For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the U.S. Acesulfame Potassium market saw significant price fluctuations with a modest drop in December. Early in the quarter, prices surged due to increased seasonal demand from the food and beverage industry.
Elevated shipping costs from Asian suppliers, driven by rising fuel charges and supply chain disruptions, particularly at New York terminals, contributed to higher landed costs. Limited domestic production capacity and port congestion, worsened by labor actions from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), further strained logistics. Additionally, businesses engaged in strategic stockpiling amidst rising feedstock costs, sustaining upward price pressure. However, by December 2024, the market experienced a decline in import prices. This was primarily due to weakened demand from critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals and food, compounded by high buyer inventories.
Reduced purchasing activity and intensified competition from Chinese imports placed downward pressure on prices. The market remained subdued, with a lack of confidence in a near-term recovery, driven by lower Manufacturing PMI and cautious buying strategies. High input costs and weak demand led to oversupply conditions, prompting aggressive destocking and competitive pricing strategies. Consequently, Acesulfame Potassium prices continued to reflect challenges in the supply chain and declining demand across key sectors.
Asia Pacific
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Chinese Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) market experienced a turbulent period marked by both upward and downward price movements. October saw a notable price surge driven by rising overseas demand for sugar substitutes, particularly from health-conscious regions like North America and Europe. However, the market also faced challenges, including disruptions from a severe typhoon that led to shipping delays, freight cost hikes, and heightened buyer activity due to upcoming holidays. Additionally, the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the yuan further impacted the market, with import prices rising, while profit margins for traders improved. Despite this, the overall market environment remained complex, as domestic production constraints and import dependencies led to a sellers' market scenario in October. By November, export prices for Acesulfame Potassium faced downward pressure due to reduced overseas demand and increased inventories, exacerbated by an expansion in domestic production. This shift contributed to a cautious approach from downstream industries, further weighing prices. Meanwhile, China’s economic indicators, such as the Manufacturing PMI, reflected moderate growth but struggled to alleviate the weak trading sentiment. The market entered a buyers' market phase, with price pressures expected to persist due to inventory glutes, reduced external demand, and ongoing uncertainties around trade policies.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the German Acesulfame Potassium market exhibited dynamic trends shaped by fluctuating economic conditions and global market influences. In October, prices showed a steady upward trajectory, driven by elevated raw material costs, persistent logistical challenges, increased freight charges from China and India, and energy cost pressures in Europe. The depreciation of the euro further exacerbated import costs, limiting access to lower-priced imports and favoring quality-compliant, higher-priced options. Meanwhile, Germany's Manufacturing PMI reflected a slight improvement, rising to 43 in October from a twelve-month low of 40.6 in September, signaling a potential economic trough despite ongoing contraction. By November, import prices for Acesulfame Potassium experienced a steady decline, mirroring trends across the artificial sweetener sector. This was driven by weakened demand from the food and beverage industry, higher inventory levels, and competitive pricing from Asian exporters benefiting from cost-efficient manufacturing. However, port delays and workforce shortages due to seasonal disruptions slightly strained supply chains. Despite these challenges, muted downstream demand and the euro’s continued devaluation resulted in cautious, need-based procurement strategies. Suppliers faced pressure to reduce high inventory levels through aggressive pricing, creating a buyer's market and underscoring the need for adaptive supply chain strategies. This trend continued until the final week of December, sustain an pessimistic trading sentiments.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Throughout Q3 2024, the Acesulfame Potassium market in North America witnessed a steady increase in prices, driven by several key factors.
The market was influenced by heightened demand from various industries, particularly in the health and wellness sectors, leading to a surge in consumption. This increased demand was further compounded by supply constraints stemming from disruptions such as plant shutdowns, which tightened the market and pushed prices upwards. Additionally, rising production costs, including raw material expenses, contributed to the overall price escalation in key producing nations which were passed on to consumers, supporting the higher import prices for the United States. The USA, in particular, experienced significant price changes, with prices fluctuating notably throughout the quarter.
Overall, the pricing environment in the region displayed a positive trend, with prices steadily increasing. Seasonal factors and market dynamics played a crucial role in shaping the price changes, ahead of the festive and winter season which tends to support the higher consumption of baked products and beverages supporting the higher demand for artificial serrtners such as Acesulfame Potassium. Ultimately the entire quarter demonstrated a rise of 4% increase from the previous quarter. The quarter-ending price for Acesulfame Potassium in the USA stood at USD 4995/MT CFR Houston, reflecting the strengthening pricing landscape in the region.
