Hydroquinone Price Trend

Hydroquinone Prices December 2023

The price of hydroquinone in the USA for Q4 2023 reached 4520 USD/MT (Hydroquinone Photographic Grade) in December. This was primarily caused by reduced need for the material and the accumulation of surplus inventory. To address these excess supplies, key market players strategically destocked their inventories at lower quotations and lowered margins to clear the existing stock.

The price trend for hydroquinone in China reached 5860 USD/MT (Hydroquinone Photographic Grade) in Q4 2023. The prices decreased by an average of 3.08% quarterly and this price fluctuation is attributed to reduced need from downstream industries, stable raw material cost, and destocking of inventories. The consequence was a surplus of hydroquinone, enabling key market players to take drastic measures to clear the inventory and manage complicated market conditions.

In France, hydroquinone prices reached 6470 USD/MT (Hydroquinone Photographic Grade) in Q4 2023, influenced by reduced demand and surplus inventory among suppliers. There was also a decrease in crude oil production, coupled with an anticipated decline in demand, thereby exerting a downward pressure on hydroquinone prices.

Hydroquinone Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Hydroquinone Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” offers an in-depth analysis of hydroquinone pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot price of hydroquinone at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of hydroquinone price trend across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing hydroquinone price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Hydroquinone Market Analysis

The global hydroquinone market size reached 81 Thousand Tons in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 117.3 Thousand Tons, at a projected CAGR of 4.20% during 2023-2032.

• Hydroquinone is a white crystalline compound that is primarily used as an inhibitor in polymerization and to produce antioxidants in plastic. The rising production of plastic for packaging purposes is impelling the growth. According to the IMARC Group, the plastic industry is expected to reach US$ 829.7 Billion by 2032. This will further catalyze the demand for hydroquinone to enhance plastic production.
• Hydroquinone is a popular ingredient in hyperpigmentation removing creams, which is required for lightening dark patches of skin like melasma, liver spots, freckles, and age spots. Hydroquinone cream functions by blocking the procedure that leads to discoloration on the skin. As per a report presented by the American Academy of Dermatology Association in 2022, the treatment of melasma is one of the most common reasons that people who have a darker complexion visit a dermatologist.
• Hydroquinone is also employed in water cooling towers as a rust inhibitor. It functions by inhibiting the oxidation procedure that can lead to the formation of sludge and rust scales. These byproducts can severely compromise the efficiency and longevity of cooling systems by restricting the flow of water and heat transfer. Moreover, the increasing construction of industrial infrastructure around the world is driving the demand for water cooling towers. According to the International Yearbook of Industrial Statistics 2023, published by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), there was a 2.3% growth in industrial sectors, encompassing manufacturing, mining, electricity, water supply, waste management, and other utilities.
• Hydroquinone is also widely utilized as a stabilizer in paints and varnishes to prevent polymerization. It prevents the occurrence of unwanted chemical reactions during the storage and application of paints, which are crucial for home improvement projects. Moreover, on the basis of the information provided by the Joint Center for Housing Centers of Harvard University (JCHS), home improvement project spending grew from $328 billion in 2019 to $472 billion in 2022, with an estimated 2024 spending of $485 billion.

Hydroquinone News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global hydroquinone market, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in hydroquinone production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that impact the hydroquinone price trend.

Latest developments in the hydroquinone industry:

• February 2023: Solvay launched ISCC PLUS certified mass balance hydroquinone and hydroquinone monomethylether to meet the demand for enhanced sustainability and reduce carbon footprint of various markets.
• January 2021: Admire My Skin launched its new ultrapotent brightening serum containing 2% hydroquinone along with kojic acid, azelaic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C.

Product Description

Hydroquinone is a white crystalline reducing phenol that structurally contains benzene rings with two hydroxyl groups. It is often manufactured by the dialkylation of benzene with propene. It is widely utilized in photographic papers and films, thereby improving the quality and development of photographic images. It is employed to control the polymerization process in the production of plastics and rubbers. It restricts premature polymerization of monomers like styrene and vinyl acetate. It is widely employed as a skin lightening agent in various creams and serums, which function by inhibiting the production of melanin and the formation of dark spots. It is also adopted as an antioxidant in various food products to reduce the occurrence of oxidation, which can alter the properties of consumable items.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the hydroquinone market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends, price forecast and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the hydroquinone price trend.

Global Hydroquinone Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global hydroquinone pricing trends in the form of hydroquinone price charts, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level. This comprehensive analysis not only highlights current price of hydroquinone but also provides insights into historical price trends, enabling stakeholders to understand past fluctuations and their underlying causes.

The report also delves into price forecast models, projecting future price movements based on a variety of indicators such as expected changes in supply chain dynamics, anticipated policy shifts, and emerging market trends. By examining these factors, the report equips industry participants with the necessary tools to make informed strategic decisions, manage risks, and capitalize on market opportunities. Furthermore, it includes a detailed hydroquinone demand analysis, breaking down regional variations and identifying key drivers specific to each geographic market, thus offering a nuanced understanding of the global pricing landscape.

Europe Hydroquinone Price

The European region has experienced a bearish price trend owing to inadequate supplier cost support and weak demand fundamentals in both domestic and international markets. It was further exacerbated by cautious procurement practices, minimized user preferences, and a general weakness in the downstream industries. Moreover, the global economic deceleration and heightened inflation further influenced the market dynamic, leading to tighter financial situations and decreased investments in the sector.

This analysis can be extended to include detailed hydroquinone price information for a comprehensive list of countries.

North America Hydroquinone Price

In North America, the hydroquinone market has witnessed a downward trend due to diminished requirements both domestically and internationally. This decline was triggered by a decrement in inquiries from downstream industries and the accumulation of excess inventory among suppliers. Apart from this, the market was impacted by lower prices of the raw materials like phenol and challenges in efficient inventory management.

Specific hydroquinone historical data within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Hydroquinone Price

The report explores the hydroquinone pricing trends in the Middle East and Africa, considering factors like regional industrial growth, the availability of natural resources, and geopolitical tensions that uniquely influence market prices.

In addition to region-wise data, information on hydroquinone prices for countries can also be provided.

Asia Pacific Hydroquinone Price

The hydroquinone pricing in the Asia Pacific region faced innumerable challenges causing price fluctuations. The sluggish Chinese economy, reclining demand from downstream industries, and over supply of hydroquinone from the local market was responsible for reducing the prices. Additionally, the ongoing economic uncertainties and weak foreign demand further contributed to the pricing volatility in the region.

This hydroquinone price analysis can be expanded to include a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Hydroquinone Price

The analysis of hydroquinone prices in Latin America provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of hydroquinone pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting hydroquinone price trend, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The hydroquinone price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.