For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Glutaraldehyde market in North America recorded a quarterly gain during the Q2 2025 especially in the US market where it rose by 1.74%, with prices closing at USD 1760/MT FOB Houston by the end of June.
• In the United States, prices declined slightly in both April and May due to sluggish demand from the cosmetics sector and sufficient inventory availability, while June saw a rebound supported by stronger pharmaceutical offtake and increased export activity.
• Domestic manufacturing remained stable across the quarter, with no major disruptions reported; operational efficiency was sustained due to favorable feedstock economics.
• On the demand front, pharmaceutical sector performance was the key driver in June, with increased formulation activity and strong global sales boosting exports, while the cosmetics segment remained muted throughout the quarter due to weak consumer sentiment and lower restocking momentum.
Why did the price of Glutaraldehyde not change in July 2025 in the North American region?
• In July 2025, the Glutaraldehyde Price Index in the North American region remained stable, supported by a sustained equilibrium between supply availability and demand from end-use sectors.
• The Glutaraldehyde Market Trend showed consistent input costs and output levels, with downstream consumption holding steady and preventing any significant pricing fluctuations.
APAC
• The Glutaraldehyde market in the APAC region witnessed a quarterly marginal decline during the Q2 2025, especially in the Chinese market where prices fell by 0.81%, with prices closing at USD 1350/MT FOB Shandong by the end of June.
• Prices fell in April and in May amid ample inventories and sluggish recovery in key downstream sectors; however, June saw a stable trend supported by improved domestic manufacturing and steady demand from healthcare and pharma.
• Supply remained structurally stable across the quarter with no major production disruptions, while favorable feedstock economics and controlled feedstock costs helped maintain margin stability despite limited new business expansion.
• Port operations faced weather-related interruptions in June, with Tropical Storm Wutip causing temporary closures at key terminals; however, declining global freight rates helped offset the impact of these disruptions.
• Demand showed a mixed profile: cosmetics and personal care sectors showed partial recovery supported by Luxe and Dermatological Beauty product segments, while pharmaceutical offtake improved domestically but remained weak across export channels.
Why did the price of Glutaraldehyde not change in July 2025 in the APAC region?
• In July 2025, the Glutaraldehyde Price Index in the APAC region remained stable, supported by a sustained balance between supply availability and end-use sector demand.
• The Glutaraldehyde Production and Consumption Trend showed no significant fluctuations, with stable input costs and output levels aligning with consistent downstream consumption.
EUROPE
• Glutaraldehyde prices in Europe remained steady in Q2 2025, supported by balanced supply-demand dynamics and consistent market sentiment.
• Key sectors like healthcare (sterilization), water treatment, leather processing, and industrial disinfection maintained healthy demand.
• European manufacturers operated at stable rates, ensuring adequate supply and avoiding shortages or overstocking.
• The quarter saw no significant production issues or logistical delays, ensuring smooth market operations.
• Buyers followed regular purchasing cycles based on real consumption; input costs such as hydrogen peroxide and energy remained stable, keeping prices stable.
Why did the price of Glutaraldehyde not change in July 2025 in the European region?
• In July 2025, the Glutaraldehyde Price Index in the European market remained stable-to-moderate, underpinned by balanced supply-demand dynamics and steady end-user consumption.
• The Glutaraldehyde Production and Consumption Trend in Europe showed consistency, with no major fluctuations in input costs, production rates, or downstream offtake.
• Key sectors such as healthcare, water treatment, and industrial disinfection maintained stable procurement activity, supporting price stability.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the U.S. Glutaraldehyde market exhibited a consistent bearish price trend, primarily driven by persistent oversupply and prolonged demand sluggishness across key downstream sectors. Elevated production activity throughout the quarter led to rising inventories, while moderate growth in the manufacturing sector failed to translate into robust end-user demand. Despite Glutaraldehyde’s widespread applications in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and water treatment, buyer sentiment remained cautious, with most industries adopting minimal stocking strategies amid economic uncertainty. Demand from the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors was notably subdued, particularly in February, as funding plummeted by over 85% month-on-month, constraining procurement activities.
Additionally, the construction sector contributed to the weak demand environment, hindered by elevated mortgage rates and low transactional volumes. On the logistics front, improved port operations and reduced freight costs—especially following the easing of global congestion and the avoidance of the ILA strike—further softened price pressures by ensuring uninterrupted supply. Even brief weather-related production disruptions in March were offset by sufficient pre-existing inventories and raw material availability.
Despite a modest rise in feedstock hydrogen peroxide costs, market fundamentals remained oversupplied with limited consumption pull, leading to a cumulative price decline of over 7% during the quarter and pushing prices down to USD 1740/MT FOB Houston by March-end.
