For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, the North American Calcium powder market experienced a volatile pricing trajectory, shaped by various factors impacting different sectors. The USA, in particular, saw the most pronounced price fluctuations, resulting in an unstable pricing environment throughout the quarter.
At the start of the quarter, prices declined, driven by a combination of factors exerting downward pressure on the market. A key influence was the inflation rate, which had previously surged beyond 9% but began to cool significantly as the quarter progressed. This reduction in inflation helped lower overall business costs, enabling companies to pass these savings on to consumers through reduced Calcium powder prices. However, as the quarter approached its conclusion in September, prices began to rise again. This upward trend was fueled by a mix of economic and logistical factors. Consumer confidence improved, spurred by better perceptions of the economy and easing inflation concerns, despite lingering uncertainties in the labor market. This renewed optimism triggered heightened demand for Calcium powder, adding upward pressure on prices.
In response to these evolving market conditions, companies took proactive steps to increase their inventories, anticipating a potential rise in future demand while also preparing to mitigate any supply chain disruptions. Despite the brief surge in prices, the quarter-ending price for Calcium Carbonate USP Grade on an FOB US Gulf basis settled at USD 645 per metric ton, reflecting an overall downward sentiment in the market as it grappled with these complex factors.
Asia Pacific
During the third quarter of 2024, the Calcium powder market in the APAC region experienced a mixed pricing trend, shaped by a range of influencing factors. Initially, prices declined throughout July and August, largely driven by weak consumption both within domestic markets and internationally. The Chinese market, in particular, saw a downturn early in the quarter, hindered by minimal demand from downstream sectors. Additionally, rising freight costs, caused by global maritime traffic disruptions, further dampened international demand and exerted additional pressure on pricing. However, as the quarter progressed and neared its conclusion, the market saw a rebound in prices. This recovery was fueled by strong demand from end-user industries, paired with effective inventory management strategies from manufacturers and suppliers. Global economic recovery efforts also played a vital role in driving prices higher, as businesses adapted to shifting conditions. The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, which had previously disrupted supply chains, began to show less of an impact, allowing international demand for Calcium powder to pick up, further boosting prices. China, in particular, experienced significant price fluctuations throughout the quarter, reflecting the delicate balance between supply and demand dynamics. This volatility highlighted the challenges faced by market participants as they navigated an unpredictable and rapidly shifting landscape. By the end of the quarter, the price of Calcium Citrate USP Grade on an FOB Shanghai basis stood at USD 2,080 per metric ton, signaling a more optimistic outlook for the region's pricing environment moving forward.
Europe
Throughout the third quarter of 2024, the European Calcium powder market exhibited a diverse pricing trend, influenced by a range of key factors. Early in the quarter, prices saw a decline, primarily due to weaker-than-expected demand in the German market, particularly within the food, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors. In response to this lackluster demand, market participants took a cautious approach, maintaining substantial inventory levels to meet current consumption needs in Germany while avoiding overproduction. However, as the quarter progressed toward September, the market experienced a notable shift, with prices beginning to rise. This upward trend was driven by a combination of factors, including strong demand from end-user industries and strategic inventory management practices by companies praeparing for potential disruptions. Favorable macroeconomic conditions also contributed to the recovery in prices. Compounding the situation was the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, which disrupted global maritime traffic, creating logistical bottlenecks and restricting the supply of Calcium powder. These supply constraints further intensified the upward pressure on prices as the quarter progressed. Additionally, improvements in consumer sentiment, particularly in Germany, played a critical role in revitalizing demand, fostering a more positive outlook for the market. Despite the challenges posed by logistical disruptions and fluctuating demand, companies in the sector proactively bolstered their inventories in anticipation of potential shipping delays, further supporting the upward trend in prices. This combination of factors helped stabilize the market and improve the pricing environment as the quarter came to a close.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the Calcium Powder market in North America exhibited a consistent decline in prices, reflecting a broader bearish trend driven by several influential factors. The primary catalyst for the descending price trajectory was the persistently weak demand from end-user sectors, despite a robust supply maintained by market participants. This imbalance was exacerbated by a cautious consumer sentiment, largely stemming from ongoing economic uncertainties and elevated interest rates imposed by monetary authorities to combat inflation. Additionally, logistical challenges and geopolitical tensions further contributed to the ample supply and sluggish demand dynamics, pushing prices downward.
