Formaldehyde Pricing Assessment
UNSPC: 12352501

  • Commodity Pricing

formaldehyde Markets Covered: 

beBelgium
cnChina
nlNetherlands
usUnited States
caCanada
clChile
frFrance
deGermany
inIndia
ngNigeria
krKorea
gbUnited Kingdom
vnVietnam

formaldehyde Markets Covered: 

Global formaldehyde Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

Looking ahead to Q1 2025, Formaldehyde prices in the Netherlands (Industrial Grade 37% FD Rotterdam) are expected to remain relatively stable at $390/MT, showing a slight increase of +0.27% from Q4 2024. This minimal price change can be attributed to the normalization of demand levels following the holiday season, with industries returning to more regular production cycles. While demand remains steady, particularly in construction, automotive, and packaging, the market is likely to experience more balanced conditions, with both supply and demand stabilizing. As a result, Formaldehyde prices are expected to maintain their steady upward trajectory, albeit at a slower pace. 

In Q4 2024, Formaldehyde prices in the Netherlands (Industrial Grade 37% FD Rotterdam) saw an increase again, rising to $375/MT, marking a +4.53% increase from Q3. This price surge was driven by a seasonal uptick in demand as industries geared up for the festive season, leading to increased production of resins, adhesives, and other chemical products. The packaging sector also saw a rise in demand for Formaldehyde-based materials, further tightening the market. Despite the somewhat stable supply conditions, the boost in demand during the final quarter of the year, driven by pre-holiday preparations and industrial production, pushed prices higher. 

By Q3 2024, Formaldehyde prices in the Netherlands (Industrial Grade 37% FD Rotterdam) slightly stabilized at $360/MT, showing a slight decrease of -0.55% compared to Q2. This slight dip can be attributed to a seasonal slowdown in demand as industries like construction and automotive typically experience a lull after the peak summer months. Furthermore, some abundant supply from domestic and international producers helped ease the supply-demand imbalance, leading to more stable pricing. While demand remained steady, there was less urgency in the market compared to the earlier months of the year, which contributed to the stabilization of prices in this quarter. 

In Q2 2024, Formaldehyde prices in the Netherlands (Industrial Grade 37% FD Rotterdam) continued to rise, reaching $365/MT, reflecting a positive trend of +7.83% from Q1. The growth in prices can be linked to strong seasonal demand, especially from the construction and automotive sectors, which are major consumers of Formaldehyde-based resins.

The demand for formaldehyde also increased due to the ongoing recovery of industries from the pandemic, with more companies scaling up their operations. Additionally, the resurgence in demand for plywood and building materials ahead of the summer construction season helped keep prices elevated. Supply chain constraints remained an issue, but they were not as severe as in the previous quarter, which allowed for some stabilization in the market. 

In Q1 2024, the global Formaldehyde market witnessed a bullish trend, primarily driven by rising methanol feedstock prices and robust demand from key industries such as construction and automotive. The Formaldehyde market in the Netherlands (Industrial Grade 37% FD Rotterdam) saw a strong upward trend, with prices reaching $335/MT, marking an increase of +16.73% compared to the previous quarter.

This rise can be attributed to a combination of factors, including higher demand from industries like textiles, construction, and automotive, which typically use Formaldehyde in the production of resins and adhesives. The early months of the year also saw increased manufacturing activity as companies ramped up production after the holiday season. Additionally, supply chain disruptions, such as rising freight costs and delays in raw material deliveries, contributed to an upward pressure on prices, further tightening the market. 

India formaldehyde Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

Looking ahead to Q1 2025, Formaldehyde prices in India (Industrial Grade 37% Ex-Kolkata) are expected to be slightly lower, reported at $290/MT, showing a -1.69% decrease from Q4 2024. This slight dip can be attributed to the usual post-festive season slowdown, where demand from industries like automotive, construction, and packaging normalizes after the holiday peak. Although the market remains steady, the transition into the new year typically leads to a slight decrease in prices as production levels stabilize and inventories adjust. While demand remains steady, the reduction in activity post-festivals and the availability of abundant supply contribute to a more stable and slightly lower price outlook for the first quarter of 2025. 

