Stagnant PVC Market and Real Estate Issues in China Keep APAC Calcium Carbide Prices Steady

In August 2024, Calcium Carbide prices in the APAC region, particularly in China and India, experienced a steady trend without significant improvement. The market faced challenges from low demand amid sufficient supply, leading to cautious trading activities. In China, Calcium carbide market saw weakened support from both supply and demand, with a more reserved approach from terminal buyers. As a result, price pressure emerged due to essential needs entering the market, diminishing trading confidence. Suppliers were flexible in negotiations, focusing on low-end deals due to subdued downstream demand.

The downstream PVC sector, a key consumer of Calcium Carbide in Asia, continued to underperform, further contributing to the stagnant pricing. In the domestic market, PVC prices remained under pressure, with increased inventories due to high operating rates. This situation led to a lack of enthusiasm for purchasing, with buyers only acquiring what was necessary, further dampening market sentiment.

India's Calcium Carbide market mirrored the situation of China, with low demand and sufficient supply dominating the landscape. The ongoing monsoon season further reduced construction activity, a significant driver of PVC demand, leading to lower purchasing activity from downstream sectors. Traders faced pressure to offer low prices, as demand remained weak, and the market atmosphere was subdued. The overall market sentiment was pessimistic, with trading volumes reflecting the bearish outlook.

The broader economic environment also played a role in maintaining the stable price trend. In China, despite a slight decline in the manufacturing sector, the overall stability allowed the Calcium Carbide market to avoid further price drops. However, demand for Calcium Carbide from key sectors like construction and manufacturing remained weak, keeping the market in a state of equilibrium.

The ongoing challenges in China's real estate sector have reduced demand in downstream industries like PVC and metal fabrication, which are major consumers of Calcium Carbide. The Chinese PVC market has been particularly affected, with exports to regions like Africa, India, and South Asia becoming less competitive compared to US and European supplies due to high freight rates from Asia. This decline in export activity has contributed to price stability for Calcium Carbide, as the market faces difficulties in gaining momentum for any significant upward movement.

Looking ahead, the Calcium Carbide market in the APAC region is expected to remain stable, with no significant price changes anticipated in the near term. The weak demand from the downstream PVC sector and sufficient supply levels will likely continue to influence market dynamics. Businesses are expected to maintain a cautious approach, with purchasing activities driven by immediate needs rather than speculative buying. This cautious sentiment is expected to keep Calcium Carbide prices stable, with limited fluctuations anticipated for the rest of 2024.