News Release: July 30, 2025
Ultraviolet Absorbent Price, Production, Latest News and Developments in 2025
Ultraviolet Absorbent Price Trend and Production News
Ultraviolet Absorbent Price Trend in Past Five Years and Factors Impacting Price Movements
Over the past five years, the price trend of ultraviolet absorbents has experienced significant fluctuations driven by a combination of market demand, raw material costs, regulatory policies, and technological advancements. From 2020 to 2024, the average global price of ultraviolet absorbents ranged between $3,100/MT to $4,200/MT, with the highest prices observed during the supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
In 2020, the average price stood at approximately $3,200/MT. This was a year marked by the onset of the pandemic, where industrial output declined, and supply chains were heavily impacted. The slowdown in the cosmetics, coatings, and plastics industries led to reduced demand, keeping prices stable.
In 2021, the average ultraviolet absorbent price rose sharply to $3,800/MT. A surge in demand, particularly from the plastics and automotive sectors, coincided with constraints in production capacity due to lockdowns and global shipping delays. Additionally, rising costs of key raw materials such as benzotriazole and benzophenone compounds, which are essential components of many UV absorbents, contributed to the price spike.
In 2022, prices reached a peak at $4,200/MT. This increase was largely due to increased demand from emerging economies, especially in Asia-Pacific, and limited expansion in production capacity. Furthermore, stricter environmental regulations in key producing countries like China added pressure on supply, leading to reduced availability and elevated prices.
By 2023, ultraviolet absorbent prices began to stabilize, averaging around $3,600/MT. New production capacities, especially in India and Southeast Asia, started contributing to the global supply. Improved logistics and lower freight rates compared to the previous two years helped mitigate price pressure. However, the price remained relatively high due to sustained demand from the packaging, automotive, and personal care industries.
In early 2024, prices further eased to approximately $3,400/MT. This decline was driven by innovations in production methods, allowing for cost-effective synthesis. Simultaneously, the recycling and recovery of UV absorbents from used plastics and other materials also helped in reducing raw material dependency.
Factors that have consistently impacted the ultraviolet absorbent price trend include fluctuations in crude oil prices (as many UV absorbers are derived from petrochemicals), changing environmental regulations, and trade restrictions. Additionally, consumer preferences for UV-protected products, especially in skincare and plastic packaging, have driven up demand, often tightening supply and influencing price movements.
Overall, from 2020 to 2024, the ultraviolet absorbent market has shown a volatile yet upward trajectory in pricing, reflecting the interplay of demand, supply, and innovation. As we move into 2025, all indications suggest continued strong demand with moderate price adjustments based on regional production dynamics and policy interventions.
Ultraviolet Absorbent Price Trend Quarterly Update in $/MT (Estimated Quarterly Prices – 2025)
- Q1 2025: $3,500/MT
- Q2 2025: $3,580/MT
- Q3 2025: $3,620/MT
- Q4 2025: $3,670/MT
The steady increase throughout 2025 reflects consistent demand growth, particularly in automotive coatings and high-performance plastics. Rising ultraviolet absorbent sales volume in the packaging and electronics sectors is also a critical factor sustaining the price hike. While production expansions are expected in India and South Korea, rising costs of raw materials and stricter sustainability norms are keeping prices above $3,500/MT across quarters.
Global Ultraviolet Absorbent Import-Export Business Overview
The global ultraviolet absorbent market has evolved into a complex and high-value segment, integral to multiple industries such as cosmetics, plastics, coatings, and advanced packaging. As of 2025, the global ultraviolet absorbent production is concentrated in Asia-Pacific, while consumption is globally distributed with high demand from North America, Europe, and emerging markets in South America and the Middle East.
Asia-Pacific Leads in Production
China continues to dominate global ultraviolet absorbent production, accounting for nearly 40% of the global supply. However, due to environmental and emission control regulations, several small and mid-sized plants have scaled down operations. To meet domestic and export demand, large-scale manufacturers in provinces like Jiangsu and Zhejiang have ramped up output with improved technologies to enhance purity and efficiency.
India is emerging as a competitive exporter with expanding ultraviolet absorbent production facilities in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Indian manufacturers are leveraging cost-effective labor, strategic government subsidies, and the “Make in India” campaign to gain a stronger foothold in the global UV absorbent export market.
South Korea and Japan, though smaller in output volume, focus on high-grade ultraviolet absorbents used in electronics, semiconductors, and cosmetic formulations. Their export volumes to Europe and North America are increasing due to high product quality and environmental compliance.
North America and Europe Remain Major Importers
The United States and Germany are among the top importers of ultraviolet absorbents, driven by high demand in the automotive and personal care industries. While both countries have limited domestic production, they rely heavily on imports from China, Japan, and increasingly India.
