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.
