For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American Polyacrylic Acid market exhibited varied price movements during the fourth quarter of 2024, influenced by changes in feedstock dynamics, regional demand, and supply conditions. In October, the market experienced a price surge despite declining Acrylic Acid and Propylene costs. This was primarily driven by robust demand from the water treatment sector, which maintained strong offtake levels, and supply-side constraints due to production curtailments and logistical challenges. Demand from the textile industry, however, remained subdued as weaker economic activity persisted across the region.
In November, Polyacrylic Acid prices stabilized despite upward pressure from rising Acrylic Acid costs. Steady demand from downstream industries like construction and paints and coatings supported the market, but slower growth in these sectors, coupled with cautious pricing strategies by suppliers, prevented significant price changes.
By December, Polyacrylic Acid prices declined, driven by increased competition from imported materials and weakened feedstock cost support. Mixed demand from the construction sector, which faced challenges such as delays and cautious project spending, further contributed to the bearish market trend.
APAC
The Asia-Pacific Polyacrylic Acid market displayed varied price trends during the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting shifts in supply, demand, and feedstock dynamics. In October, the Indian Polyacrylic Acid market experienced a price rebound despite declining Acrylic Acid and Propylene costs. This recovery was driven by robust demand from the water treatment sector and tightened supply conditions caused by production cuts and logistical challenges. However, the textile industry’s demand remained weak due to softer economic activity in the region. In November, prices stabilized despite rising Acrylic Acid costs in the Asian market, supported by steady demand from downstream industries like construction and paints and coatings. This stability was attributed to a cautious pricing approach by suppliers, ensuring market balance amid slower growth in some end-use sectors. By December, Polyacrylic Acid prices declined under pressure from cheaper imports originating in Europe, where bearish Acrylic Acid prices weakened cost support. Seasonal challenges, including adverse weather and labour shortages, alongside mixed performance in the construction sector, further tempered domestic demand, amplifying the downward price trend.
Europe
The European Polyacrylic Acid market experienced mixed pricing trends during the fourth quarter of 2024, influenced by a complex interplay of demand, supply, and feedstock dynamics. In October, Polyacrylic Acid prices surged despite a consistent decline in feedstock Acrylic Acid and upstream Propylene costs. This price rebound was driven by robust demand from the water treatment sector and tightened supply conditions caused by production cuts and logistical challenges. Subdued demand from the textile industry tempered the overall market recovery, but supply constraints outweighed feedstock cost reductions, keeping prices elevated. In November, market stability prevailed as feedstock Acrylic Acid prices dropped further due to lower raw material costs, weaker oil and gas markets, and limited demand from major sectors. The coating and construction industries faced headwinds from slower economic growth and cautious spending, which restrained any upward price movement. By December, Polyacrylic Acid prices declined significantly as weak feedstock cost support and subdued demand from downstream sectors, including construction and paper, dominated market sentiment. Broader economic challenges and reduced industrial activity compounded the bearish outlook.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the pricing trend for Poly Acrylic Acid in the USA faced challenges, primarily due to moderate activity in the construction sector, where demand has been flat. In contrast, the pharmaceutical sector showed resilience with increasing demand thereby influencing the demand for the Poly Acrylic Acid in the US market, while the textile industry experienced stable conditions.
These mixed sector performances influenced market dynamics, leading to a cautious pricing environment. The decrease of 1.1% in Acrylic Acid feedstock prices further contributed to the overall challenging trend, as manufacturers faced pressure to adjust prices in response to fluctuating input costs. In light of these factors, suppliers strategically managed their inventories, aiming to balance supply with moderate demand from key sectors.
