For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In the first quarter of 2025, Clarithromycin prices in the United States exhibited a largely upward trajectory, particularly in January and February, driven by strong pharmaceutical demand and persistent supply-side constraints. The month of January saw heightened price pressures as manufacturers adjusted output in response to rising freight rates and logistical disruptions, particularly congestion at the Port of Los Angeles. These supply chain inefficiencies, coupled with robust new orders reflected by a rising U.S. Manufacturing Indexes, led to increased procurement costs. In addition, global shipping delays and the restructuring of east-west shipping alliances created extended lead times, amplifying volatility in the market.
February sustained the bullish pricing momentum, with a sharp upswing supported by intensified export demand from Asia and Latin America, where buyers faced supply challenges in their local markets. The resulting pressure on U.S. inventories, along with continued port congestion at key hubs such as Savannah and New York/New Jersey, tightened domestic availability. Meanwhile, tariff-related cost increases on Asian imports raised production expenses for local manufacturers. These cost pressures were exacerbated by strategic inventory replenishment and bulk purchasing by downstream pharmaceutical players, seeking to hedge against further price hikes amid broader inflationary trends.
However, in March 2025, Clarithromycin prices began to ease slightly due to improved logistics and higher inventory levels. Early in the month, demand softened, but trade policy changes鈥攑articularly new tariffs on major partners like China鈥攍ed to accelerated procurement before their April implementation. Although the overall market remained stable, this strategic buying behavior created short-term pricing pressure. Nevertheless, the quarter closed with a more balanced supply demand outlook, offering some relief after two months of elevated prices and market tightness.
Asia Pacific
In the first quarter of 2025, Clarithromycin prices in China followed a consistent upward trend, driven by a combination of seasonal, economic, and international factors. January saw heightened export activity as key international buyers, particularly from Western markets, accelerated procurement to hedge against potential policy shifts under the new U.S. administration. This surge in demand came at a time when Chinese manufacturers were recovering from aggressive year-end destocking, leading to recalibrated pricing strategies. Additional upward pressure came from rising freight costs, logistical constraints, and a slight increase in raw material prices. While China's overall manufacturing activity showed signs of slowing (PMI at 49.1), Clarithromycin exports remained resilient due to stable pharmaceutical demand.
In February, the market experienced further tightening as the Lunar New Year holidays led to temporary factory closures and limited production. Lean inventories, managed conservatively by manufacturers, were insufficient to meet the robust post-holiday rebound in demand from pharmaceutical sectors. This, along with steady global export activity and rising energy costs, significantly raised production expenses, which were passed on to buyers. The combination of tight supply, seasonal disruptions, and strong downstream consumption contributed to another round of price increases.聽
By March, the price momentum was reinforced as new production entered the market at higher input costs following the clearance of pre-holiday inventories. Rising labor, energy, and raw material costs, along with renewed global orders, intensified supply-side strain. Severe port congestion and shipment delays further disrupted supply chains, adding logistical premiums to the product鈥檚 cost. With domestic inventories still playing catch-up and a steady stream of premium-priced export contracts, Clarithromycin prices in China closed Q1 2025 on a firm upward trajectory.
Europe
The German Clarithromycin market witnessed a consistent upward price trend throughout Q1 2025, primarily influenced by logistical disruptions, seasonal demand shifts, and proactive procurement strategies amid global uncertainties.
In January, prices rose marginally by 0.25% as German pharmaceutical firms advanced their purchases to mitigate potential Lunar New Year supply disruptions from Asia. Although production in exporting nations remained stable, shipping delays鈥攅videnced by a 9.4% blank sailing rate鈥攑rompted cautious stockpiling. Germany鈥檚 improving manufacturing sector and adequate inventory levels helped maintain market stability.
February saw sharper price increases due to reduced Chinese exports during the holiday season, combined with intensified demand across Europe. Supply tightness was aggravated by berthing delays and infrastructure constraints at the Port of Hamburg. Rising operational costs, alongside easing inflation (down to 2.4%), supported strong downstream demand and restocking activity.
