For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
During Q4 2024, the Panthenol market in North America experienced notable price fluctuations throughout the quarter. October saw an upward price movement driven by increased seasonal demand from cosmetic manufacturers and tightening supply conditions. Buyers accelerated procurement activities in response to rising price trends, leading to more competitive market conditions. The personal care sector's heightened requirements, combined with limited spot availability, created upward pressure on prices especially in the first half.
November brought a price correction as market fundamentals eased. Supply chains showed improved flexibility while demand from personal care manufacturers moderated. Buyers adopted a more cautious approach, leading to reduced procurement volumes and downward price pressure across the region. Several distributors reported comfortable inventory positions, allowing them to negotiate better prices. The market witnessed systematic trading activity as end-users maintained routine buying patterns despite the softer price trend.
December witnessed renewed price strength as year-end activities intensified. Domestic suppliers implemented price increases, supported by rising production costs and renewed demand from cosmetic manufacturers. The market's upward momentum was further reinforced by strategic inventory building and increased consumption patterns through quarter-end. Several key manufacturers reported tighter supply conditions amid sustained demand from the personal care sector. The combination of year-end restocking activities and higher production costs contributed to the firmer price sentiment, with suppliers maintaining strong positions in negotiations.
APAC
In Q4 2024, Panthenol prices in APAC markets demonstrated significant volatility, particularly in the Chinese export market. October registered substantial price increases as Chinese exporters raised their offers amid growing domestic and international demand. Producers reported higher production costs due to elevated raw material prices and energy expenses, while robust inquiries from cosmetic manufacturers supported the bullish sentiment. The market witnessed accelerated trading activity as buyers sought to secure volumes ahead of anticipated further increases.
November saw a downward correction in prices as market fundamentals softened. Chinese manufacturers adjusted their pricing strategies amid moderating demand and improved supply availability. Regional trading activity slowed as buyers adopted a wait-and-watch approach, leading to price concessions from suppliers. Several facilities reported adequate inventory positions, while export inquiries showed signs of slowdown. The competitive market environment forced producers to offer more favourable terms to maintain market share.
December brought renewed price strength as manufacturers implemented fresh increases. Several facilities reported increased production costs amid active year-end demand. Chinese export prices strengthened, supported by improved inquiry levels from international markets and strategic inventory positioning by key producers. The domestic market also showed renewed vigor as local cosmetic manufacturers increased their procurement volumes. Major producers reported high capacity utilization rates and strong order books, while logistics operations remained smooth throughout the month.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Panthenol prices in Germany and broader European markets followed similar fluctuations, influenced by both regional dynamics and Asian import trends. October began with upward price movement as buyers faced higher offers from Asian suppliers and regional manufacturers. European producers increased prices citing rising production costs and strong demand from the cosmetic sector. The market witnessed active trading as distributors sought to secure volumes amid concerns over further price increases. Major manufacturers reported healthy order books and steady demand from key end-use sectors.
November experienced a downward trend as market conditions eased. Buyers leveraged improved supply availability to negotiate better prices, while Asian import offers became more competitive. The market witnessed slower trading as distributors managed existing inventories cautiously. Several buyers reported comfortable stock positions, allowing them to resist higher price offers. Import volumes from Asia remained steady, providing additional options for European buyers and contributing to the softer market sentiment.
December's market dynamics shifted upward again as European distributors faced renewed price pressure. The combination of higher import costs and increased regional demand supported price increases. While consumption patterns remained strong across cosmetic applications, suppliers successfully implemented price hikes through quarter-end, reflecting the market's bullish sentiment. Year-end restocking activities provided additional support to the market, with several key buyers increasing their procurement volumes. Manufacturers reported stable operations and well-managed inventory positions, while logistics activities continued smoothly despite the holiday season.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
The US Panthenol market exhibited a distinctive price trajectory in Q3 2024, with values trending upward through July and early August, before experiencing a notable downturn that led to significant price erosion in September. Initial market stability, driven by robust demand from the cosmetics and personal care sectors, eventually succumbed to broader market adjustments.
US market participants adopted cautious positions as they had enough inventory on hand and prices declined considerably in September mimicking China’s market trend. Improved freight conditions, combined with resolving supply chain constraints, contributed to market softening. Domestic end-users, especially in the personal care and pharmaceutical sectors, showed reduced buying interest, substantially impacting market dynamics.
American suppliers prioritized market share retention through competitive pricing strategies while managing inventory positions carefully. Despite decreased transaction volumes, market activity continued throughout September. The quarter ended with a notably relaxed market environment across North America, characterized by enhanced supply availability and subdued end-user demand. This market shift indicates a strategic realignment of the US panthenol sector, influencing pricing approaches and stock management strategies for Q4 2024.
APAC
The APAC Panthenol market demonstrated notable price volatility during Q3 2024 as prices first rose till August and then fell considerably in the latter half of the period. Early quarter stability was anchored by consistent demand from cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, but mid-quarter challenges emerged due to supply chain complications and plunged international demand.
September witnessed a striking 4.5% price reduction in China's cosmetic-grade panthenol, reaching $10,500 per MT. This decline reflects complex market dynamics, including dampened cosmetics sector demand and potential production surplus. The downturn coincided with pre-Golden Week inventory adjustments, a period traditionally marked by slower domestic trading activity. International purchasing sentiment remained subdued despite attractive price points. Chinese manufacturers faced pressure on profit margins, compelling them to offer competitive rates. While seasonal inventory management partially explains the market surplus, persistent supply chain uncertainties continue to influence international buyers' confidence in future deliveries.
Raw material cost fluctuations, coupled with shifting regional demand patterns and production adjustments, have created a complex market landscape. The interplay of these factors suggests continued market uncertainty heading into Q4 2024, with potential implications for global panthenol trade flows.
Europe
The European Panthenol market exhibited significant volatility in Q3 2024, with Germany, a key regional player, experiencing a dramatic 6.37% price decline in September with values reaching $10580 per MT CFR Hamburg. During Q3 2024, the European Panthenol market displayed a distinct pricing pattern, with values climbing steadily through July and early August, followed by a sharp reversal that resulted in considerable price deterioration through September. Early quarter stability, supported by steady cosmetics and personal care demand, gave way to substantial market corrections.
The German market's defensive posture reflected broader European trends as the market closely mirrored Chinese market dynamics. Improved delivery times from Asian suppliers, coupled with easing supply chain bottlenecks, contributed to market softening. European end-users, particularly in skincare and haircare sectors, notably reduced consumption, severely impacting market stability. European suppliers focused on preserving market share through aggressive price adjustments, while carefully managing excess stock. The quarter concluded with a significantly loosened market environment across Europe, marked by improved supply conditions and diminished end-user demand. This shift suggests a fundamental realignment of the European panthenol sector, with implications for pricing strategies and inventory management heading into Q4 2024.
Later in the quarter, buyers exercised caution, adopting a wait-and-watch approach amid Chinese market volatility. European distributors actively managed inventory levels to maintain market equilibrium, while closely monitoring Chinese pre-Golden Week destocking activities.
