Europe's Calcium Chloride Prices Poised for Rebound After Sluggish Q1, US Outlook Bullish

Texas (USA): In the first quarter of 2024, the pricing landscape for Calcium Chloride in North America has been shaped by several significant factors, resulting in an overall stable to slightly bullish sentiment. Notably, the USA experienced marginal price increases, contrasting with the broader market trend. Demand from downstream industries, particularly in de-icing, remained robust despite the waning winter season, sustaining consistent inquiries.

Concurrently, the food and packaging sectors bolstered demand for Calcium Chloride. Supply chain disruptions were minimal, ensuring moderate market availability, although reduced imports led to slightly diminished inventory levels. Escalating prices of feedstock soda ash drove up production costs, consequently impacting Calcium Chloride prices.

The latest price analysis indicates a marginal increase compared to the same period last year, suggesting a positive trajectory, albeit with relatively stable quarter-on-quarter changes in 2024. In summary, the North American Calcium Chloride market in Q1 2024 demonstrated stability with a nuanced upward trend in USA prices, influenced by factors such as downstream demand, supply dynamics, and feedstock costs.

During the first quarter of 2024, the European Calcium Chloride market experienced a 4% decrease in prices compared to the same period the previous year, influenced by various factors. Notably, reduced demand from downstream industries such as de-icing led to an overall decline in Calcium Chloride demand.

Additionally, heightened inventory levels prompted sellers to offer discounts to clear excess stock, further driving prices down. This trend was particularly evident in the Netherlands, where significant price adjustments mirrored the broader European market. Here, decreased demand from the de-icing industry as the snowfall season neared its end, combined with surplus inventory levels, contributed to price decreases.

Despite a seasonal decline in demand with the waning snowfall season, strong demand from industries like food helped maintain moderate overall market demand. However, detailed information regarding quarter-on-quarter percentage changes or price comparisons between the first and second halves of the quarter is unavailable. In summary, the Calcium Chloride pricing environment in Q1 2024 exhibited a negative trend, influenced by reduced demand from downstream sectors, surplus inventory, and the conclusion of the snowfall season.

According to the ChemAnalyst Database, "The prices of Calcium Chloride are expected to improve in the upcoming quarter in both the US and Europe amid rising prices of feedstock Calcium Carbonate. Furthermore, the demand from the downstream industries is expected to remain firm. Additionally, as Europe is a major importer of Calcium Chloride from China, prices of imports are expected to increment, leading to higher domestic inventory costs."