By March, logistical bottlenecks deepened with widespread port congestion and labor actions across major Northern European hubs. Even alternate ports like Wilhelmshaven faced high yard occupancy. Amid declining inventories, stable freight rates, and further inflation easing to 2.2%, suppliers capitalized on limited competition to raise prices. Buyers responded with aggressive procurement, particularly in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic sectors. In summary, Q1 closed with firm upward price momentum, driven by tightening supply, resilient demand, and shipping inefficiencies. Heading into Q2 2025, market players are expected to maintain vigilant inventory management and flexible sourcing strategies amid continued logistics and labor uncertainties.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
After an initial price decrease in October, Clarithromycin prices showed significant increases through November and December, driven by multiple supply chain disruptions. The U.S. Clarithromycin market experienced substantial volatility in Q4 2024. Following October's price decline, November saw a sharp upward trend due to escalating import costs and persistent port congestion.聽
The market was primarily impacted by rising procurement expenses from Asian suppliers, especially China, where production and export costs increased significantly. The situation was further complicated by dollar-yuan exchange rate fluctuations and anticipated U.S. tariff changes, prompting accelerated procurement activities. Despite temporary relief from the ILA strike resolution, major ports continued facing operational delays. The combination of high cargo volumes and ongoing labor disputes maintained upward pressure on freight rates.
Limited domestic inventory levels forced suppliers to implement strategic allocation methods. The market's heavy dependence on Chinese imports emerged as a critical vulnerability, suggesting these elevated prices could become a long-term feature rather than a temporary spike. As the quarter concluded in December, downstream sectors maintained robust demand despite the challenging conditions, indicating the market's structural shift toward a new, higher-price equilibrium heading into 2025.聽
Asia Pacific
The overall trend of Q4 in the Chinese Clarithromycin market showcased price fluctuations, with a decline in October followed by a significant price surge in November and subdued conditions in December. In October 2024, Clarithromycin prices in China experienced a decline due to persistent high inventories and weak demand. Aggressive destocking by suppliers, triggered by potential tariff threats and Chinese currency adjustments, created a buyers鈥� market.聽
By November, the market rebounded sharply as Western post-holiday demand surged, tightening supply chains and boosting prices. Manufacturers leveraged limited inventories and falling freight rates to capitalize on global inquiries. Increased purchasing activity from domestic and international downstream buyers further drove up prices.
However, in December, confidence waned as weak foreign orders, stagnant domestic demand, and economic challenges led to subdued manufacturing activity. Buyers and suppliers hesitated to engage at higher price levels, maintaining a cautious approach. This kept prices under downward pressure, with input costs and selling prices declining across sectors. The quarter highlighted the market's sensitivity to geopolitical shifts, inventory dynamics, and demand fluctuations, with overall volatility marking the Clarithromycin sector in Q4.
Europe
Prices in the German Clarithromycin market declined steadily throughout Q4 2024. In October, prices began to decrease due to weak demand and stable supply. This downward trend accelerated in November, driven by an oversupply and reduced production costs amid broader economic challenges in the eurozone. Favorable production conditions, combined with abundant stock levels, intensified competition, forcing producers to implement price cuts and promotional offers. Buyers remained cautious, adhering to need-based procurement strategies, further suppressing demand.
By December, the German Clarithromycin market faced significant declines as the country鈥檚 industrial activity weakened. The Manufacturing PMI fell to 42.5, reflecting reduced manufacturing output and lower new orders. Limited downstream demand led to inventory surpluses, exacerbated by pre-holiday stockpiling and favorable import conditions. Businesses adopted aggressive pricing strategies to manage excess inventories, while muted business confidence restrained market recovery.
Throughout Q4, the market was characterized by a persistent bearish sentiment, driven by surplus supply, weak industrial activity, and cautious buying behavior. This trend is expected to continue until supply-demand dynamics stabilize or industrial activity recovers.聽
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
The price of Clarithromycin API had taken an irregular trajectory in the North American region by the conclusion of the fourth quarter of 2022. In the first two months of Q4, prices were observed to be constant in the upper range due to strong market demand sentiments and favorable cost support from the operational side.
Additionally, the supply-demand imbalance and regional inflation contributed to an increase in the price of Clarithromycin API. However, due to low demand and ample supply, prices began to decline later in December as inflation began to reduce. Towards the termination of Q4 2022, the values accessed at USD 261500/MT with an average quarterly inclination of 0.31%.
Asia
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Clarithromycin API market in the Asia Pacific region took a volatile turn. At the beginning of Q4 2022, rising end-user sector demand, a number of logistical difficulties, and rising inflation influenced the prices to increase till the second month of the quarter. The strict zero covid regulations and frequent lockdowns in the Chinese regions due to the pandemic resurgence have influenced the market. Rising production costs driven by rising energy prices, as well as increased domestic production to meet demands from both domestic and international markets, kept the market situation competitive. The market remained weak later in December due to low end-user sector demand and enough inventories among the merchants. Towards the termination of Q4 2022, the values accessed at USD 206120/MT with a quarterly inclination of 0.19%.