Focusing on the USA, the market experienced the most significant price fluctuations. The overall trend was characterized by a steady decrease, with seasonal demand variations and economic conditions playing pivotal roles. The pricing environment remained negative, with a marked -9% decrease compared to the same quarter last year and a -5% decline from the previous quarter in 2024. The quarter concluded with Calcium Carbonate USP Grade FOB US Gulf priced at USD 680/MT.
The consistent decline in prices throughout the quarter signifies a negative pricing environment, driven by subdued market sentiments and economic factors that overshadow any potential stabilization. The cumulative impact of these elements underscores the challenging landscape for Calcium Powder in North America, particularly within the USA, where price changes were most pronounced.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the pricing environment for Calcium Powder in the APAC region has been characterized by a consistent decline for both grades i.e., Calcium carbonate and Calcium citrate, driven predominantly by a confluence of factors. The market experienced subdued demand from end-users, both domestically and internationally, as consumer restraint and geopolitical uncertainties continued to weigh heavily on purchasing behavior. The ample supply conditions, coupled with rising shipping costs exacerbated by the Red Sea crisis, further pressured prices downward. Factors such as inflation stabilization and eased producer price declines provided some relief but were insufficient to counterbalance the overarching trend of weak market sentiments.
Focusing specifically on China, where the most significant price fluctuations occurred, the market undertook a marked decrease in pricing. Seasonality played a role, but broader economic factors were more influential. Despite efforts to stimulate the economy, demand from downstream sectors remained tepid, leading to an oversupply that further depressed prices. From the same quarter last year, prices fell by -8%, reflecting long-term challenges in demand recovery. Moreover, the decline from the previous quarter in 2024 stood at -5%, indicative of persistent economic headwinds.
The latest quarter-ending price of USD 2160/MT for Calcium Citrate USP Grade FOB Shanghai encapsulates the negative pricing trajectory. Overall, the quarter has seen a negative pricing environment, driven by weak demand, ample supply, and logistical challenges, all of which contributed to the pervasive downward pressure on Calcium Powder prices in the APAC region.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the Calcium Powder market in Europe encountered a significant downturn, influenced by several key factors. The period saw a sharp decline in demand from major sectors, including dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, despite improvements in supply chain conditions. The influx of Calcium Powder from major Asian exporters heightened competitive pricing pressures. Furthermore, the easing of global trade disruptions and lower freight costs contributed to downward price adjustments.
Economic factors also played a role in this trend. While there was a modest recovery in inflation and an uptick in consumer confidence, these factors were not enough to counterbalance the overall downward movement in prices. In Germany, which experienced the most pronounced price volatility, the Calcium Powder market underwent notable shifts. Seasonal factors, such as reduced consumption during the warmer months and high inventory levels, further intensified the price drop.
Overall, the pricing environment in Q2 2024 was marked by a predominantly negative sentiment. An oversupply of Calcium Powder and stabilizing trade conditions overshadowed any minor improvements in demand. This combination of factors created a challenging market landscape, characterized by persistent downward pressure on prices throughout the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In Q1 2024, the pricing of Calcium powder in the North America region experienced notable fluctuations, reflecting the complex interplay of various factors shaping market conditions. The pricing trend throughout the quarter exhibited a mixed pattern, characterized by shifts in both supply and demand dynamics, alongside external factors influencing the market.
The price trajectory of Calcium powder in the region showed increases in January and February, driven by heightened buying activity in downstream sectors such as construction, nutraceutical, and healthcare. Additionally, disruptions at two crucial shipping chokepoints, namely the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal, resulted in increased costs for U.S. retailers, subsequently leading to higher prices for consumers. However, as the quarter progressed, prices declined due to cautious consumer attitudes towards the economy. Factors such as sluggish retail sales and subdued consumer spending contributed to this decline. Persistent inflationary pressures further compounded consumer caution, prompting a conservative approach to finances.
Overall, the nuanced analysis highlights the impact of various factors, including consumer behavior, supply chain disruptions, and market conditions, on the pricing dynamics of Calcium powder in the North America region during Q1 2024. The quarter-ending price for Calcium Carbonate USP Grade FOB US Gulf in the USA was USD 735/MT.
