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May 28th, 2025

Glyoxal Prices Index: Trend, News, Graph, Analysis and Demand

Glyoxal prices experienced notable volatility in Q1 2025 across major global regions, influenced by a dynamic mix of supply-demand fundamentals, feedstock pricing, logistical factors, and macroeconomic pressures. As an important intermediate chemical used in textiles, paper treatment, leather processing, and industrial coatings, glyoxal's market movements reflect broader trends in manufacturing, construction, and chemical feedstock markets such as monoethylene glycol (MEG).

In North America, glyoxal prices saw a moderate upward trajectory during the first quarter of 2025, registering a quarter-on-quarter increase of 3.27% compared to Q4 2024. The beginning of the quarter was marked by subdued pricing, driven by oversupplied conditions and tepid downstream demand. Domestic production levels remained steady while low-cost imports from international suppliers, combined with reduced freight rates, intensified market competition. Demand from the construction sector, a major consumer of glyoxal through its use in adhesives and coatings, remained largely stagnant. Seasonal slowdowns and high interest rates constrained construction activity, further limiting glyoxal consumption despite ongoing infrastructure investments by federal authorities. However, by mid-quarter, the pricing trend reversed as feedstock MEG costs surged and weather-related supply chain disruptions emerged. Winter storms and intermittent labor shortages curtailed supply flow, tightening inventory levels across the region. As logistic conditions gradually improved, suppliers leveraged improving demand from adhesives and industrial coatings to justify price hikes. Furthermore, market sentiment became increasingly bullish as concerns over trade policy adjustments and potential tariffs introduced additional uncertainty into procurement strategies. These developments contributed to tighter supply-demand fundamentals and firmer pricing. Toward the end of the quarter, glyoxal prices edged higher still, supported by logistical challenges and a partial recovery in downstream consumption. The uptick in non-residential construction projects revitalized demand in coatings and other industrial segments. Meanwhile, buyers adopted a more cautious approach to procurement, wary of prolonged lead times and economic uncertainty. In the United States, which showed the sharpest regional change, prices closed the quarter at USD 550 per metric ton delivered duty paid in Texas.

Get Real time Prices for Glyoxal : https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/glyoxal-1568

The Asia-Pacific region saw a contrasting trend, with glyoxal prices falling sharply by 11.8% over the same quarter. The downward pressure was evident early in the quarter as steady production levels and adequate inventory management buffered against slight increases in MEG prices. Market sentiment was weighed down by persistent weakness in the real estate and construction sectors, most notably in China. Falling property sales and delays in new developments curtailed demand for glyoxal-based products, especially in construction chemicals and decorative coatings. Uncertainty over international trade conditions also eroded buyer confidence. Midway through the quarter, a short-lived rebound occurred, buoyed by government-led infrastructure initiatives and recovery efforts. Manufacturing activity showed signs of resilience, and glyoxal demand momentarily improved, particularly in applications related to paper treatment and public-sector construction projects. This uptick was, however, insufficient to counterbalance broader headwinds. As Q1 progressed, prices resumed their decline amid continued oversupply and sluggish downstream offtake. Although industrial activity picked up following the Lunar New Year holidays, domestic demand remained cautious, and export opportunities were hampered by trade restrictions. A major factor affecting global derivatives consumption was the European Union's imposition of preliminary anti-dumping duties on Chinese glyoxylic acid, a related compound. These duties restricted derivative trade flows and further suppressed international interest in APAC-origin glyoxal. As a result, the quarter concluded with prices at USD 435 per metric ton free on board Shanghai, reflecting the ongoing imbalance between production and demand.

In Europe, glyoxal prices demonstrated a steady upward trend through Q1 2025, rising 5.5% quarter-on-quarter from the final quarter of 2024. At the beginning of the period, prices softened slightly due to low MEG costs and stable operating rates among local producers. The post-holiday inventory cycle was managed effectively, and smooth logistics kept the market balanced. However, end-use demand remained underwhelming, especially from the construction sector, which continued to struggle under the weight of inflation and elevated material costs. Despite this, market dynamics shifted by mid-quarter as energy and feedstock costs began climbing. MEG and natural gas prices increased substantially, raising input costs for glyoxal producers and triggering price adjustments across the supply chain. Concurrently, the European Commission’s provisional anti-dumping measures against imported epoxy resins from Asia created unexpected support for glyoxal-based alternatives in coatings and adhesives. These regulatory developments redirected demand to domestic sources, encouraging producers to raise prices. Toward the close of the quarter, prices were further buoyed by restricted availability of imported glyoxylic acid, which forced buyers to rely more heavily on local glyoxal output. Additionally, the decorative coatings sector showed signs of recovery, particularly in western Europe, offering incremental support to demand. Germany led the regional price gains, with levels closing at USD 750 per metric ton free on board Hamburg, the highest among surveyed markets.

Overall, glyoxal pricing trends in Q1 2025 reflected complex interplays between regional supply-demand dynamics, energy and feedstock pricing, and the broader economic climate. While North America and Europe experienced mild to moderate increases driven by cost pressures and selective demand recovery, the Asia-Pacific region remained under significant downward pressure due to oversupply and weakened end-user activity. As the global chemical sector continues to face challenges from shifting trade policies, logistical volatility, and macroeconomic headwinds, the glyoxal market is expected to remain sensitive to both structural changes and short-term disruptions. Continued monitoring of feedstock costs, regional policy shifts, and downstream sector performance will be critical for stakeholders seeking to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.

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