For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Azithromycin prices in the USA experienced notable volatility, influenced by changing market conditions. October saw a slight uptick in prices, driven by increased demand following Federal Reserve rate cuts, which boosted consumer confidence. However, supply chain disruptions, including persistent port congestion, labor strikes, and concerns about potential tariff increases under President-elect Donald Trump, further strained the supply-demand balance, pushing prices higher.
In November, prices began to ease as demand softened, weighed down by inflationary pressures and elevated interest rates. A stronger U.S. dollar helped lower import costs, while the resolution of the ILA strike eased logistical bottlenecks. Coupled with well-stocked inventories, these factors allowed suppliers to reduce prices, offering relief to consumers.
By December, prices continued to drop due to diminishing consumer confidence, seasonal demand slowdowns, and proactive inventory building in anticipation of January strikes and the Chinese Lunar New Year. Inflationary concerns and uncertainty surrounding tariffs led to more cautious purchasing, while abundant supply and competitive pricing further pressured prices downward. Overall, Q4 2024 saw a fluctuating yet declining trend for Azithromycin prices.
Asia Pacific
In Q4 2024, the Azithromycin market in China displayed a fluctuating pricing pattern, shaped by changing economic conditions and market dynamics. October witnessed a significant price increase, driven by a resurgence in China’s manufacturing sector, bolstered by government stimulus efforts. With rising domestic and export demand, supported by monetary easing and a weaker yuan, consumer confidence surged, leading to higher external orders and enabling suppliers to raise prices.
However, by November, the upward trend reversed as high inventory levels, sluggish domestic demand, and weak international orders—particularly from the USA and Europe—created an oversupply. Falling crude oil prices further reduced production costs, prompting manufacturers to cut prices in order to remain competitive.
In December, prices continued to fall as consumer demand remained subdued amid ongoing disinflation in China. Changes in procurement strategies by pharmaceutical companies and international buyers contributed to weaker demand, while reduced foreign orders during the holiday season left suppliers with excess stock. This surplus prompted further price reductions as manufacturers sought to offload inventory before the year’s end. Overall, Q4 2024 saw a shift from early price increases to subsequent declines, driven by fluctuating demand and evolving market conditions.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Azithromycin prices in Germany followed a fluctuating trend throughout the quarter. October saw a modest price increase, fueled by a more optimistic business sentiment driven by hopes of economic recovery and the European Central Bank’s third interest rate cut to 3.25%. This monetary easing encouraged spending and investment, while supply chain disruptions at Hamburg’s ports and proactive inventory stockpiling added upward pressure on prices.
However, in November, the trend shifted as weaker demand from end-sectors and easing inflationary pressures led to price reductions. A notable drop in consumer spending and retail activity, along with a 1.9% decline in energy costs, lowered production expenses, allowing suppliers to reduce prices and stay competitive.
The downward trend persisted into December, driven by continued subdued demand from key sectors, cautious purchasing behavior amid ongoing inflation concerns, and higher import costs due to the euro’s depreciation. Elevated inventory levels and year-end clearance efforts further pushed prices lower, while harsh winter conditions disrupted logistics and dampened consumer activity. Overall, Q4 reflected a shift from early optimism to growing economic caution, leading to a volatile yet declining pricing environment.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, the North American market for Azithromycin exhibited a mixed performance, with notable price fluctuations particularly in the USA. The quarter began with a surge in prices, which initially rose until mid-quarter before experiencing a decline as it drew to a close.
The early increase in prices was driven by several contributing factors. A key element was the rising consumer optimism about business conditions, which positively influenced demand for Azithromycin Dihydrate. Additionally, supply chain disruptions had a significant impact; blank sailings caused by rerouted ships traveling around the Cape of Good Hope (COGH) were necessary due to severe congestion at major ports in Asia and North America. These logistical challenges limited the availability of Azithromycin, which further fueled the initial price hike. However, as the quarter progressed into September, prices began to drop. This decline was primarily attributed to a downturn in consumer demand, which was influenced by ongoing economic uncertainties. The political climate, particularly the upcoming presidential election in November, made consumers more cautious about their spending habits. The anticipation of potential tariff increases on Chinese imports also contributed to a more pessimistic market outlook, exerting additional downward pressure on Azithromycin prices.
Ultimately, by the end of the quarter, the price for Azithromycin Dihydrate (USP, FDA) CFR New York in the USA settled at USD 149,100 per metric ton. This figure reflects the complex interplay of factors influencing the market, including consumer sentiment, supply chain disruptions, and economic conditions.
