The U.S. Calcium Powder market experienced a decline in prices throughout January 2025, influenced by multiple factors, including subdued demand from end-user industries, ample supply, and cautious purchasing behavior. Buyers showed reluctance to make significant orders amid economic uncertainty, resulting in lower transaction volumes.

Key Takeaways:

• Weak demand from food & beverage and pharmaceuticals drove the price drop.
• Lower consumer confidence, fueled by labor market and inflation concerns, slowed purchasing.
• Tariff threats spurred accelerated Calcium Powder imports from China, causing a temporary oversupply.
• Averted dockworker strike on the East and Gulf Coasts kept supply chains stable.
• Calcium Powder prices are expected to keep falling due to ongoing weak demand and stable supply.

A key factor behind the Calcium Powder price drop was the sluggish demand from industries such as food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Manufacturers and distributors noted that bulk buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach, anticipating further price reductions before making procurement decisions. This restrained purchasing activity contributed to an oversupply scenario, pressuring suppliers to adjust Calcium Powder prices downward to stimulate sales.

Additionally, the decline in Calcium Powder prices is linked to a dip in consumer confidence, which fell for the second consecutive month in January. Concerns over the labor market and persistent inflation created uncertainty among buyers. The Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain steady interest rates reflects a cautious economic outlook, with a stronger labor market and ongoing inflation making it less likely for policy easing to occur in the near future.

President Trump's threat of a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, along with additional planned tariff increases for 2025, led US importers to accelerate shipments of Calcium Powder from China. In an effort to avoid higher costs, businesses rushed to secure imports, creating a temporary oversupply in the US market. The approaching Chinese Lunar New Year added further urgency, prompting importers to stock up on inventory ahead of the holiday. This surge in imports resulted in a short-term glut, which contributed to the decline in Calcium Powder prices in the US.

Another crucial factor in maintaining market stability was the successful avoidance of a potentially disruptive strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which had been scheduled to affect the East and Gulf Coasts of the USA starting January 15. A deal between longshoremen and shipping companies prevented labor unrest that could have significantly disrupted supply chains and negatively impacted the broader economy. This resolution provided much-needed relief to the logistics sector, ensuring the smooth flow of Calcium Powder imports from China and helping to maintain stable supply levels in the US market.

Looking ahead, Calcium Powder prices are anticipated to continue their downward trend toward the end of the month, driven by ongoing weak demand and stable supply levels.