The third quarter of 2025 saw menthol markets move steadily upward through July, strengthen further in August, and maintain momentum into September.
This firming trend reflected supply tightening from major production regions, particularly as Indian manufacturers faced severe export disruptions due to intensified international trade barriers.
The quarter presented an unusual market situation where rising values did not benefit producers. Export-oriented businesses encountered order cancellations and shipment delays, leading to inventory buildups despite higher market levels.
Many manufacturers struggled with reduced profitability as elevated production costs squeezed margins, even as overall market values climbed.
Regulatory developments in early September added another layer of complexity. Policy reforms restructured tax frameworks for natural menthol products, while concurrent regulatory shifts in key consuming markets influenced demand patterns. These changes, combined with constrained supply flows and operational challenges in traditional production hubs, supported the quarter's price firmness but raised sustainability concerns across the industry.