Asia Pacific
In Q3 2024, the Acesulfame Potassium market in the APAC region, particularly China, experienced significant price increases. These price hikes were driven by various factors, including growing global demand, rising freight costs, and ongoing supply chain constraints. Additionally, escalating raw material and energy costs contributed to higher production expenses, further pushing prices upward. Extreme weather events also disrupted manufacturing, tightening supply levels and amplifying price pressures. The increased demand for low-calorie sweeteners, particularly during the summer months, played a key role in sustaining the positive pricing trend. China saw substantial price fluctuations, reflecting broader regional market dynamics. Supply constraints, coupled with high demand, accentuated these price changes. The quarter witnessed a 3% price increase from the previous quarter and a 4% rise when comparing the first and second halves of Q3. Despite the disruptions, the market closed on a positive note, with Acesulfame Potassium priced at USD 4655/MT FOB Shanghai, signaling a stable outlook. Overall, the quarter underscored strong demand amid constrained supply, with seasonality and external factors playing critical roles in shaping the market environment.
Europe
In Q3 2024, Acesulfame Potassium prices in Europe, particularly Germany, experienced a significant upward trend. The price increase was driven by several key factors. As the colder months arrived, demand for food additives, including artificial sweeteners like Acesulfame Potassium, surged across various industries. This seasonal demand boost contributed to higher prices. Additionally, reduced freight costs made the product more competitively available, further supporting the price rise. Economic factors also played a role, with the Euro’s appreciation against the US dollar making imports more affordable. This encouraged higher procurement levels in the European market, contributing to stronger demand. Meanwhile, global market conditions, including fluctuating production costs and potential supply chain disruptions, influenced price volatility. Notably, plant shutdowns in key producing nations further caused temporary supply constraints, adding to the pricing pressure. Overall, the combined effect of seasonal demand patterns, reduced logistics costs, and favorable economic dynamics created a positive pricing environment for Acesulfame Potassium. By the end of Q3 2024, the price in Germany reached USD 4880 per metric ton, CFR Hamburg, representing a 4% increase compared to the previous quarter. This highlights the market's response to both external disruptions and internal demand shifts.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, Acesulfame Potassium pricing in North America observed a mixed trajectory with the quarter beginning at a lower rate. Initially, starting with April, the market witnessed a decline in Acesulfame Potassium prices, mirroring a parallel downturn observed in Chinese provinces and other artificial sweeteners. Concerning the demand side, inquiries from the regional market remain low, with trade momentum following a downward trajectory throughout April, and transactions being executed only based on immediate requirements.
However, the market trading atmosphere resumed as the quarter moves forward in May 2024. The month was marked by a resurgence in regional demand, particularly fueled by the food sector's robust need for artificial sweeteners. Concurrently, costs associated with key feedstock Triethylamine soared, exacerbated by limited availability, leading to supply-side pressures. Additionally, supply chain disruptions, including potential labor disputes at major ports and militant attacks necessitating cargo rerouting, further strained the supply chain, pushing prices upward. While, yet again as June arrives, the values dropped significantly. With respect to the supply side, the Acesulfame Potassium market exhibited ample spot inventories alongside subdued trading activity. Moreover, with weakened purchasings witnessed from the regional market, U.S. buyers delayed new consignments, exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance and adding to the downward pressure on prices. Concurrently, companies liquidated stockpiled inventories to reduce storage costs and mitigate risks of product spoilage, flooding the market with excess supply and diminishing buyers' willingness to pay higher prices supported by the end of the quarter, marking an initiation of quarter-end-destocking sentiments.
