impacted by trade policy volatility and post-holiday oversupply. Meanwhile, Oleic Acid recorded a marginal dip of -0.32%, despite a late quarter rebound from disrupted palm oil supply chains and strong domestic demand. In contrast, Glycerine surged by 6.88% amid tight supply and strong demand from cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. Glyoxylic Acid and Melatonin posted moderate gains of 2.72% and 1.55%, respectively, supported by resilient personal care demand and strategic procurement. Isopropyl Alcohol remained relatively stable with a slight decline of -0.18%, as persistent demand offset logistical and inflationary pressures.
Overall, while the segment faced significant headwinds from economic and supply chain challenges, selective resilience in demand-driven ingredients helped maintain a balanced market outlook.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European personal care chemicals market displayed a mixed performance, marked by both gains and declines across key commodities. Ethanolamine recorded the highest quarterly price increase at 7.26%, supported by sustained demand and tight supply conditions, signaling resilience in core personal care formulations. Acetaldehyde also posted a 3.87% rise due to strong demand from the FMCG sector and persistent supply tightness. Coconut Oil followed with a 3.50% gain, driven by weather-related supply disruptions in major exporting countries and rising consumption in cosmetics and bio-based applications. Biotin showed a marginal 0.43% increase early in the quarter amid restocking before retreating due to abundant supply and cautious buyer sentiment. In contrast, several key chemicals saw significant price corrections. Benzyl Chloride fell sharply by 17.83%, influenced by weak downstream demand and logistical constraints. Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Dimethylcyclosiloxane (DMC) dropped by 8.03% and 7.61%, respectively, amid sluggish demand in beauty and industrial sectors, coupled with oversupply.
Cellulose Ether and Ethyl Cellulose experienced quarterly declines of 7.74% and 3.81%, respectively, as high inventories and weak procurement momentum weighed on prices. Citric Acid registered a 5.72% drop, driven by ample imports and subdued buying early in the quarter, despite a recovery in March. Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol prices were volatile, with a late-quarter rebound linked to improved demand and rising feedstock costs. Fatty Acids saw a 3.45% increase, driven by constrained feedstock availability and stable demand, especially in the personal care sector. Conversely, Fatty Alcohols recorded a steep decline of 12.33% due to high inventories and weak downstream demand, although prices rebounded in March amid rising raw material costs. Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates faced consistent downward pressure from oversupply and cautious buyer behavior, reflecting economic instability and subdued consumer sentiment.
Gelatin prices plummeted by 15.59% as inflation, political uncertainty, and a strong euro dampened both domestic and export demand, especially in food and pharmaceutical applications. Glycerine experienced a modest 0.97% decline, with early-quarter strength fading under import pressures, though recovery signs emerged by March with rising refined grade demand. Oleic Acid declined 1.54% in the Netherlands, initially benefiting buyers due to high availability, but turned bullish later in the quarter as supply constraints tightened the market. Salicylic Acid fell 5.36%, showing early gains from stockpiling, followed by mid-quarter weakness and a March rebound driven by restocking and supply disruptions. Meanwhile, Glyoxylic Acid (+6.21%) and Isopropyl Alcohol (+8.76%) stood out with strong bullish trends, supported by regulatory shifts, logistics issues, and steady demand from the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors.
Overall, while select segments like IPA and Glyoxylic Acid showed resilience, most personal care chemicals in Europe faced a challenging Q1 marked by volatility, oversupply, and shifting consumer behaviors.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the personal care chemicals segment in the Asia Pacific region experienced a mixed price trajectory, reflecting a complex interplay of supply-demand shifts, feedstock dynamics, and seasonal influences. Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol prices rose by 1.50% despite a bearish start to the quarter, as March saw a supply-driven rebound supported by sustained demand from the personal care sector, including emerging sustainable brands. Dimethylcyclosiloxane (DMC) registered a quarterly price decline of 2.49%, weighed down by oversupply and weak early-quarter demand, although February offered a brief recovery amid logistical disruptions and tighter supply.
Ethyl Cellulose experienced a marginal drop of 0.14% due to oversupply and reduced downstream procurement following a strong start driven by pharmaceutical and food sector restocking. Meanwhile, Biotin prices surged by 4.45%, fueled by robust demand from nutraceutical and personal care industries, along with strategic stockpiling and persistent supply constraints. Triethanolamine (TEA), heavily used in cosmetics and skincare, saw a sharp decline of 19.98% across the quarter due to ample inventories, weak downstream activity, and cautious buyer behavior, with only a short-lived recovery in late March. Fatty Acids recorded a moderate price increase of 2.55%, supported by stabilized demand despite lingering supply chain challenges.