Asia Pacific
In Q3 2024, the pricing landscape for Azithromycin in the APAC region demonstrated a mixed trajectory, shaped by various significant factors. During July and August, prices experienced an upward trend, fueled by robust global demand, particularly driven by strong export activities from Asia to key markets like North America and Europe. This surge in demand was partly due to proactive measures taken by foreign importers, who placed larger orders to mitigate the risk of potential shortages. However, as September approached, prices began to decline due to a combination of factors. A notable decrease in demand emerged as global economic uncertainties eroded consumer confidence, leading to a slowdown in purchasing activity. This decline was compounded by increased competition within the pharmaceutical sector, which intensified pricing pressures and compelled suppliers to lower their prices to stay competitive. By the end of the quarter, the price for Azithromycin Dihydrate (USP, FDA) FOB Shanghai settled at USD 145,900 per metric ton. This price point indicates a significant shift in the pricing environment within China, reflecting the complexities of the market dynamics at play.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European market for Azithromycin exhibited a mixed trend, influenced by a range of interconnected factors. Initially, prices experienced a rise up until mid-quarter, supported by steady demand from end-users that provided a solid foundation for price growth. Additionally, the easing of inflation in Germany to 2% annually played a crucial role, alleviating some financial pressures on consumers. This decline in inflation enhanced consumer purchasing power, which positively impacted the demand for pharmaceuticals, including Azithromycin Dihydrate. However, as September approached, prices began to decline significantly. A primary factor behind this decrease was a notable drop in demand, marking the most rapid decline seen in recent months. In response to this weakened demand, market participants reacted by slashing prices to stimulate sales, which further accelerated the downward trend in Azithromycin prices. By the end of the quarter, the price for Azithromycin Dihydrate in Germany settled at USD 146,000 per metric ton, reflecting the consistent decline observed throughout the month. This price point underscores the challenges faced in the market, including fluctuations in demand and the impacts of broader economic conditions.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, Azithromycin pricing in the North America region exhibited a robust upward trend, driven by a confluence of factors that significantly influenced market dynamics. The quarter experienced notable price escalations due to heightened consumer confidence and increased spending, alongside an early onset of the peak season, which intensified demand for this essential pharmaceutical ingredient.
Additionally, logistical challenges in key shipping routes and the Red Sea region, combined with operational bottlenecks and increased charter rates, further strained supply chains, exacerbating price pressures. The looming threat of geopolitical disruptions, particularly the war in Gaza, prompted stockpiling behaviors among companies, further elevating demand. Focusing on the USA, the country witnessed the steepest price changes within the region, primarily owing to persistent strong demand fueled by proactive inventory management and extended lead times. The overall pricing environment was markedly bullish, driven by seasonal demand fluctuations and strategic stock accumulation by businesses preparing for potential supply chain disruptions.
Compared to the previous quarter in 2024, prices surged by 9%, reflecting a sustained upward momentum. A comparative analysis between the first and second half of the quarter noted a similar 9% increase, underscoring the consistent rise in prices.
Asia Pacific
During Q2 2024, Azithromycin prices in the APAC region displayed a consistent upward trajectory, driven by multifaceted market dynamics. This quarter was notably impacted by a surge in demand from both domestic and international markets, coupled with supply chain constraints. The unprecedented increase was primarily fueled by the robust recovery of the manufacturing sector post-Lunar New Year, which saw an expansion in production and purchase activities. Moreover, the depreciation of local currencies against the USD made exports more attractive, further intensifying demand from overseas buyers. This heightened demand, combined with strategic inventory build-ups by manufacturers anticipating future market growth, exerted significant upward pressure on prices. Focusing on China, which experienced the most pronounced price changes, the overall trend showcased a marked increase in Azithromycin pricing. Seasonal factors such as post-holiday manufacturing ramp-ups contributed to the surge in demand and subsequent price elevation. The correlation between increased production activities and price hikes was evident, as manufacturers responded to the buoyant market sentiment by adjusting their pricing strategies accordingly. The quarter recorded a 9% increase from the previous quarter in 2024 and a notable 10% price escalation between the first and second halves of the quarter. The pricing environment was distinctly positive, reflecting an optimistic market outlook and robust economic activity.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the market for Azithromycin in Europe experienced a significant and consistent increase in prices, driven by a multitude of interrelated factors. The overarching trend was a robust economic environment marked by rising business activity and new orders throughout the region. This surge in economic momentum led to heightened demand for pharmaceuticals, including Azithromycin, as businesses urgently restocked inventories that had been depleted in anticipation of weaker consumer demand. Compounding this upward pressure were substantial logistical challenges, including severe port congestion in key Asian hubs due to seasonal cargo spikes and geopolitical disruptions, notably the Red Sea crisis. Additionally, adverse weather conditions and service conflicts in North European terminals further exacerbated shipping delays and costs, constraining supply and driving prices higher.