Europe
The Glutaraldehyde market in Europe exhibited a mixed price trajectory during Q1 2025, influenced by fluctuating demand patterns and the uneven performance of downstream sectors. In January, prices rose notably, supported by a surge in post-holiday demand from downstream industries and aggressive restocking by German manufacturers. Constrained inventory levels, combined with persistent logistical issues—such as vessel delays and labor shortages—tightened supply, fueling bullish momentum. Additionally, Belgium’s pharmaceutical sector expanded during the month, bolstered by heightened healthcare expenditure and increased R&D activity, driving further demand for Glutaraldehyde as a preservative and sterilizing agent. In February, the market stabilized with a more moderate pricing trend. Although procurement continued steadily, weather-related disruptions and container delays dampened supply efficiency. Downstream, both the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors in Belgium and Germany reported softer activity. Inventory corrections and reduced export momentum slowed pharmaceutical production, while post-holiday fatigue in retail led to limited restocking in the personal care segment, collectively exerting downward pressure on demand. By March, prices climbed again despite robust inventories, driven by improving consumer sentiment. However, the underlying weakness in both the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors in the European market kept overall market growth in check, contributing to a cautiously optimistic close to the quarter.
APAC
The Glutaraldehyde market in the APAC region, particularly China, displayed a bearish price trajectory throughout Q1 2025, weighed down by oversupply, muted downstream demand, and logistical inefficiencies. In January, manufacturers ramped up production ahead of the Lunar New Year, resulting in inventory overhang amid steady demand from core sectors like healthcare and water treatment. The manufacturing slowdown, as reflected in China’s PMI contraction to 49.1, further highlighted waning industrial momentum, while falling Intra-Asia shipping costs reinforced the downward pricing trend. February continued the decline as market activity stalled during the holiday period, with elevated stock levels and subdued procurement from leather tanning and chemicals. Despite a marginal rise in feedstock costs, abundant inventories and weakened demand, particularly overseas from India, prevented price recovery. Port congestion in Shanghai and Ningbo added operational delays, compounding supply chain inefficiencies. By March, prices stabilized but failed to recover, held down by weak construction sector demand due to China’s struggling real estate market. Though consumption in healthcare and water treatment remained firm, ongoing logistical disruptions and stockpile accumulation from weather-related port congestion sustained bearish market conditions. Overall, Glutaraldehyde prices fell 3.41% in January and 2.12% in February, stabilizing at USD 1385/MT FOB Shandong by March-end.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Glutaraldehyde prices in the North American market exhibited a mixed trend, initially rising due to strong demand, followed by a decline in November, and a subsequent uptick towards the end of the quarter.
In the early part of the quarter, Glutaraldehyde prices rose significantly, driven by robust demand from both domestic and international markets. Strong demand from sectors like healthcare and industrial disinfection, coupled with rising freight charges and inflationary pressures, contributed to the price increase.
In November, the market shifted to a bearish trend, marked by a decline in prices due to weak demand. Supply remained stable, but increasing freight rates and inflationary pressures led manufacturers to adjust prices downward.
The market rebounded in December, with Glutaraldehyde prices following a bullish trend due to constrained supply and sustained demand from the healthcare sector. Challenges in domestic production, reduced import volumes, and rising feedstock costs pushed prices up. Specifically, the U.S. market witnessed a significant fluctuation in prices, rising by 2.19%, reaching USD 1870/MT FOB Houston. Additionally, the U.S. healthcare sector's growth, reflected in job creation, bolstered demand for Glutaraldehyde. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare sector added 46,000 jobs in December, contributing to a broader expansion within the medical, home healthcare, and hospital sectors.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Glutaraldehyde market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region exhibited a mixed price trend, beginning with an increase, transitioning to mid-quarter stabilization, and ending with a slight decline.
During the early part of the quarter, Glutaraldehyde prices rose significantly due to robust domestic and international demand, driven by seasonal procurement activities and favorable production costs. Strong demand from key sectors, particularly medical sterilization, combined with moderate supply levels, supported this upward trend.
By mid-quarter, the market shifted to a stable phase, with prices holding steady amid balanced supply-demand dynamics. While domestic consumption remained moderate, weaker international demand capped further price increases. Adequate inventory levels and consistent manufacturing activity contributed to market stability.
Toward the end of the quarter, prices followed a slight downward trajectory as manufacturers prioritized managing year-end inventories through strategic destocking efforts. Subdued international demand and fluctuating freight rates further added downward pressure on prices.
