According to the most recent statistics, U.S. manufacturing orders for several active pharmaceutical components, including Ibuprofen, decreased by 40%. According to industry experts, Chinese factories (major exporters) are expected to close two weeks earlier than usual to prepare for the Chinese Lunar New Year, which will be observed on January 21 of the following year. The seven days following the celebration are designated as a national holiday. Furthermore, in the U.S., nearing Christmas festival season has also influenced the lowering demand from the consumer sector.

Carriers have begun implementing their active capacity management plan by announcing more blank sailings and canceling services to balance supply and demand. It seems like the maritime industry is going through a challenging time, as there is a confluence of overcapacity and declining demand influencing the Ibuprofen market sentiments. The container transportation sector will become much more complicated due to increased economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts, and market competition. Also, in the U.S., the freight charge has declined drastically, affecting the Ibuprofen price. According to the source, the U.S. could be able to avert the recession that people have been greatly afraid of in recent months. In conclusion, the price of Ibuprofen was estimated to decrease by almost 9% during the same period.

However, in October, the import of different pharmaceutical products, including Ibuprofen, from Asia into the U.S. dropped to its lowest level. Since the spot rate for a container from Asia to the U.S. West Coast has already exceeded the breakeven barrier, there is little room for further price reductions for Ibuprofen.

According to ChemAnalyst, these declining orders for Ibuprofen from Asia may have a negative effect on the price trajectory because it has widely believed that the Chinese government will be forced to change its zero-COVID policy in 2023 as a result of deteriorating economic trends and the most recent protests.