Germany, in particular, observed the most pronounced price changes, reflecting a sharp 9% increase from the previous quarter. This was primarily influenced by a robust recovery in business confidence within the country and an unexpected surge in consumer demand. Seasonal factors, such as the Labour Day holiday in China, also contributed to the urgency in restocking activities, thereby amplifying demand pressures. Furthermore, the appreciation of the Euro against the USD added to the complexity, increasing import costs and further inflating prices. The second half of the quarter saw a marked escalation in prices compared to the first half, indicative of persistent supply chain bottlenecks and sustained demand. Despite these challenges, the pricing environment for Azithromycin in Germany has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a market buoyed by strong economic fundamentals and robust consumer sentiment.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In Q1 2024, the pricing of Azithromycin in the North America region underwent significant fluctuations influenced by various factors. Overall, the pricing environment for Azithromycin remained positive, with prices experiencing continuous increases throughout the quarter. A key driver behind these market fluctuations was the heightened demand from downstream industries, particularly pharmaceuticals and healthcare, which exerted upward pressure on Azithromycin prices.
However, challenges such as the spring festival in China, supply constraints, and logistical hurdles posed hurdles for market participants. The tight supply conditions were further exacerbated by disruptions in key maritime routes, such as the Red Sea and Panama Canal, leading to delays in shipments and increased shipping costs. Additionally, the tightening of warehousing capacity further constrained supply and added to the overall upward pressure on prices. Despite these challenges, the market situation in the USA, where price fluctuations were most pronounced, remained relatively stable, with a bullish sentiment prevailing. This can be attributed to the robust performance of the US economy, marked by encouraging signs across various fronts, including business activity, consumer sentiment, and inflation.
Overall, the pricing environment for Azithromycin in Q1 2024 was characterized by positivity, albeit with fluctuations driven by changes in demand and supply dynamics. The quarter concluded with the price of Azithromycin Dihydrate (USP, FDA) CFR New York in the USA at USD 137805 per metric ton.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2024, the pricing dynamics of Azithromycin in the APAC region, particularly in China, exhibited notable fluctuations and underlying factors that extended beyond the typical influences. While the overall trend indicated a price increase, it is important to consider the diverse analysis that contributed to this trajectory. Firstly, the surge in demand for Azithromycin in China during the quarter was driven by multiple factors. The seasonal transition from winter to spring heightened the need for antibiotics, including Azithromycin, leading to increased demand. Additionally, the availability of the drug was constrained due to the Spring Festival, which caused factory shutdowns and reduced production capacity, creating a shortage in the market. Even after the holiday period, supply remained insufficient as production took time to normalize. This supply-demand gap was further exacerbated by increased inquiries from major markets like the USA and Europe, as the supply chain eased. Moreover, concerns about the stability and effectiveness of existing Azithromycin supplies before the summer months prompted proactive purchasing behavior, driving up prices. The overall outlook remained positive, with steady demand from downstream industries and anticipated growth in demand from overseas markets. The final quarter's price for Azithromycin Dihydrate (USP, FDA) FOB Shanghai in China was presented as USD 135050/MT, indicating an upward trend in prices during the quarter.
Europe
During Q1 2024, the pricing dynamics of Azithromycin in Europe were influenced by a variety of factors. The surge in demand for Azithromycin was primarily driven by seasonal patterns and an increase in consumer confidence. This heightened demand, coupled with logistical challenges and disruptions in the supply chain, resulted in limited availability of the medication, fostering a bullish market sentiment overall. One of the key factors impacting Azithromycin prices was seasonal demand. Winter-related ailments led to an increased need for antibiotics, including Azithromycin. Additionally, the onset of the Chinese New Year festivities in mid-February prompted many Chinese suppliers to adjust their prices ahead of the market slowdown during the holiday period. Simultaneously, prolonged disruptions in the Red Sea further complicated trade routes between Asia and Europe, resulting in increased freight costs that influenced the pricing landscape of Azithromycin in Germany. Furthermore, the moderation of inflation in Germany led to heightened spending by businesses and consumers, contributing to further price hikes. In conclusion, the final price for Azithromycin Dihydrate (USP, FDA) CFR Hamburg in Germany at the end of Q1 2024 was USD 137250 per metric ton.