Overall, in the USA, the pricing environment reflected these broader dynamics, with prices being on the varied side. The country's market trends showed a clear correlation between fluctuating demand and supply side. The overall price trend was positive, with the price of Acesulfame Potassium at USD 4755/MT CFR Houston.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the Acesulfame Potassium market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region experienced a discernible downward trend with prices rising considerably in the middle. This fluctuating trend overall was Driven by various significant factors. Initially, starting with April, the Acesulfame Potassium market endured a persistent downturn in prices from previous, extending a trend observed in the previous month. This decline reflects a complex interplay of factors shaping market dynamics and supply-demand equilibrium. Several contributing factors have led to this downturn in Acesulfame Potassium prices. Firstly, an oversupply situation prevails in the market, driven by increased production capacities and weak regional and overseas quotations. This surplus has exerted downward pressure on prices as suppliers seek to offload excess stock. Additionally, factors such as shifting consumer preferences towards other sweeteners, particularly aspartame, changing dietary trends, and economic uncertainties, likely weakening international orders, have contributed to weaker demand for Acesulfame Potassium as a feed. Further, as the quarter moves forward, the prices witnessed a significant rise in the month of May. While, with respect to the supply side, the Chinese export market for Acesulfame Potassium experienced notable fluctuations as May 2024 approached. Following the conclusion of the May Day holidays, market activity gradually returned to normal levels, exhibiting moderate trading volumes. Domestic manufacturers maintained stable price quotations, facilitating higher product availability for buyers. This adaptability allowed them to navigate market dynamics effectively and cater to varying demand levels more adroitly. However, the market dynamics yet again witnessed a downward trend as June commenced. Both domestic and international markets exhibit a subdued appetite for Acesulfame Potassium. On the supply side, the market is characterized by an oversaturation of inventories in the regional sphere. The market surplus has been intensified by a combination of factors: sluggish domestic demand, increased industrial production leading to higher exports, and weakened trade dynamics alongside excessive inventory at ports. This situation has sparked worries about potential overcapacity and the risk of product dumping, as market participants attempt to reduce storage expenses and prevent further deterioration of their products. Despite the consistent devaluation of the Chinese CNY against the USD, which has contributed to the overall downward trend in Acesulfame potassium prices, certain mitigating factors such as elevated freight costs have continued to impact the overall trading environment. This complex interplay of economic forces has created a challenging landscape for market participants, balancing supply, demand, and pricing pressures in an increasingly competitive global market. Overall, from the previous quarter, around a 6% dip in price drop was witnessed during the second quarter, marked by limited demand arriving from the overseas market and higher than anticipated inventories among the trades focused on destocking strategies. As a result, the latest quarter-ending price for Acesulfame Potassium FOB Shanghai was USD 4445/MT, underscoring a positively stable pricing environment.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European Acesulfame Potassium market, particularly in Germany, experienced significant price volatility. The quarter began with a downward trend, driven by weakened food industry demand and competition from cheaper artificial sweeteners. This shift in consumer preferences led to a notable price drop. Persistent Euro devaluation continued to challenge the market, making imports more expensive and negatively impacting domestic pricing. The currency issue outweighed any benefits from decreased freight charges, creating difficulties for importers and distributors. May 2024 saw a market rebound, with increased regional inquiries and sustained procurement activities balancing against sufficient inventory levels. Price increases were fueled by inflationary pressures and higher input and operational costs, especially in energy and transportation. Geopolitical conflicts and logistical disruptions further strained supply chains, contributing to price elevation. The positive trend continued with normal downstream product transactions and suppliers quoting higher prices for new orders. Rising freight charges also supported positive market sentiment. However, June brought another downturn. Buyers adopted a conservative approach, placing limited, specific orders. This cautious behavior was compounded by significantly increased freight costs due to rising fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, and higher transportation demand. Businesses were forced to reassess their pricing strategies and cost structures. The quarter ended with substantial warehouse stockpiles, exacerbating downward price pressure and creating a supply-demand imbalance. Market participants strategically adjusted pricing to stimulate sales and maintain competitiveness. Throughout the quarter, the market grappled with conflicting forces: weakened demand and currency devaluation versus periodic resurgences in inquiries and procurement activities. The interplay of these factors, along with external pressures like geopolitical tensions and logistics challenges, resulted in a highly dynamic market environment. The quarter concluded with Acesulfame Potassium prices in Germany at USD 4645/MT CFR Hamburg, reflecting the complex interplay of these various market forces throughout the period.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
The pricing dynamics of Acesulfame Potassium in the North American region during Q1 2024 showed an overall downward trend, with a slight increase observed in the middle of the quarter. This weakened trajectory was influenced by various factors, including an excess of inventory, reduced downstream demand, fluctuating trade momentum, and cautious purchasing practices. The presence of higher-than-usual stockpiles among market participants and continuous declining downstream purchasing activity prompted suppliers to focus on clearing existing inventories, leading to continued price decreases.
