Polyacrylamide Pricing Assessment
UNSPC: 12162002

  • Commodity Pricing

polyacrylamide Markets Covered: 

cnChina
inIndia
bdBangladesh
idIndonesia
phPhilippines
trTurkey
vnVietnam
pePeru

polyacrylamide Markets Covered: 

Global polyacrylamide Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In Q1 2025, PAM (Polyacrylamide) prices saw a minor decline of 0.59%, settling at USD 2038/MT. The typical post-Lunar New Year slowdown impacted demand, with buyers adopting a wait-and-watch approach amid lingering economic uncertainty. Domestic consumption remained limited, particularly in the oil and gas sector, and some international buyers held off on purchases in anticipation of lower pricing. Although raw material prices held firm, abundant stock levels and soft spot demand prompted minor price corrections to stimulate trade activity. 

In Q4 2024, prices rose again by 1.99%, averaging USD 2050/MT. The increase was attributed to higher end-of-year procurement from domestic distributors and industrial users, aiming to secure supplies ahead of potential cost escalations in early 2025. Demand remained healthy from the water treatment and paper sectors, while improved export volumes to South Asia added further support. Operating costs were moderately elevated due to sustained raw material pricing and stricter environmental controls, which curtailed output at some facilities and lent upward pressure on prices. 

In Q3 2024, Polyacrylamide (PAM) prices increased marginally by 0.90%, reaching USD 2010/MT. The market remained firm, supported by stable demand from key industries, particularly water treatment and mining. Though some seasonal slowing was observed during the summer, production remained disciplined, helping maintain the supply-demand balance. Raw material costs for acrylonitrile stayed consistent, and suppliers held firm on prices in light of stable operating margins. Export activity remained in line with the previous quarter, sustaining optimism in the market. 

Prices increased sharply by 8.14% in Q2 2024, reaching USD 1992/MT. The rise was driven by a resurgence in domestic industrial activity post-holidays, especially in sectors like mining, wastewater treatment, and enhanced oil recovery, all key users of Polyacrylamide (PAM). Rising cost of feedstock, particularly acrylonitrile, pushed up the overall production expenses. Export demand also improved, with notable orders from Southeast Asia and Africa. In addition, logistical disruptions in some regions prompted buyers to secure volumes early, further supporting the upward price movement. Sentiment remained strong as inventories gradually declined and suppliers regained pricing power. 

Polyacrylamide (PAM) prices in China saw a 3.81% drop, settling at USD 1842/MT in Q1 2024. The decrease was largely attributed to the seasonal lull in manufacturing and logistics activity around the Lunar New Year holidays. Demand remained soft from both domestic and export markets, especially in the chemical and textile sectors. Buyers adopted a cautious procurement strategy amid macroeconomic uncertainty, while producers faced margin pressure due to weakening sales. Though acrylonitrile prices dipped slightly, this cost advantage was not enough to offset the impact of excess supply and subdued downstream consumption. 

India polyacrylamide Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

CIF India prices surged by 6.21% to USD 2120/MT, while India Ex-Pune prices dipped slightly by 0.90% to USD 2637/MT. The uptick in CIF values was driven by a rise in Chinese Polyacrylamide (PAM) prices and constrained availability due to plant maintenance and shipping delays. Indian importers faced longer lead times, leading to tighter spot availability and firmer offers. However, the domestic market remained well-supplied, and Ex-Works prices corrected mildly due to soft post-holiday demand and cautious procurement by downstream players. The widening spread between CIF and Ex-Pune indicated growing import cost pressure, possibly prompting substitution with domestic supplies. 

CIF India prices dipped by 3.06% to USD 1996/MT, while Ex-Pune prices edged up slightly by 0.57% to USD 2661/MT. The divergence between import and domestic pricing indicated strong local demand resilience despite softening global prices. Traders reported sluggish import interest amid increased competition and improved domestic supply availability. Domestic manufacturers benefited from stable end-user demand and offered limited price discounts, particularly in western and southern India. Meanwhile, softer Chinese prices and easing freight contributed to the decline in CIF values. 

Prices remained stable in Q3 2024, with CIF India inching up by just 0.15% to USD 2059/MT and India Ex-Pune rising by 1.81% to USD 2646/MT. The monsoon season led to a temporary slowdown in demand from construction-related sectors, but steady offtake from municipal water treatment projects and mining operations prevented any major correction. Domestic prices remained slightly elevated, supported by consistent demand and supply-side discipline. Meanwhile, import pricing was influenced by stable freight rates and balanced inventories. 

CIF India prices rose sharply by 8.27% to USD 2056/MT, while India Ex-Pune prices increased by 8.52% to USD 2599/MT. The increase reflected a post-fiscal revival in industrial activity, especially in wastewater treatment, EOR (enhanced oil recovery), and paper manufacturing sectors. Additionally, a rebound in import demand amid tighter supply from Chinese manufacturers drove up CIF values. Domestic producers raised prices in tandem, citing higher raw material and energy costs. The narrowing price gap between CIF and Ex-Works also suggested increasing competition from imports. 

In Q1 2024, both CIF and India Ex-Works prices declined modestly, by 2.01% and 2.00% respectively, with CIF India settling at USD 1899/MT and Ex-Pune prices at USD 2395/MT. The market slowdown during the quarter, driven by reduced demand from oilfield and infrastructure sectors during the fiscal year-end and elections, contributed to this drop. Import activity was also subdued amid weak rupee valuation and cautious restocking by buyers. Domestic manufacturers adjusted prices downward to remain competitive with imports, but local demand remained largely unenthusiastic. 

polyacrylamide Parameters Covered: 

  • Acrylamide
  • Acrylonitrile
  • China
  • Water treatment
  • Oil and Gas
  • Pulp and Paper
  • Mining
  • Agriculture
  • Cosmetics
  • India
  • Bangladesh
  • Indonesia
  • Philippines
  • Turkey
  • Vietnam
  • Peru

polyacrylamide Parameters Covered: 

  • Acrylamide
  • Acrylonitrile
  • China
  • Water treatment
  • Oil and Gas
  • Pulp and Paper
  • Mining
  • Agriculture
  • Cosmetics
  • India
  • Bangladesh
  • Indonesia
  • Philippines
  • Turkey
  • Vietnam
  • Peru

Why PriceWatch?

