Guar Gum Pricing Assessment
UNSPC: 50401826

guar gum Markets Covered: 

inIndia
cnChina
usUnited States
deGermany
brBrazil

guar gum Markets Covered: 

Global guar gum Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

Q1 2025

Guar Gum prices showed a volatile trend during Q1 2025 across key markets such as China. January 2025 opened strong on the back of renewed demand from the food and beverage sectors, particularly in China and the USA, where consumption picked up after the year-end lull.

However, February saw a brief correction as global buyers slowed purchases due to sufficient inventory levels and cautious procurement ahead of upcoming harvest updates in India. Guar Gum prices rebounded in March, supported by revived export demand, especially from processed food manufacturers and stabilizer users in Asia and Europe.

The firmness also reflected stable feedstock (guar seed) availability with moderate pricing. According to PriceWatch, Q1 2025 ended with Guar Gum prices assessed at USD 1587 per metric ton CIF Shanghai (Food Grade). 

Q2 2025

Guar Gum prices faced a mixed market throughout Q2 2025 across global regions including the USA, China, Germany, and Brazil. April opened weak, driven by lacklustre buying from the food processing and stabilizer industries in North America and Europe.

However, May recorded a short-lived upward push as U.S. and Chinese buyers returned to the market for replenishment amid summer production planning. Still, this recovery lost steam in June as demand softened again, especially in Brazil and Germany, where lower consumption from food-grade and dairy applications impacted offtake.

Exporters also grappled with limited bulk inquiries and stable feedstock costs, which failed to support pricing gains. According to PriceWatch, Guar Gum prices have been assessed at USD 1700 per metric ton CIF Houston (Food Grade) after the conclusion of Q2 2025. 

Q1 2024

Guar Gum prices showed a persistent downward trend across all major international markets—China, the USA, Germany, and others during Q1 2024. The primary driver of this bearish momentum was sluggish demand from the food processing and convenience foods industries, particularly in Western economies, where consumer spending remained restrained due to inflation and inventory overhang.

In China, Guar Gum market sentiment weakened further as local buyers delayed procurement amid expectations of continued price softness. Additionally, competitive pressure from alternative thickeners and stabilizers curbed fresh inquiries.

Indian exporters faced reduced booking volumes, and steady guar seed availability kept cost-side pressure minimal. According to PriceWatch, the quarter ended at USD 1526 per metric ton CIF Shanghai (Food Grade). 

Q2 2024

Guar Gum prices saw a mixed performance across key export destinations during Q2 2024. April and May witnessed an upward trajectory, largely supported by renewed demand from the food and beverage sector in the USA and China as inventories depleted and procurement resumed post-Q1 slowdown.

European buyers, particularly in Germany, also stepped up purchasing in anticipation of summer season consumption. However, sentiment shifted in June as prices began to soften across all regions. This reversal was driven by oversupply concerns, slower-than-expected downstream consumption, and weakening guar seed sentiment in India.

Exporters also faced pricing pressure amid intensified competition from alternative suppliers. According to PriceWatch, the quarter ended with Guar Gum prices assessed at USD 1813 per metric ton CIF Houston (Food Grade). 

Q3 2024

Guar Gum prices exhibited a fluctuating trend across international markets in Q3 2024. July started with a bearish tone, influenced by weak industrial and food-grade demand in Germany, the USA, China, and Brazil.

However, August brought a temporary price recovery, spurred by short-term restocking activity in the EU and rising orders from food processors anticipating seasonal demand. Despite this brief improvement, the market turned soft again in September as actual consumption failed to match expectations, and global inventories remained elevated.

Additionally, stable guar seed prices in India and reduced logistics costs offered no significant cost pressure to support prices. According to PriceWatch, Q3 2024 ended with Guar Gum prices assessed at USD 1811 per metric ton CIF Hamburg (Food Grade). 

Q4 2024

Guar Gum prices experienced a brief rally at the start of Q4 2024, with October seeing improved demand from Brazil and other countries. This initial rise was largely fuelled by festive season stocking in the food processing industry across South America and Asia, as well as fresh inquiries from bakery and dairy sectors.

However, the bullish momentum faded by November and December as demand normalized and buyers held back due to sufficient inventory levels. Exporters faced headwinds from stable upstream guar seed prices and muted bulk buying interest.

Limited contract renewals toward year-end further pressured prices. According to PriceWatch, the quarter ended with Guar Gum prices assessed at USD 1718 per metric ton CIF Santos (Food Grade). 

India guar gum Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

Q1 2025

Guar Gum prices showed mixed momentum throughout Q1 2025. January opened strong, buoyed by healthy domestic demand from the food and pharmaceutical sectors, especially stabilizer and dietary fibre manufacturers.

This early optimism was briefly interrupted in February, when procurement activity slowed as buyers assessed market direction amid steady guar seed availability and no major cost-side pressures. However, Guar Gum demand picked up again in March due to renewed interest from export processors and stockists looking to capitalize on competitive domestic rates.

The localized price uptick was also aided by improved rail and road movement from Rajasthan to ports. According to PriceWatch, the quarter ended with Guar Gum prices assessed at USD 1507 per metric ton Ex-Jodhpur (Food Grade). 

Q2 2025

Guar Gum prices showed a fluctuating pattern during Q2 2025. April opened weak as subdued international demand from key markets like the USA and Europe limited export orders, resulting in downward pressure on prices.

In May, Guar Gum prices temporarily improved due to increased bulk bookings from overseas food-grade buyers, especially those targeting stabilizer and bakery segments. However, the bullish tone was short-lived as June saw a dip in demand, alongside stable domestic guar seed prices and competitive pressure from alternate origins.

Exporters faced challenges in maintaining margins due to weak procurement from global buyers and reduced liquidity in the market. According to PriceWatch, Q2 2025 ended with Guar Gum prices assessed at USD 1548 per metric ton FOB JNPT. 

Q1 2024

Guar Gum prices trended downward throughout Q1 2024 amid weak demand and limited market activity. The food processing sector witnessed slower offtake in both domestic and export-linked supply chains, particularly from manufacturers of bakery, dairy, and convenience food products.

Exporters also reported reduced inquiries from global buyers, leading to inventory build-up in key producing regions like Rajasthan. Furthermore, the consistent availability of guar seed and subdued raw material cost pressure provided no upward push to prices.

The quarter reflected a typical post-yearend slowdown with limited restocking interest. According to PriceWatch, the quarter ended with Guar Gum prices assessed at USD 1438 per metric ton Ex-Jodhpur (Food Grade). 

Q2 2024

Guar Gum prices followed an upward trajectory during the initial months of Q2 2024, driven by robust export demand from global food and beverage manufacturers, particularly in the USA and Europe. April and May saw strong order volumes supported by seasonal consumption trends and stabilizer applications in processed foods.

However, by June, the market began to cool off as procurement slowed and international buyers postponed fresh purchases in anticipation of a price correction. Additionally, steady guar seed arrivals and weakening buyer sentiment contributed to the easing of prices toward the quarter’s end. According to PriceWatch, the quarter ended with Guar Gum prices assessed at USD 1564 per metric ton FOB JNPT (Food Grade). 

Q3 2024

Guar Gum prices showed a volatile trend over Q3 2024. The quarter opened with soft pricing in July, reflecting reduced demand from domestic processors and limited export orders. August saw a temporary rebound as manufacturers ramped up procurement in anticipation of festive-season production and increased activity in the bakery and dairy sectors.

However, this momentum weakened in September, with subdued offtake from the food-grade segment and steady guar seed availability keeping price sentiment under pressure. The absence of strong bulk demand, both domestically and internationally, prevented any sustained recovery. According to PriceWatch, the quarter ended with Guar Gum prices assessed at USD 1591 per metric ton Ex-Jodhpur (Food Grade). 

Q4 2024

Guar Gum prices began Q4 2024 on a firm note, with October seeing improved export demand from international buyers in the food, beverage, and pet food sectors ahead of year-end inventory restocking.

However, the bullish trend reversed in November and continued into December, as global procurement slowed following early stockpiling and buyers turned cautious due to ample inventories and subdued end-use consumption.

Additionally, stable guar seed prices and minimal logistical bottlenecks limited cost pressures for exporters. Competitive offerings from rival origins also capped any upward movement. According to PriceWatch, the quarter ended at USD 1564 per metric ton FOB JNPT (Food Grade). 

guar gum Parameters Covered: 

Upstream
  • Guar Seed (Cyamopsis spp.)
  • Water
  • Agricultural Inputs
Downstream
  • Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids (Oil & Gas)
  • Food Thickeners (Ice Cream, Sauces, Bakery)
  • Textile Printing & Sizing Agents
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care (Creams, Shampoos)
  • Pharmaceuticals (Binder, Stabilizer)
  • Paper Manufacturing (Wet-end additive)
  • Animal Feed Additive
  • Explosives (Slurry binding agent)
  • Mining & Ore Flotation
  • Detergent Thickener
  • Pet Food Binder
  • Beverage Stabilizer
  • Weight Loss & Fiber Supplements
  • Industrial Adhesives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Tobacco Processing
Major supplying countries
  • India
  • Pakistan
Major importing countries
  • USA
  • Germany
  • China
  • Russia
  • France
  • Japan
  • Netherlands
  • Canada
  • South Korea
  • Italy
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom
  • Brazil
  • Australia
  • Thailand
  • UAE

guar gum Parameters Covered: 

Upstream
  • Guar Seed (Cyamopsis spp.)
  • Water
  • Agricultural Inputs
Downstream
  • Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids (Oil & Gas)
  • Food Thickeners (Ice Cream, Sauces, Bakery)
  • Textile Printing & Sizing Agents
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care (Creams, Shampoos)
  • Pharmaceuticals (Binder, Stabilizer)
  • Paper Manufacturing (Wet-end additive)
  • Animal Feed Additive
  • Explosives (Slurry binding agent)
  • Mining & Ore Flotation
  • Detergent Thickener
  • Pet Food Binder
  • Beverage Stabilizer
  • Weight Loss & Fiber Supplements
  • Industrial Adhesives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Tobacco Processing
Major supplying countries
  • India
  • Pakistan
Major importing countries
  • USA
  • Germany
  • China
  • Russia
  • France
  • Japan
  • Netherlands
  • Canada
  • South Korea
  • Italy
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom
  • Brazil
  • Australia
  • Thailand
  • UAE

Specifications

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

50,000 to 8,000,000 g/mol

CAS No

9000-30-0

HS Code

Molecular Formula

C₁₀H₁₄N₅Na₂O₁₂P₃
guar gum

Guar gum is a natural, water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from guar beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). It is a white to off-white powder that functions as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. Due to its high viscosity and compatibility with a wide range of formulations, guar gum is extensively used in industries such as food processing, oil & gas (for hydraulic fracturing fluids), textiles, paper, and cosmetics. It is valued for its cost-effectiveness and strong gelling and binding capabilities in aqueous solutions.

Packaging Type

25Kg Bags

Grades Covered

Food Grade

Incoterms Used

Ex-Jodhpur, FOB JNPT, CIF Shanghai (India), CIF Houston (India), CIF Hamburg (India), CIF Santos (India).

Synonym

Guaran

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28MT

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.

Property  Specification 
Appearance  Off-white to pale yellow fine powder 
Odor  Odorless or slight natural odor 
Mesh Size  100–300 mesh (as required) 
Moisture (%)  ≤10 
Ash Content (%)  ≤1.5 
Protein (%)  ≤5 
pH (1% soln)  5.5 – 7.0 
Viscosity (1% soln, 25°C)  3000–7000 cps (Brookfield, as per grade) 
Galactomannan Content  ≥75–85% (main active polymer) 
Solubility  Soluble in cold water, forms viscous gel 
Heavy Metals (ppm)  ≤10 ppm (for food/pharma grade) 
Storage Conditions  Store in cool, dry place 

Applications

Guar Gum is a natural hydrocolloid known for its thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying properties, making it valuable across multiple sectors. In the oil & gas industry, it plays a vital role in hydraulic fracturing fluids as a viscosifier. The food industry uses guar gum in ice creams, sauces, dairy products, and bakery items to improve texture and shelf life. In textiles, it serves as a sizing agent and thickener in printing pastes. The paper industry uses it to improve sheet formation and folding strength. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations use guar gum for stabilizing emulsions, suspensions, and gels. Additionally, it is employed in animal feed, explosives, and mining for its binding and water retention capabilities. 

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Guar Gum prices

  • Weak Monsoon & Drought Conditions (2018 & 2023): In both 2018 and 2023, key guar-producing states like Rajasthan and Haryana experienced weak monsoon and drought-like conditions, which significantly reduced guar seed yields. This supply shortage pushed prices upward. Additionally, in 2023, traders engaged in heavy stocking due to uncertainty around the monsoon. 
  • Speculative Buying by Traders (2023): With crude oil prices stabilizing and export prospects improving in 2023, traders began stockpiling guar splits and guar gum. This speculative buying caused a sharp short-term price surge, which later stabilized once the supply-demand balance normalized. 
  • Export Demand Revival Post-COVID (2022): After 2022, oilfield activities resumed, especially in the USA, Russia, and the Middle East, which led to a recovery in guar gum demand. This revival supported both market sentiment and price recovery. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic & Crude Oil Crash (2020–2021): During the COVID-19 period, global oil demand collapsed, directly impacting guar gum, which is primarily used in oilfield drilling. The fall in crude oil prices led to weak demand, pushing guar gum prices downward. Moreover, lockdowns caused major disruptions in supply chains. 


These events highlight the
Guar Gum market’s sensitivity to various global factors, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring of supply and demand trends.
 

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global guar gum price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the guar gum 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 guar gum prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely guar gum market data.

Track PriceWatch's guar gum 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.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions.
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major Guar gum production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics.
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Guar gum supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., Hydrogen peroxide) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Monsoon & Crop Health Monitoring: PriceWatch continuously tracks India’s southwest monsoon performance, acreage sown, and rainfall patterns across guar-growing regions. Any droughts or rainfall excess are immediately factored into price projections. 
  • Crude Oil Price Fluctuations: Since guar gum is widely used in oilfield drilling (especially in the U.S. shale sector), we analyze the relationship between crude oil prices and guar gum demand trends. 
  • Government Policies & Export Restrictions: We assess the impact of export incentives, trade bans, or changes in minimum support prices (MSP) that influence guar trade flows and market dynamics. 
  • Speculative Activities: Guar gum prices are often impacted by speculative hoarding by traders or sudden bulk buying. PriceWatch closely monitors trading behavior on MCX and spot markets to detect such trends. 

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Seed Sowing & Yield Projections: PriceWatch tracks pre-sowing surveys, rainfall onset, and seed availability to estimate upcoming crop sizes. Post-harvest, we analyze mandi arrivals and farmer holding patterns to refine our supply forecasts. 
  • Processing Unit Monitoring: We maintain a live database of major guar gum processing plants, including capacity utilization rates, export volumes, and domestic stock levels. 
  • Inventory & Export Stock Levels: Real-time tracking of warehouse stocks, trading inventories, and port-level shipment movements enables us to assess near-term supply tightness or surplus. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Guar Gum production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization. 

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including agriculture and electronics. 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 how they influence global Guar Gum 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 Guar Gum 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 a range of 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 up-to-date 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 Guar Gum pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

50,000 to 8,000,000 g/mol

CAS No

9000-30-0

HS Code

Molecular Formula

C₁₀H₁₄N₅Na₂O₁₂P₃
guar gum

Guar gum is a natural, water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from guar beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). It is a white to off-white powder that functions as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. Due to its high viscosity and compatibility with a wide range of formulations, guar gum is extensively used in industries such as food processing, oil & gas (for hydraulic fracturing fluids), textiles, paper, and cosmetics. It is valued for its cost-effectiveness and strong gelling and binding capabilities in aqueous solutions.

Packaging Type

25Kg Bags

Grades Covered

Food Grade

Incoterms Used

Ex-Jodhpur, FOB JNPT, CIF Shanghai (India), CIF Houston (India), CIF Hamburg (India), CIF Santos (India).

Synonym

Guaran

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28MT

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.

Property  Specification 
Appearance  Off-white to pale yellow fine powder 
Odor  Odorless or slight natural odor 
Mesh Size  100–300 mesh (as required) 
Moisture (%)  ≤10 
Ash Content (%)  ≤1.5 
Protein (%)  ≤5 
pH (1% soln)  5.5 – 7.0 
Viscosity (1% soln, 25°C)  3000–7000 cps (Brookfield, as per grade) 
Galactomannan Content  ≥75–85% (main active polymer) 
Solubility  Soluble in cold water, forms viscous gel 
Heavy Metals (ppm)  ≤10 ppm (for food/pharma grade) 
Storage Conditions  Store in cool, dry place 

Applications

Guar Gum is a natural hydrocolloid known for its thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying properties, making it valuable across multiple sectors. In the oil & gas industry, it plays a vital role in hydraulic fracturing fluids as a viscosifier. The food industry uses guar gum in ice creams, sauces, dairy products, and bakery items to improve texture and shelf life. In textiles, it serves as a sizing agent and thickener in printing pastes. The paper industry uses it to improve sheet formation and folding strength. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations use guar gum for stabilizing emulsions, suspensions, and gels. Additionally, it is employed in animal feed, explosives, and mining for its binding and water retention capabilities. 

Guar Gum 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 guar gum. 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.

Guar Gum prices are influenced by multiple factors, including global demand (especially from the oil & gas and food industries), availability of guar seeds, monsoon performance in India (key growing regions like Rajasthan and Haryana), and crude oil prices, which drive oilfield drilling demand. Additional factors include export trends, trader stocking behavior, and logistics costs. Currency fluctuations and government policies also contribute to price volatility.

Procurement professionals can forecast trends by analyzing historical pricing, crop sowing and rainfall patterns, Brent crude oil movements, and global export-import data. Subscribing to industry market intelligence platforms like PriceWatch, monitoring commodity exchange data, and engaging with processors/traders directly helps build a more accurate outlook.

With rising focus on sustainable sourcing, guar gum certified for non-GMO, organic, or responsible farming practices may command premium pricing. However, it can boost a company’s ESG profile, especially in food and cosmetic applications. Complying with international safety standards also increases documentation and traceability requirements, impacting overall costs.