Additionally, rising freight costs ahead of the Red Sea dispute added complexity, as market participants were hesitant to procure goods at higher costs. Manufacturing activity in the USA's food industries, where Acesulfame Potassium is used as an artificial sweetener, further declined, resulting in significant drops in order volumes and subsequent price reductions by merchants to destock their inventories and further avoid additional storage costs. Overall, the buying sentiment for Acesulfame Potassium remained subdued, with the quarter ending on a pessimistic note.
However, a steady rise in regional consumption was witnessed within the market during the middle of the first quarter which was overall balanced by ample inventories held by market participants. Supporting this, in response to this increased interest, suppliers have promptly adjusted their pricing strategies to capitalize on the growing demand, resulting in proactive price hikes by market participants. A key contributor to this surge is the United States, a major Acesulfame Potassium importer, aligning its price trajectory with exporting regions to maintain competitiveness. Overall, with this, the price of Acesulfame Potassium in the USA as Q1 ends in March was recorded at USD 4880/MT CFR Houston.
APAC
In the first quarter of 2024, the pricing trends of Acesulfame Potassium in the APAC region displayed an overall decline, with slight fluctuations observed in the initial two months. At the beginning of the quarter, heightened demand from downstream sectors, along with the continuous arrival of international quotations, kept the purchasing sentiments of Acesulfame Potassium on the upper side until mid-quarter. However, due to the Lunar New Year celebrations, there was a temporary slowdown in trade, limiting product availability which resulted in a limited availability of the product. Following the holiday period, purchasing activities rebounded fueled by a surge in both domestic and international procurement orders. Additionally, rising freight and transportation costs added to logistical challenges, hindering product acquisition. The depreciation of the Chinese currency (CNY) against the USD further reinforced the upward price trend and bolstered market confidence during this period. However, towards the end of the first quarter, there was a notable decline in Acesulfame Potassium prices, primarily driven by factors such as a sudden decrease in overseas quotations, surplus inventory levels, and weak trade momentum. merchants stated that the anticipated surge in demand for Chinese exports did not materialize as expected, leading to excess stock in the market and further questions about the factors influencing international buyer behavior and market dynamics. Consequently, prices continued to decline throughout the quarter. As a result, suppliers focused on clearing their inventories significantly, while regional trades prioritized destocking activities to make room for fresh inventories as the new quarter approached. Overall, in Q1 2024, Acesulfame Potassium experienced a negative pricing trend due to weak demand and excess supply, with the quarter-ending price settling at USD 4530/MT FOB Shanghai, reflecting a downward trend compared to the previous quarter.
Europe
In Germany, the market witnessed significant price fluctuations, reflecting broader European trends. The quarter started with modest price increases, followed by further rises, but March saw a sharp decline. From January to February 2024, the market showed optimism due to increased demand for Acesulfame Potassium. Suppliers raised prices to capitalize on this surge, aided by the euro's depreciation against the dollar. However, geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions complicated dynamics, impacting sentiments and causing rising container freight rates, especially affecting maritime-dependent industries, thereby keeping the import prices on the upper side, However, as March concluded, there was a notable drop in Acesulfame Potassium prices in Germany due to reduced downstream inquiries from end-users. Economic weakness, worsened by inflationary pressures, limited manufacturing sector expansion, keeping the Manufacturing Purchasing Manager Index below 50 points, signaling contraction. Germany, a major importer, followed the global trend of falling Acesulfame Potassium prices, particularly in the APAC region, to stay competitive. Suppliers in exporting nations had surplus capacity, increasing commodity availability, and easing supply shortage concerns and freight charges from the past months, resulting in higher availability for the importing countries. Despite these improvements, purchasing sentiments in the German market remained weak due to low demand and weakened consumer confidence. Additionally, the euro's devaluation against the dollar exacerbated challenges by reducing the purchasing power of domestic buyers, contributing to a persistently negative market outlook. Overall, the Acesulfame Potassium pricing environment in Europe during the first quarter of 2024 was characterized by significant declines compared to the previous quarter of the previous year. In Germany specifically, Acesulfame Potassium prices dropped by 0.26% over the quarter, reaching the latest quarter-ending price of USD 5030/MT CFR Hamburg.
