The Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC) market in the USA is currently experiencing a bullish trend, with prices expected to remain elevated by the end of November 2024. This surge in prices is attributed to increased demand from various sectors, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food industries [8d1a1a45]. Additionally, supply constraints in the market have contributed to the upward pressure on prices [8d1a1a45].
China's economic recovery in October 2024 has also played a significant role in this market dynamic, as manufacturing activity showed growth for the first time in six months, with the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) surpassing the critical threshold of 50, indicating expansion [8d1a1a45]. Concurrently, the resilience of the U.S. economy, supported by high business investment and lower interest rates, has bolstered consumer sentiment, which reached a seven-month high in early November 2024 [8d1a1a45].
In anticipation of potential supply chain disruptions, shippers are frontloading imports, which has resulted in shipping prices being significantly higher than they were in April 2024 [8d1a1a45]. Furthermore, the looming threat of a strike by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) after January 15, 2025, coupled with the upcoming Lunar New Year at the end of January 2025, is expected to increase supply chain pressures [8d1a1a45].
In contrast, the U.S. Benzoic Acid Excipient market is facing a downward price trend, with expectations of price declines throughout Q4 2024. This situation is largely due to abundant stock levels and increased local production, which have not resulted in the anticipated growth in demand from manufacturing sectors [4cac2eeb]. Inflation control measures are affecting purchasing power, further contributing to the price drop [4cac2eeb]. Despite recent shipping disruptions in China caused by typhoons, the high levels of Benzoic Acid exports from China continue to impact the U.S. market, as traders focus on reducing inventories to adapt to these changing conditions [4cac2eeb]. Overall, the contrasting trends in these two markets highlight the complex interplay of supply, demand, and economic factors influencing the chemical industry [4cac2eeb].