In Q4 2024, Formaldehyde prices in India (Industrial Grade 37% Ex-Kolkata) slightly decreased to $295/MT, a -1.67% decline from Q3. This slight reduction can be attributed to a temporary stabilization in demand as industries slowed down the post-festive season and moved into a more routine production cycle. The holiday rush typically leads to a spike in demand for packaging and construction materials, but by Q4, the market settled as production levels adjusted. Additionally, an abundant supply of Formaldehyde, combined with a more balanced demand across key industries, contributed to price stabilization, preventing any further significant price hikes. 

By Q3 2024, the Formaldehyde market in India (Industrial Grade 37% Ex-Kolkata) experienced a significant rise in Formaldehyde prices, reaching $300/MT, an increase of +11.11% from Q2. This rise was mainly driven by the higher demand from the construction and textile industries, which typically see a boost in activity during the mid-year months. As more businesses started ramping up production in preparation for the upcoming festive season, the demand for Formaldehyde in resin production increased. Domestic production remained under pressure, and a combination of tighter supply conditions and the rising cost of feedstocks contributed to the price hike. Moreover, the seasonal demand spike, combined with an abundant supply of raw materials, created tighter market conditions, pushing prices up further. 

In Q2 2024, Formaldehyde prices in India (Industrial Grade 37% Ex-Kolkata) showed a positive trend, rising to $270/MT, marking a +3.85% increase compared to Q1. This uptick can be attributed to a recovery in demand across various industries, particularly in the construction and automotive sectors, as both started ramping up production in anticipation of the summer season. The demand for Formaldehyde-based resins in the production of plywood and adhesives saw an increase, driven by seasonal activity in the construction and furniture industries. Additionally, the domestic supply was relatively stable, but logistical challenges, such as port congestion and rising transportation costs, had a slight upward effect on prices, contributing to the overall increase. 

In Q1 2024, the Formaldehyde market in India (Industrial Grade 37% Ex-Kolkata) saw a stable trend, with formaldehyde prices reported at $260/MT, showing no change (+0.00%) from the previous quarter. This stability can be attributed to balanced supply and demand conditions during the period. The market was relatively steady as there were no significant fluctuations in demand from key sectors like automotive, construction, and textiles. The lower production rate during the post-festive period also contributed to this stable price trend, as industries were still recovering from the previous year’s holiday slowdowns. Despite slight fluctuations in global feedstock costs, Indian market conditions remained stable, preventing any significant price hikes. 

formaldehyde Parameters Covered: 

  • Methanol
  • Oxygen
  • Natural Gas
  • Belgium
  • China
  • Netherlands
  • USA
  • India 
  • Resins, plastics, adhesives, and coatings (Phenolic and Urea resins)
  • Building materials (Wood and Plywood products)
  • Automotive parts, textiles (Synthetic fibers)
  • UK
  • France
  • Nigeria
  • Germany
  • Canada
  • Chile

formaldehyde Parameters Covered: 

  • Methanol
  • Oxygen
  • Natural Gas
  • Belgium
  • China
  • Netherlands
  • USA
  • India 
  • Resins, plastics, adhesives, and coatings (Phenolic and Urea resins)
  • Building materials (Wood and Plywood products)
  • Automotive parts, textiles (Synthetic fibers)
  • UK
  • France
  • Nigeria
  • Germany
  • Canada
  • Chile

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global formaldehyde price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the formaldehyde market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence formaldehyde prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely formaldehyde market data.

Track PriceWatch's formaldehyde price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Formaldehyde prices

  • Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present): While Formaldehyde is less directly impacted by geopolitical conflicts, the rise in energy and raw material costs due to the conflict did affect production costs, leading to moderate price fluctuations. 
  • Methanol Price Swings (2015-2024): Since methanol is a key input for Formaldehyde, fluctuations in methanol prices directly influenced Formaldehyde costs. When methanol prices surged due to global demand-supply mismatches, Formaldehyde prices followed. 
  • Texas Winter Storm (2021): The Formaldehyde market was impacted as the storm disrupted methanol production, a key feedstock for Formaldehyde, causing short-term supply issues and pushing prices up. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): During the pandemic, the demand for Formaldehyde, particularly in the construction and automotive industries, fell sharply. However, as markets began to recover, so did Formaldehyde demand, leading to price increases. 