In the US, stringent FDA approvals and quality norms push manufacturers to import high-purity UV absorbers suitable for medical and cosmetic applications. Germany, as a hub for engineering plastics and green coatings, demands advanced UV absorber formulations, many of which are sourced from Asia-Pacific producers.
Despite being major importers, countries in these regions are investing in R&D to create bio-based ultraviolet absorbents and reduce import dependence. However, commercialization of such products is still a few years away from scalability.
Emerging Markets and Shifting Trade Routes
In 2025, the ultraviolet absorbent sales volume in emerging economies like Brazil, Vietnam, and the UAE is growing rapidly. These markets are witnessing growth in UV-protected packaging, automotive coatings, and skincare sectors. As a result, import volumes have doubled over the past three years.
Brazil has emerged as a promising importer in South America. With a growing plastic industry and consumer shift towards high-performance materials, Brazilian companies are sourcing ultraviolet absorbents from both China and India.
In the Middle East, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing in specialty chemical processing, including UV absorber compounding. Imports to these countries have increased, and local players are entering into distribution partnerships with Asian manufacturers to ensure consistent supply and lower lead times.
Trade Challenges and Tariff Considerations
Despite positive demand momentum, the ultraviolet absorbent trade is affected by challenges such as anti-dumping duties, customs regulations, and transportation constraints. In 2024, the European Union imposed new tariffs on select ultraviolet absorbent imports from China, citing unfair subsidies and non-compliance with REACH standards. This led to a short-term shift in trade towards Indian and Korean exporters.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has also indirectly impacted the UV absorbent trade by disrupting supply chains and increasing energy costs. Increased freight charges and shipping insurance costs have added pressure on import prices, particularly for European buyers.
Sustainability and Future Outlook
Sustainability is playing a bigger role in global ultraviolet absorbent production and trade. Exporters that offer eco-friendly and REACH-compliant products are gaining preference in high-regulation markets like the EU and North America.
Digitalization is also impacting trade, with automated trading platforms and real-time pricing becoming more common. This has increased transparency and helped optimize procurement strategies for importers.
As of 2025, ultraviolet absorbent production is likely to continue expanding in Asia, particularly in India and Vietnam. Trade volumes are expected to rise, with pricing staying moderately high due to sustained demand across industries and tightening of environmental regulations globally.
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Ultraviolet Absorbent Production Trends by Geography
The global ultraviolet absorbent production landscape is primarily influenced by industrial maturity, regulatory environment, availability of raw materials, and access to high-end manufacturing technologies. In 2025, the ultraviolet absorbent production capacity is growing in specific regions where governments are promoting specialty chemicals, industries are evolving, and demand for UV-stable products is high. The leading producers of ultraviolet absorbents remain concentrated in Asia-Pacific, with notable contributions from North America and selective countries in Europe.
Asia-Pacific: The Epicenter of Global Production
China continues to be the leading global producer of ultraviolet absorbents in 2025. Provinces like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shandong house major chemical parks where UV absorbents such as benzotriazoles, benzophenones, and triazines are manufactured. The Chinese industry has invested heavily in expanding production capacity in response to both domestic and export demand. Despite tightening environmental regulations, large-scale plants have adopted closed-loop systems and advanced purification technologies to remain competitive. Moreover, increasing government focus on eco-friendly specialty chemicals has created opportunities for higher-grade ultraviolet absorbents for sensitive applications like food packaging and cosmetics.
India is emerging as a second production hub in the Asia-Pacific region. States like Gujarat and Maharashtra are witnessing rapid development of specialty chemical clusters with a focus on exporting to North America and Europe. India’s ultraviolet absorbent production benefits from favorable government schemes, low production costs, and a growing domestic market. Indian manufacturers are expanding capacity for high-performance UV absorbers required in plastic sheets, agricultural films, and personal care formulations.
Japan and South Korea produce relatively lower volumes but focus on ultra-pure and high-performance UV absorbents for electronics, automotive coatings, and high-end polymers. These countries emphasize innovation, with companies investing in R&D to develop environmentally friendly UV stabilizers and photostable compounds for next-generation applications.
North America: Steady Demand, Limited Production
The United States remains a significant consumer of ultraviolet absorbents but has limited domestic production. A few large specialty chemical companies continue to operate production units mainly in Texas and Louisiana. However, due to stringent environmental regulations and high compliance costs, much of the UV absorbent demand is met through imports. The U.S. production is focused on tailored compounds for high-margin industries such as aerospace, medical devices, and automotive coatings. These products require strict regulatory approvals and certifications, which North American manufacturers are well-equipped to handle.