The overall market sentiment remains cautious, reflecting the need for manufacturers to navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape. This careful inventory management and the evolving sector demands illustrate the necessity for adaptive pricing strategies amidst fluctuating market conditions, ensuring that suppliers remain competitive while addressing market challenges effectively.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the pricing landscape for Polyacrylic Acid in the APAC region displayed moderate fluctuations influenced by several significant factors. Initially, prices remained stable, bolstered by steady demand from the construction and textile sectors, along with consistent feedstock costs. However, a decline mid-quarter was observed due to weakened global demand and lower energy prices, particularly following reductions in crude oil and natural gas rates. Disruptions in supply chains also contributed to rising freight costs, but higher inventory levels helped sustain a balanced supply-demand dynamic. By the quarter's end, an increase in production costs, notably the rise in Acrylic Acid prices, resulted in a slight uptick in overall pricing. Strong demand from the textile and adhesives industries further impacted market dynamics. Looking ahead, forecasts indicated potential price increases due to anticipated festive season demand and the possibility of price corrections as manufacturers aimed to destock before year-end. Overall, Q3 2024 experienced moderate price movements, with market stability shaped by fluctuating demand, input costs, and logistical challenges across the APAC region.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European Polyacrylic Acid market exhibited a bearish pricing trend influenced by multiple factors. Prices experienced a consistent decline, with monthly decreases averaging around 2.4%, culminating in a 2.59% drop from the previous quarter. This downward trajectory was primarily attributed to reduced feedstock costs, particularly for Acrylic Acid, alongside weak demand from crucial downstream sectors such as construction and textiles. Economic pressures, including elevated interest rates and increasing building costs, contributed to diminished activity in the construction industry, further suppressing demand. Moreover, disruptions in shipping logistics and extended transit times from Asia led to fluctuations in supply chains, although moderate to high supply levels helped maintain market balance. The broader market faced a lack of cost support as both energy and feedstock prices declined, while industrial operating rates remained stable. Despite occasional price rebounds due to restocking efforts, the overall demand environment stayed low to moderate throughout the region, with supply consistently outpacing demand. As of September, the price for Polyacrylic Acid in the Asian market stood at USD 8,085/MT FOB Le Havre. The market outlook anticipates fluctuating prices into early 2025, influenced by feedstock price volatility and sector-specific demand challenges.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In the second quarter of 2024, spanning from April to June, the Polyacrylic Acid market in North America exhibited notable resilience and adaptability. Despite ongoing economic challenges related to the geopolitical tensions, the market remained robust. Key sectors such as personal care and water treatment continued to drive substantial demand for polyacrylic acid. Additionally, the growing use of super-absorbent polymers, where polyacrylic acid plays a crucial role, supported market stability and growth.
However, the industry faced obstacles due to stringent regulations on the discharge of chemically treated effluent, which impacted manufacturing processes. In response to these challenges, researchers and industry professionals explored innovative solutions, such as the development of polyacrylic acid nanocomposites, which could offer significant advancements and growth opportunities in the future.
Overall, while the North American Polyacrylic Acid market encountered regulatory and competitive pressures, it demonstrated strong adaptability and resilience. The sector's ability to navigate these challenges and embrace technological innovations positioned it well for continued progress and potential expansion in the coming months.
APAC
The market of Polyacrylic acid showed notable rise in Q2 2024 in the Asia-Pacific region. Particularly in India, due to continued industrial growth and increasing demand in the expanding industrial sector pushed the prices in this quarter. The prices continued to show notable rise throughout the quarter indicating the sustained demand demographics in the Indian market. The prices rose by 4% compared to the previous quarter while remaining stable in the first and second halves of the same quarter. As India continues to invest in infrastructure projects, polyacrylic acid is used in concrete additives to enhance durability and performance. This trend positively impacts market growth. In conclusion, the market remained bullish in the second quarter with prospects of continued expansion.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the market for Polyacrylic acid was positive and showed notable rise in the prices. Key factors contributing to this trend include significant product usage in industrial water treatment and superabsorbent polymers. Notably, countries like Germany and France are the top consumers of polyacrylic acid. Polyacrylic acid plays a vital role in preventing hydrate development in oil and gas pipelines, further fuelling market growth. Additionally, strict environmental regulations for wastewater discharge are driving increased use of polyacrylic acid in sewage treatment applications. Its effectiveness as a scale and corrosion inhibitor in industrial and municipal water treatment, particularly in the United States, is also contributing to its growth. Particularly in France, prices of Polyacrylic acid showed notable decline of 4% compared to the previous quarter whereas prices in the first half and second half of the same quarter remained notably stable. The prices stood at USD 8393/MT CFR Le Havre France. In summary, the European polyacrylic acid market is poised for continued expansion, with a focus on sustainable water treatment and innovative applications.