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

Track PriceWatch's polyacrylamide 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 Polyacrylamide prices

  • Geopolitical Tensions (2023-2024): Ongoing geopolitical issues, including tensions between major global players and trade disputes, impacted the availability and prices of raw materials. These tensions led to disruptions in supply chains and increased costs for shipping and logistics. As a result, the prices of polyacrylamide experienced fluctuations as manufacturers navigated the challenging landscape.
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2019-2020): The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions across industries, leading to initial declines in demand for polyacrylamide as projects were delayed or halted. However, as economies began to recover, demand surged again, particularly in the water treatment and oil and gas sectors. The recovery led to increased prices, exacerbated by ongoing supply chain challenges and logistical issues that hindered the timely distribution of products. 
  • Increased Demand from Water Treatment (2017-2018): Concerns over water scarcity and environmental pollution surged globally, prompting governments and industries to invest more in water treatment solutions. As polyacrylamide is widely used as a flocculant in water treatment processes, demand increased significantly. This surge led to price increases, as manufacturers struggled to keep pace with the heightened consumption from both municipal and industrial applications. 
  • Oil Price Collapse (2015-2016): The price of crude oil plummeted in mid-2015 due to oversupply and reduced demand, leading to a significant drop in the cost of petrochemical feedstocks. Polyacrylamide, primarily derived from acrylonitrile and acrylic acid, saw production costs decrease. Consequently, manufacturers were able to pass these savings on to consumers, resulting in a notable decline in polyacrylamide prices. This period marked a significant opportunity for companies in water treatment and oil recovery sectors to source the material at more favourable rates. 

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 Polyacrylamide production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Polyacrylamide supply chain, from raw material availability to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact Polyacrylamide prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as typhoons and floods on Polyacrylamide production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., automotive, packaging), to predict shifts in Polyacrylamide demand and corresponding price movements. 

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global Polyacrylamide production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Polyacrylamide 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 packaging, automotive, and construction. 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 Polyacrylamide 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 Polyacrylamide 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 Polyacrylamide pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

CAS No

9003-05-8

HS Code

39069090 

Molecular Formula

(C3H5NO)n
polyacrylamide

Produced from acrylamide monomer, synthesized from petroleum-derived acrylonitrile, Polyacrylamide is a water-soluble polymer with diverse properties. These include flocculation, thickening, and stabilization, making it suitable for various applications.

Packaging Type

Bags

Grades Covered

Cationic PAM

Incoterms Used

FOB China, CIF India (China), CIF Bangladesh (China), CIF Indonesia (China), CIF Philippines (China), CIF Turkey (China), CIF Vietnam (China), CIF Peru (China)

Synonym

PAM

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28 MT(Global), 10-15 MT(India)

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 granular solid 
Cationic charge  Low 
Molecular weight  High 
Specific gravity  0.75 
Bulk density (lb/ft3)  46.8 
Ph 1% solution  4-6 

Applications

Polyacrylamide is a versatile polymer widely used across various industries due to its exceptional water-absorption and flocculation properties. In water treatment, it serves as a flocculant to remove suspended solids and clarify water, making it essential for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. In the agriculture sector, polyacrylamide improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and reduces erosion, leading to more efficient irrigation practices. It is also utilized in the oil and gas industry for enhanced oil recovery, helping to increase the efficiency of extraction processes. Additionally, in the paper manufacturing sector, polyacrylamide enhances the retention of fibers and fillers, improving paper quality. Furthermore, it finds applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where it is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in various formulations. Overall, the multifunctional nature of polyacrylamide makes it a critical component in diverse applications aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability. 

Polyacrylamide 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 polyacrylamide. 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.

Polyacrylamide pricing is primarily influenced by several key drivers, including the costs of raw materials, such as acrylonitrile and acrylic acid, which are derived from petrochemicals. Fluctuations in crude oil prices significantly affect these raw material costs. Additionally, supply chain dynamics, including transportation expenses and production capacity constraints, play a crucial role. Demand from various sectors—such as water treatment, agriculture, and oil recovery—also impacts pricing. Seasonal variations, geopolitical factors, and environmental regulations further contribute to pricing volatility, making it essential for procurement heads to stay informed about these trends.

Global economic conditions significantly influence polyacrylamide pricing through their impact on supply and demand dynamics. Economic growth in regions such as Asia and North America often leads to increased industrial activity, driving up demand for polyacrylamide in applications like water treatment and oil recovery. Conversely, economic downturns can result in reduced demand, leading to price declines. Additionally, inflationary pressures can raise production costs and logistics expenses, further affecting pricing. Procurement heads should closely monitor economic indicators, trade policies, and market forecasts to make informed decisions regarding polyacrylamide procurement strategies.

Environmental regulations have a significant impact on polyacrylamide pricing by influencing production practices and sourcing materials. Stricter regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices can lead to increased production costs, as manufacturers may need to invest in cleaner technologies or alternative feedstocks. Furthermore, compliance with these regulations can restrict supply if production facilities are required to shut down or modify operations. As sustainability becomes a priority for many industries, procurement heads must consider the potential cost implications of environmental regulations and explore sourcing options that align with sustainability goals while maintaining competitive pricing.

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