 

These events underscore the Formaldehyde market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from various sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This approach ensures that our assessments accurately reflect the current market conditions for formaldehyde. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, such as producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major formaldehyde production regions. This ground-level intelligence is essential for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We monitor the entire formaldehyde supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., methanol, urea) to production and distribution channels. This includes tracking feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Regulatory Changes: PriceWatch continuously monitors regulatory developments affecting formaldehyde production and usage, such as environmental regulations and safety standards. These changes can significantly impact production costs and pricing dynamics. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the effects of natural disasters, like floods or extreme weather events, on formaldehyde production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions. These incidents are considered in our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., construction, furniture, and automotive industries), to predict changes in formaldehyde demand and corresponding price movements. 

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global formaldehyde production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to accurately assess current supply availability. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming formaldehyde production capacities, considering new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps us predict future supply trends and potential price stabilization.

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including construction, automotive, and manufacturing. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and their influence on global formaldehyde pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast formaldehyde prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for various market outcomes.

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most current information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice. 

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable formaldehyde pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

30.03 g/mol

CAS No

50-00-0

HS Code

291211

Molecular Formula

CH₂O
formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with a strong, pungent Odor, commonly used in the production of resins, plastics, and various chemicals.

Packaging Type

Drum (200 Ltrs) (Export-Import, Domestic)

Grades Covered

Industrial Grade 37%

Incoterms Used

FD Antwerp, FOB Shanghai, FD Rotterdam, FOB Houston, Ex-Kolkata, FD Le Havre (Belgium), FD Hamburg (Netherlands), FD Immingham (Belgium), CIF Apapa (China), CIF Busan (China), CIF Haiphong (China), CIF Montreal (USA), CIF San Antonio (USA).

Synonym

Methanal

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-30 MT (Export-Import), 10-15 MT (Domestic)

Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.

S. No  Parameters  Value 
1  Appearance  Colorless Liquid 
2  HCHO Content  37.10% 
3  Specific Gravity  1.1105 
4  Methanol Content  0.98 
5  Acidity  0.01% 

Applications

Formaldehyde is primarily used as a key ingredient or intermediate in the production of various chemicals. It serves as a vital feedstock for making substances such as Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI), Urea-Formaldehyde resins, Phenol-Formaldehyde resins, and various other products. These applications span across multiple industries, including construction, automotive, textiles, and healthcare. In the construction sector, for example, Formaldehyde is essential in producing adhesives and wood products, enhancing durability and resistance to moisture. Overall, its versatility makes Formaldehyde a crucial component in creating a wide range of essential materials.

Formaldehyde price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for formaldehyde. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

The pricing of formaldehyde is influenced by several key factors, including the cost of raw materials like methanol and natural gas, production capacities, and regional demand. Additionally, fluctuations in crude oil prices, transportation costs, and environmental regulations impact pricing. Market dynamics, such as supply chain disruptions or changes in end-user demand from industries like construction, automotive, and textiles, can also lead to price variations.

Raw materials, particularly methanol, are essential for formaldehyde production. When the prices of these materials rise due to supply shortages, geopolitical tensions, or increased demand, formaldehyde prices typically follow suit. Conversely, if raw material costs decrease due to improved production efficiencies or oversupply, formaldehyde prices may also decline. Procurement heads should closely monitor raw material markets to anticipate and mitigate potential cost fluctuations.

Formaldehyde prices can vary significantly across different regions due to factors such as local production capabilities, raw material availability, and regulatory environments. For instance, regions with abundant natural gas supplies may experience lower formaldehyde prices compared to those reliant on imports. Procurement strategies should account for these regional differences by evaluating supplier options, considering logistics costs, and exploring partnerships in cost-competitive markets to optimize procurement efficiency.

PriceWatch Login