Europe
Prices for Clarithromycin API in the European region showed a see-saw tendency in the fourth quarter of 2022. In the first two months of Q4, the demand for Clarithromycin API in the downstream pharmaceutical industry was seen to be steady. The supply chain was impacted by the continuous port congestion and supply disruption in the European region, which forced an increase in pricing. High freight costs were another factor in Clarithromycin's upward trend. Due to the impending holiday season, European retailers have decided to refill their stocks in large quantities. However, because of existing stocks and declining end-user sector demand in December, prices declined. Towards the end of Q4 2022, the prices of Clarithromycin API were recorded at USD 263660/ton with an average quarterly inclination of 0.06%.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
By the end of this quarter, Q3 2022, the price of Clarithromycin API had taken an erratic course in the APAC area. Prices were stable in the higher range at the start of the first month of Q3, with sound market demand sentiments and favorable cost support from the operational side. Additionally, the price of Clarithromycin API in the APAC region was impacted by the rising energy cost. Due to enough supplies and a reliable supply chain, prices decreased as September began. Furthermore, the weak market mood was caused by decreased downstream industry demand due to rising inflation. Towards the termination of Q3 222, the values accessed at USD 259280/MT with an average quarterly declination of 0.17%.
Asia
By the termination of this quarter Q3 2022, the Clarithromycin API prices witnessed an oscillating trajectory in the APAC region. At the commencement of the first month of Q3, the prices were recorded to be stable on the upper end with sound market demand sentiments with positive cost support from the operational side. Also, the increased energy cost affected the Clarithromycin API prices in the APAC region. Later, with the onset of September, the prices went down significantly owing to enough inventories and a stable supply chain. Furthermore, declining demand from the downstream industry due to surging inflation kept the market sentiments feeble. Towards the termination of Q3 2022, the values accessed at USD 205020/MT with a quarterly declination of 0.27%.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2022, the Clarithromycin market decelerated in the European region, owing to a considerable decline in the demand from the downstream pharmaceutical industry. At the onset of the first month of Q3 2022, the prices went stable till the end of the second month owing to sound market sentiments and steady demand from the downstream pharmaceutical industry. Also, stable input costs and regular production rates kept the market sentiments firm. Later, with the commencement of the third month, the prices drop significantly, with extern demand cut down with rising inflation. Furthermore, the stockpile among the domestic manufacturers and suppliers also supported the declining trajectory of Clarithromycin API in the European region. Towards the termination of Q3 2022, the values accessed at USD 263260/MT with an average quarterly declination of 1.33%.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
The prices of Clarithromycin showcased an escalating behaviour in the North American region. With the commencement of Q2 2022, the Clarithromycin market showed positive market sentiments due to the rise in Covid cases. The prices of raw materials and their derivatives also witnessed record heights. The trade market was affected by ongoing geopolitical tension, with restricted transportation prompting strong market sentiments. Also, increased energy and input costs started a surging price trend in the North American region. Towards the termination of Q2 222, the values accessed at USD 260870/MT with the quarterly inclination of 3.29%.
Asia
In the second quarter of 2022, the Clarithromycin market accelerated by the end of Q2 in the APAC region, owing to a considerable reporting of COVID-19 cases and strict lockdown policies imposed in the Asian region. At the onset of the first half of Q2 2022, the prices hiked up with the resurgence of the pandemic and successive increases in Covid cases. With the commencement of the second half of Q2, Clarithromycin witnessed further inclination owing to increasing downstream derivatives and upstream raw material costs in both domestic and overseas markets. Also, high input costs and increased energy prices globally affected clarithromycin prices in Asian countries. Towards the termination of Q2 2022, the values accessed at USD 206870/MT with a quarterly inclination of 6.74%.
Europe
By the termination of this quarter Q2, the Clarithromycin API prices witnessed advancement in the European market. In the first half of the quarter, the resurgence of the Covid case slightly affected the market due to a slight increase in the demand from the downstream pharmaceutical industry, eventually affecting the prices of Clarithromycin. Being the importer from Asian countries additionally affected clarithromycin prices owing to suspended shipments and disrupted routes. Towards the end of Q2 2022, a supply crunch and surplus demand affected the prices in the domestic European market. Furthermore, with insufficient inventories and steady demand, the prices increased with maximum cost support. Towards the termination of Q2 2022, the values accessed at USD 287870/MT with a quarterly inclination of 3.69%.聽