In contrast, Fatty Alcohols saw a slight decline of 1.11%, influenced by early-quarter oversupply and weak demand, before rebounding in March due to supply disruptions and renewed interest from the personal care sector. Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates witnessed the steepest decline at 18.52%, as oversupply, weak consumer sentiment, and economic uncertainty kept demand subdued.
Gelatin prices dropped sharply by 16.59%, driven by weak demand in food and healthcare, high inventory levels, and political instability in South Korea. Meanwhile, Glycerine stood out with a strong 19.60% increase, driven by palm oil-linked supply constraints and robust demand across cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Glyoxylic Acid and Melatonin experienced modest gains of 1.93% and 0.13% respectively, reflecting steady downstream consumption, especially in skincare and nutraceuticals. On the other hand, Gluconic Acid prices slipped 2.99% due to regional trade complexities despite some recovery in personal care demand. Isopropyl Alcohol declined 7.26% amid waning industrial activity, while Oleic Acid dipped 0.59%, despite strong March support from palm oil disruptions. Lastly, Salicylic Acid saw a 1.61% fall, shaped by post-holiday supply recovery and shifting trade dynamics.
Overall, Q1 highlighted mixed market sentiment with selective recovery in demand and ongoing price sensitivity shaped by raw material volatility and shifting consumer behavior.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American personal care chemicals in Q4 2024 exhibited a diverse range of price trends, influenced by supply-demand imbalances, global trade disruptions, and broader macroeconomic factors. Several commodities experienced strong upward momentum due to supply constraints and robust downstream demand. Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates saw a significant price surge, driven by disruptions in global palm oil supply, strong growth in the U.S. personal care sector, and inflationary pressures. Glycerine prices climbed steadily throughout the quarter, fueled by low inventories, rising raw material costs, and increased demand from key industries such as pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and personal care. Melatonin recorded a 3.2% price increase, supported by sustained pharmaceutical and nutraceutical demand, improved logistics, and strategic pricing moves by suppliers. Meanwhile, Glyoxylic Acid experienced volatility but ended the quarter on an upward trend due to supply constraints caused by extreme weather events and force majeure incidents.
Some chemicals exhibited mixed or stable price movements. Zinc Oxide saw modest price gains, supported by rising feedstock costs and steady demand from the rubber, paints, and coatings industries, though high inventory levels tempered growth. Gluconic Acid maintained a mixed trend, with stable raw material costs balancing seasonal demand fluctuations, particularly in food processing and construction applications. Diethylene Glycol (DEG) followed a similar pattern, where inflationary pressures and supply constraints offset weak demand from the resin and coatings sectors.
Conversely, several commodities faced sustained downward price pressures due to weak demand, oversupply, and macroeconomic uncertainties. Gelatin prices declined throughout the quarter as economic concerns, reduced consumer confidence, and improved supply chain conditions pressured the market. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) struggled with consistently falling prices due to excess inventory, weak demand from pharmaceuticals and solvents, and aggressive pricing strategies from manufacturers. Oleic Acid saw a sharp decline, impacted by market saturation, reduced export orders, and heightened competition from Asian imports. Salicylic Acid prices steadily dropped as weaker pharmaceutical and healthcare sector demand, along with a stronger U.S. dollar and ample supply, created downward pressure. Acetaldehyde, Benzyl Chloride, and Triethanolamine also faced bearish trends, primarily due to sluggish demand, lower feedstock costs, and end-of-year destocking efforts.
Other commodities exhibited unique pricing behaviours. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) remained relatively stable, supported by strong demand from the animal feed, plastics, and cosmetics industries, despite fluctuations in crude oil prices. Biotin showed minor fluctuations, with a brief price increase in November reversed by a decline in December as supply constraints eased. Citric Acid and Coconut Oil witnessed consistent price gains due to strong demand, rising raw material costs, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. Meanwhile, Fatty Acids and Fatty Alcohols experienced significant volatility, with palm oil shortages and rising costs leading to price spikes in October and November, followed by a correction toward the end of the quarter.
Overall, Q4 2024 underscored strong price volatility across the North American chemical market, with factors such as feedstock availability, global supply chain challenges, seasonal demand patterns, and broader economic conditions playing critical roles in shaping price fluctuations.
Asia
The APAC personal care chemicals in Q4 2024 exhibited significant volatility, with pricing trends diverging across different commodities due to supply-demand imbalances, geopolitical factors, and raw material cost fluctuations. Several chemicals faced declining prices, primarily due to subdued downstream consumption, high inventory levels, and seasonal slowdowns. Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates in China experienced a sharp 26% price drop in December, driven by weak global demand, rising inventories, and policy adjustments. Gelatin prices in China steadily declined throughout the quarter as both domestic and export demand weakened, further pressured by lower crude oil costs that reduced production expenses. Similarly, Gluconic Acid in India and China saw a price dip of approximately 3-4% due to sluggish demand across consumer industries and competitive regional supplies. Glyoxylic Acid in China also suffered from weaker exports following the European Union鈥檚 antidumping duties, exacerbating the bearish trend. Meanwhile, Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) in South Korea experienced price fluctuations but ended the quarter lower as pharmaceutical and solvent sector demand remained weak. Other notable price declines included Melatonin, Oleic Acid, and Salicylic Acid, all of which faced weak global demand, excess supply, and declining feedstock costs.
Conversely, some chemicals experienced notable price surges due to supply constraints, robust demand, and geopolitical influences. Fatty Alcohol prices in China rose steadily in October and November, fueled by high palm oil prices, strong Indian demand, and supply constraints in Malaysia and Indonesia, though a late-December correction occurred due to falling palm oil prices. Glycerine prices in Indonesia maintained an upward trajectory, supported by high domestic and international demand, rising crude oil prices, and tight global palm oil supply, with the country鈥檚 B40 biofuel mandate further straining availability. Zinc Oxide saw moderate but steady price growth (~2%), supported by stable demand from the rubber, paints, and cosmetics industries in India, with rising feedstock costs and logistical disruptions adding to price pressures.
Overall, Q4 2024 underscored the complex nature of the APAC chemical market, shaped by external trade pressures, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating raw material costs. While supply shortages and policy-driven demand pushed prices higher for select commodities, others faced bearish trends due to oversupply and weak end-user consumption. As the market transitions into Q1 2025, economic policies, geopolitical developments, and changes in feedstock costs will continue to play a pivotal role in determining pricing trends and market dynamics.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the European personal care chemicals market exhibited a mix of upward and downward price trends, shaped by fluctuations in supply, demand, and broader economic factors. Several chemicals faced price declines, particularly in regions like Spain and Belgium. For example, acetaldehyde in Spain saw a drop due to sluggish downstream demand, while benzyl chloride in Belgium faced consistent downward pressure amid low agrochemical demand and oversupply. Similarly, citric acid in Belgium was weighed down by oversupply and inflationary pressures, leading to inventory destocking. Diethylene glycol (DEG) and triethanolamine (TEA) also recorded price declines as the construction and resin sectors remained weak. Demand for cellulose ether fell due to limited construction activity, while BHT experienced moderate price increases but remained largely stable.
Conversely, some chemical commodities saw price increases due to constrained supply and higher production costs. Fatty acids, for example, surged throughout the quarter, driven by palm oil shortages linked to reduced Malaysian production and shifts in Indonesian biodiesel policies. Coconut oil prices also climbed as reduced copra yields and rising freight costs added upward pressure. Biotin initially surged due to supply chain issues but later saw a decline as demand weakened. Other products such as glycerine, glyoxylic acid, and melatonin saw similar upward trends, driven by factors like increased demand, regulatory shifts, and supply constraints.
The quarter also saw mixed or stable trends in certain markets. Zinc oxide, for instance, stabilized amid steady demand from the rubber and paints sectors, although a slowdown in automotive and construction demand tempered growth. Meanwhile, gluconic acid prices remained volatile, influenced by seasonal fluctuations and logistical disruptions.
In contrast, some commodities experienced downward pressure, particularly isopropyl alcohol (IPA), gelatin, oleic acid, and salicylic acid. IPA prices fell sharply due to oversupply and weak global demand, while gelatin prices dropped steadily in response to weaker demand from food, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors. Oleic acid also saw persistent price declines due to an ongoing supply glut, and salicylic acid prices fell as raw material costs decreased, compounded by declining demand from healthcare and cosmetics sectors.
Overall, Q4 2024 was a period of volatility in the European chemical market, characterized by mixed pricing trends across various commodities. Factors such as regulatory changes, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty played a significant role in shaping market conditions. Looking ahead to 2025, industry recovery will likely depend on the performance of key sectors such as construction, stability in raw material prices, and broader economic conditions across the Eurozone.
