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.
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.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
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HS Code
Molecular Formula
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
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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.
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 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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