Asia Pacific
In the APAC region during Q1 2024, the pricing dynamics for Calcium powder displayed a mixed pattern, influenced by several significant factors. Initially, prices saw an uptick fueled by heightened demand across end-user industries, significantly impacting Calcium powder prices. Market participants responded by offering higher quotations to maximize profits. Additionally, disruptions in shipping routes, such as the Panama Canal and Suez Canal, led to heightened shipping and operational costs, which were subsequently passed on to consumers through elevated prices. However, prices experienced a decline in March due to weak consumer sentiments. Despite improved economic activity in China following an extended holiday period, concerns regarding inadequate domestic demand persisted throughout the month, overshadowing this positive momentum. Market participants found themselves grappling with substantial inventories in their warehouses, leading them to actively seek opportunities to offload their stock at discounted rates. Moreover, the decline in oil prices played a pivotal role in curbing business expenses within the market, including diminished transportation costs. These savings were subsequently passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices for Calcium powder. Despite these challenges, the quarter-ending price for Calcium Citrate USP Grade FOB Shanghai in China was USD 2310/MT. Overall, the pricing dynamics of Calcium powder in the APAC region during Q1 2024 were influenced by a combination of factors, including demand fluctuations, global supply chain disruptions, and economic conditions.
Europe
In the first quarter of 2024, the pricing dynamics of Calcium powder in Europe unfolded amidst a complex landscape influenced by various factors. Initially, prices saw an uptick driven by geopolitical tensions, logistical challenges, and constrained inventories. Heightened demand from the end-sectors further contributed to this increase. However, prolonged disruptions in the Red Sea complicated trade routes between Asia and Europe, leading to increased freight costs that impacted the pricing scenario of Calcium powder, especially in Germany. As the quarter progressed, prices experienced a decline in March. This decline was attributed to persistently lackluster performance in new industrial orders, coupled with insufficient domestic demand and a relatively high backlog. Additionally, the central bank's decision to maintain existing interest rates added complexity to the market environment, further straining consumers' purchasing power. In response, market suppliers and traders sought to address excess inventories amidst sluggish domestic demand, navigating through the evolving market landscape. Overall, the pricing dynamics of Calcium powder in Europe during this period reflected the interplay of various factors, highlighting the challenges and intricacies of the market.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the North American Calcium Powder market observed a mixed trend. Initially, prices rose, driven by several key factors including insufficient inventories, sluggish trading conditions, and sustained end-user demand. However, prices experienced a decline in November and December, primarily due to decreased demand from end-sectors and an excess supply within the domestic market.
The slight uptick in prices in October can be attributed to the consistent demand from vital end-user sectors such as pharmaceuticals and food. Responding to increased orders from these industries, manufacturers established higher price levels. However, demand later exhibited a lackluster performance, influenced by persistent inflation and elevated interest rates, which eroded the purchasing power of end-consumers. Additionally, the decline in Calcium powder prices in major exporting nations like China contributed to the downturn in the USA. As international prices decreased, it became less profitable for market participants to uphold higher prices in the US market. The USA faced maximum changes in the prices of Calcium Powder. The prices of Calcium Carbonate USP Grade FOB US Gulf settled at USD 740/MT, reflecting a decline of 2% from the previous quarter. The price comparison of the first and second half of the quarter showed a decline of 7%. In the last year's same quarter, the price declined by 1%.
In conclusion, the North American Calcium Powder market faced a bearish trend in Q4 2023 due to surplus supply and reduced demand, leading to a decline in prices.
APAC
The APAC region's Calcium Powder market experienced a bearish trend during Q4 2023, with the demand remaining low due to ample supply in the domestic market. The global economic slowdown, inflation, and financial fragilities contributed to the decline in the market demand. China faced a persistent subdued demand from both domestic and overseas markets, which impacted the economy. The Chinese market experienced a second consecutive contraction in its manufacturing activity, indicating a waning economic momentum. The market witnessed ample supply due to a lack of major orders and fierce market competition, leading to a decrease in Calcium Powder prices. The strengthening of the Chinese yuan against the USD hampered export volumes, contributing to the moderate decline in Calcium Powder prices. The price of Calcium Citrate USP Grade FOB Shanghai decreased by -0.64% in Q4 2023, settling at USD 2310/MT. The trend is expected to persist due to the persistent subdued demand from end-user healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. The percentage change observed in the price comparison of the first a¬¬¬¬-nd second half of the quarter was -1%.
Europe
The European Calcium powder market in the fourth quarter of 2023 displayed a mixed outlook. