Menu
Menu
China
Germany
United States
India
Mexico
Vietnam
FranceIn the first quarter of 2025, the global paraffin wax market continued to decline, influenced by ongoing weak demand, surplus inventories, and slow recovery in major economies. In China, prices decreased to $1,175 per metric ton, down 1.6%, as industrial activity remained subdued following the Lunar New Year and buyers remained cautious. Europe also saw slight drops, with France and Germany reporting prices at $2,002/MT and $1,971/MT, falling 0.5% and 0.6%, respectively, due to steady but muted demand in industries like packaging and personal care. In the Americas, the downward trend persisted—U.S. prices slipped to $1,383/MT, a 2.0% decrease, while Mexico’s prices dropped more sharply by 4.1% to $1,250/MT, both impacted by reduced seasonal demand and elevated inventory levels. Vietnam followed suit, with a 1.9% decline to $1,223/MT. The market continued to reflect the weak outlook from the end of 2024, as excess supply and lacklustre demand from end-use sectors kept prices suppressed.
In the Q4 of 2024, global paraffin wax prices softened further due to easing demand, high stock levels, and year-end trading slowdowns. Chinese prices dipped to $1,194/MT, reflecting a 1.2% decrease amid low industrial output and an oversupplied market. Europe showed minor upward movement—France and Germany recorded small gains to $2,013/MT and $1,982/MT, rising 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively—though the overall outlook remained cautious as economic recovery remained slow. In North America, the U.S. experienced a more substantial drop to $1,411/MT, down 10.0%, driven by weakened seasonal interest, elevated inventories, and improved supply availability. Mexico’s market also declined, with prices down 6.2% to $1,303/MT, while Vietnam saw a 3.6% reduction to $1,248/MT as trade across the region slowed. The quarter concluded with bearish undertones, shaped by softer demand and normalized logistics that further weakened pricing support.
In the third quarter of 2024, paraffin wax prices presented a mixed picture, with regional differences in performance. In China, prices eased slightly by 1.0% to $1,208/MT, reflecting stable supply and moderate consumption. European prices in France and Germany declined to $2,004/MT and $1,975/MT, respectively, each down by 0.9% due to continued cautious market sentiment and limited industrial demand. The Americas showed more positive momentum—U.S. prices climbed 7.3% to $1,569/MT, supported by strong demand in food packaging and tighter supply conditions. Mexico saw a 4.0% increase to $1,390/MT, driven by healthier industrial orders. Vietnam posted a slight gain of 0.3%, with prices reaching $1,295/MT amid consistent regional demand. While softness persisted in Asia and Europe, gains in the Americas helped maintain broader market balance.
In the second quarter of 2024, paraffin wax prices reflected a slight downward bias shaped by global supply-demand dynamics and regional economic variability. China’s market fell 1.3% to $1,220/MT due to steady output and reduced buying interest tied to slower manufacturing activity. European prices continued to decline—France dropped 6.4% to $2,021/MT, and Germany declined 6.5% to $1,993/MT—pressured by ongoing industrial weakness and economic uncertainty. The U.S. market edged up 0.6% to $1,462/MT, supported by consistent demand and stabilized logistics. Mexico’s prices declined modestly by 0.3% to $1,336/MT, while Vietnam’s market saw a 0.7% drop to $1,291/MT amid softer demand. Overall, prices across the board were influenced by cautious purchasing behaviour but remained relatively stable due to ongoing baseline demand in key sectors.
In Q1 2024, the paraffin wax market exhibited mixed but fairly resilient movement globally, as regional dynamics shaped market performance. In China, prices fell to $1,236/MT, a 2.5% decrease, attributed to steady production and low demand from candles and packaging. In Europe, steeper declines were observed, with France’s prices falling by 10.7% to $2,160 per metric ton and Germany’s dropping by 10.8% to $2,132 per metric ton, primarily due to economic strain, elevated energy expenses, and reduced demand from downstream industries. On the other hand, the U.S. market gained 7.8%, with prices rising to $1,453/MT amid strong seasonal needs and limited imports. Mexico and Vietnam also posted minor gains, with prices increasing to $1,340/MT (2.6%) and $1,300/MT (0.6%), respectively, supported by consistent domestic demand and slight logistical issues. Despite minor shipping disruptions, the overall market held steady thanks to firm demand in key applications.