The quarter ended with Glutaraldehyde 50% prices declining marginally by 0.93%, particularly in China, as year-end destocking efforts and subdued international demand exerted downward pressure. Prices ultimately settled at USD 1,465/MT FOB Shandong.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Glutaraldehyde market in Europe experienced a mixed price trend, characterized by fluctuations throughout the quarter. The initial period saw an uptick in prices, driven by robust demand from key sectors such as healthcare, water treatment, and industrial disinfection. Strong market conditions were supported by seasonal procurement activities and logistical challenges, which contributed to rising freight costs. Despite these upward pressures, mid-quarter saw a shift to a more stable phase, with prices stabilizing as demand softened slightly. The moderation in consumption, coupled with steady supply levels, ensured market equilibrium, preventing further price increases. As the quarter progressed, a slight decline in prices was observed towards the end, attributed to a combination of reduced demand and strategic destocking efforts. Market participants adjusted their pricing strategies in response to fluctuating demand dynamics, with several manufacturers focusing on managing inventories while navigating logistical challenges. This mixed trend reflects the complex interplay between supply and demand, along with external economic factors impacting market sentiment.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American Glutaraldehyde market saw a significant rise in prices, with the USA leading this upward trend. Several critical factors contributed to this increase. Tight supply conditions, primarily driven by limited feedstock availability, alongside heightened demand from various sectors, played a pivotal role in elevating prices. Notably, the surge in demand from industries such as medical sterilization, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory applications further supported market growth.
Additionally, operational disruptions caused by hurricanes and logistical challenges, including route blockages and port congestion due to anticipated strikes, exacerbated supply constraints in late quarter. These factors collectively tightened the availability of Glutaraldehyde in the market, contributing to the upward pressure on prices.
While prices displayed a positive trajectory throughout the quarter, they notably declined by 6% compared to the previous quarter. Furthermore, there was an 18% decrease when compared to the same quarter of the previous year. By the end of Q3, the price for Glutaraldehyde in the USA reached USD 1832/MT, reflecting a complex and evolving pricing environment.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC region experienced a significant rise in Glutaraldehyde prices, driven by a confluence of factors. Tight supply conditions were exacerbated by disruptions such as plant shutdowns and logistical challenges, significantly impacting availability. Concurrently, robust demand from critical sectors, including healthcare and water treatment, further propelled prices upward. China emerged as the focal point of these changes, witnessing an 8% increase in Glutaraldehyde prices compared to the previous quarter, while year-over-year, prices surged by 9%. This upward trend was influenced by seasonal demand fluctuations and variations in production costs. Notably, disruptions resulting from natural disasters led to temporary plant closures, compounding supply constraints and adding to the overall price escalation. The quarter concluded with Glutaraldehyde 50% priced at USD 1397/MT FOB Shandong, underscoring the prevailing bullish sentiment in the market. Despite facing significant challenges, including supply chain disruptions, the market exhibited resilience, with prices consistently climbing throughout the quarter, reflecting the strong underlying demand across key industries in the region.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European Glutaraldehyde market saw a significant rise in prices, driven by tight supply conditions, increased demand, and higher import costs. Supply constraints emerged from production disruptions and a limited availability of essential feedstocks, which created notable pressure on the market. Consequently, manufacturers struggled to meet growing demand, especially from critical sectors like healthcare and water treatment, where Glutaraldehyde is vital for sterilization and disinfection processes. The elevated need for effective sanitization in light of ongoing public health concerns further intensified the demand, pushing prices upward. Moreover, the rising import costs attributable to global supply chain disruptions and escalating shipping charges further complicated the pricing landscape in Europe. As suppliers faced difficulties in maintaining adequate inventory levels, the imbalance between supply and demand became more pronounced. This shift in market dynamics not only affected price levels but also led to an increased urgency among manufacturers to secure their supply chains and optimize production processes in response to these challenges.
FAQs
1. What are the key downstream industries driving Glutaraldehyde demand?
Glutaraldehyde is primarily consumed by the pharmaceutical, cosmetics & personal care, water treatment, and healthcare sectors.
2. What factors caused the price dip in the U.S. Glutaraldehyde market in April and May 2025?
Sluggish cosmetics demand and ample inventory led to lower price levels in April and May, before pharmaceutical demand revived the market in June.
3. How did feedstock trends influence Glutaraldehyde margins in APAC?
Favorable feedstock economics and controlled input costs allowed producers to maintain margin stability despite muted demand.
4. How did the pharmaceutical industry impact Glutaraldehyde prices in North America?
Rising pharmaceutical formulations and global sales in June significantly boosted demand, pushing prices up toward the quarter’s close.