Europe: Environmentally Driven Production
Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands are notable producers of UV absorbents in the European region. Production is focused on environmentally compliant, non-toxic UV absorbers suited for applications in cosmetics and packaging. Germany, in particular, supports green chemistry initiatives and REACH-compliant manufacturing. European producers prioritize small-batch, specialty-grade UV absorbers that cater to the high-end markets in healthcare, coatings, and food contact materials.
Due to energy constraints and carbon reduction targets, Europe is gradually transitioning from bulk production to research-driven, application-specific manufacturing. The overall production volume in Europe is lower compared to Asia, but quality and environmental compliance remain the key differentiators.
Middle East and Africa: Emerging Opportunities
The Middle East is a growing player in the ultraviolet absorbent production space, primarily led by investments from the UAE and Saudi Arabia in chemical parks. With the increasing use of UV-protected plastics in agriculture, construction, and consumer goods, local production is beginning to take shape. These countries are focusing on joint ventures with Asian firms to acquire technical know-how and reduce import dependency.
Africa currently does not have significant ultraviolet absorbent production capacity. However, as the demand for UV-resistant materials grows in agriculture and packaging sectors, localized compounding facilities are expected to emerge over the next decade.
Latin America: Demand-Oriented Imports
Brazil and Mexico are the leading consumers of UV absorbents in Latin America. While production is limited, both countries are evaluating potential investment in local manufacturing due to high import costs and growing consumption. There is particular interest in developing UV additives for plastics and construction materials, with government-backed initiatives promoting specialty chemical growth.
Conclusion
In 2025, ultraviolet absorbent production is clearly dominated by Asia-Pacific, especially China and India. Other regions like North America and Europe focus on high-value, compliant products, while emerging markets in the Middle East and Latin America are exploring future capacity development. With rising global demand for UV-protected products and evolving regulatory frameworks, production hubs are expected to expand in both volume and technological sophistication in the years ahead.
Ultraviolet Absorbent Market Segmentation
The ultraviolet absorbent market in 2025 is segmented based on application, chemical type, end-use industry, and geography. These segments provide insight into the diverse demand drivers and specialized use cases across global industries.
Key Segments:
- By Application
- Plastics and Polymers
- Paints and Coatings
- Personal Care and Cosmetics
- Adhesives and Sealants
- Agricultural Films and Packaging
- By Chemical Type
- Benzotriazoles
- Benzophenones
- Triazines
- Others (Salicylates, Oxalanilides)
- By End-Use Industry
- Automotive
- Construction
- Consumer Goods
- Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
- Electronics
- By Region
- Asia-Pacific
- North America
- Europe
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
Detailed Explanation of Leading Segments
Plastics and Polymers (Application)
This is the largest application segment, accounting for the highest ultraviolet absorbent sales volume in 2025. UV absorbers are used in plastic sheets, films, fibers, and molded components to prevent degradation due to sunlight exposure. Industries like automotive, construction, and agriculture heavily depend on UV-stabilized plastics, making this segment a core driver of market demand. In particular, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polypropylene benefit significantly from the addition of UV absorbers to extend life and maintain appearance.
Personal Care and Cosmetics (Application)
This segment is growing rapidly, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia. UV absorbers are key ingredients in sunscreens, anti-aging products, and skin-lightening formulations. Regulatory pressure for safe and effective UV filters has led to the use of specific benzophenone and salicylate derivatives. Increasing awareness around sun protection and rising disposable incomes in developing countries are expanding this segment’s size and importance.
Benzotriazoles and Triazines (Chemical Type)
Benzotriazole-based UV absorbers are widely used in high-performance applications due to their excellent photostability and compatibility with various polymers. Triazines are gaining traction for their low volatility and strong UV absorption at long wavelengths, making them ideal for automotive coatings and exterior building materials. These two types together dominate the market due to their versatility and effectiveness in a range of environmental conditions.
Automotive and Construction (End-Use Industries)
The automotive industry uses UV absorbers extensively in coatings, interior plastics, and glazing materials. With the rising demand for electric vehicles and lightweight materials, UV-protected polymers are becoming standard. Construction is another major sector where UV absorbers are used in paints, sealants, panels, and insulation products. The drive for durability and reduced maintenance in outdoor structures is fueling this demand.
Asia-Pacific (Region)
This region leads the market due to high production and consumption volumes. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and a growing middle-class population drive demand for consumer goods, automobiles, and cosmetics—all of which are major UV absorber consumers. Countries like China, India, South Korea, and Japan are not only large manufacturers but also key consumers of UV-stabilized products.
North America and Europe (Region)
These regions focus on premium-grade UV absorbers with high environmental and safety compliance. The demand from healthcare, automotive, and personal care sectors is substantial. The regulatory environment mandates the use of safe, non-toxic UV filters, thereby shaping market dynamics toward innovation and specialty-grade formulations.