During Q1 2025, India’s Paraffin Wax market saw mixed trends. CIF China prices rose slightly by 0.6% to $1,267/MT due to steady export orders, indicating consistent demand for Indian exports. However, Ex-Hazira prices plunged by 10.8% to $1,183/MT due to significant domestic oversupply and sluggish demand, reflecting a weakened local market driven by reduced industrial activity and excess inventory.
During Q4 2024, India’s market softened. CIF China prices edged down by 0.1% to $1,261/MT as export demand remained stable, but overall market conditions were subdued. Ex-Hazira prices fell more sharply by 3.3% to $1,326/MT due to weaker domestic consumption and reduced procurement from downstream industries, as high inventory levels and low industrial activity persisted.
During Q3 2024, India’s market showed a contrasting pattern. CIF China prices rose slightly by 0.7% to $1,263/MT due to stable export inquiries, particularly for packaging and personal care products, maintaining steady export flows. However, Ex-Hazira prices slipped by 0.7% to $1,372/MT as sufficient domestic stock and moderate consumption led to lower procurement within the country.
During Q2 2024, India presented a divergent picture. CIF China prices edged down slightly by 0.2% to $1,253/MT due to stable export flows, reflecting consistent demand from export markets. In contrast, Ex-Hazira prices climbed 4.2% to $1,381/MT, supported by improved domestic demand, particularly from the food and personal care sectors, and tighter supply within the local market due to some supply chain disruptions.
During Q1 2024, India’s market displayed a mixed trend. CIF China prices held steady at $1,256/MT (0.0%) amid consistent export demand, particularly from stable demand sectors such as packaging and cosmetics. On the other hand, Ex-Hazira prices dropped by 7.0% to $1,326/MT due to excess domestic supply and sluggish industrial buying, as demand for paraffin wax remained low in key industries due to economic slowdowns and high inventory levels.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global paraffin wax price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the paraffin wax 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 paraffin wax prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely paraffin wax market data.
Track PriceWatch's paraffin wax 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.
These events underscore the Paraffin Wax market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.
This research methodology ensures that Price-Watch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Paraffin Wax pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Paraffin wax is a white, odorless, and tasteless solid derived from petroleum. It is a highly refined hydrocarbon with a melting point typically ranging from 46 to 68°C. Widely used in various industries, paraffin wax is commonly utilized in candle making, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. It also serves as a coating material for food and pharmaceuticals, providing moisture protection and extending shelf life. Additionally, paraffin wax is used in packaging, rubber, and textile industries for its lubricating and insulating properties. Its versatility, low cost, and ease of use make it a popular choice in diverse applications.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
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.
| Properties | Specifications |
| Melting point (°C) | 58-60 °C |
| Oil content (%) | 0.8 % max |
| Color no. | + 27 |
| Light stability | 4 max |
| Odor no. | 1 max |
| Needle penetration (25°C) (1/10mm) | 19 max |
Applications
Paraffin wax, a versatile hydrocarbon material derived from petroleum, is widely used in various applications due to its excellent properties, such as water resistance and thermal stability. One of its major applications is in the candle industry, where it serves as the primary ingredient for creating long-burning and evenly melting candles. Additionally, paraffin wax is employed in food packaging, as it creates a moisture barrier to extend shelf life, and in cosmetics, where it is used for its emollient properties in creams and lotions. Its utility also extends to industrial applications, including lubrication and sealing, making it a staple in both consumer and commercial products.
Paraffin wax pricing fluctuations are primarily driven by factors such as crude oil prices, production costs, and demand cycles. Seasonal variations, especially during holiday seasons when demand for candles and packaging increases, can also impact prices. Additionally, changes in regulations and environmental policies affecting production can lead to cost adjustments. Staying informed about these drivers helps procurement heads make strategic purchasing decisions.
Geopolitical events can significantly affect paraffin wax pricing by disrupting supply chains and impacting oil production. Political instability in oil-producing regions can lead to supply shortages, causing prices to rise. Additionally, trade tariffs and sanctions can alter import costs, influencing overall market prices. Procurement heads should monitor global news and geopolitical developments to anticipate potential pricing shifts and adjust procurement strategies accordingly.
Sustainability practices increasingly influence the pricing of paraffin wax. Suppliers that adopt eco-friendly production methods may have higher costs, which can be reflected in pricing. As consumers and industries push for more sustainable products, the demand for bio-based or recycled paraffin wax alternatives is growing. Procurement heads should consider sustainability certifications and practices when evaluating suppliers, as these can impact both price and long-term supply reliability.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Nidhyana Price Watch Data Analytics Private Limited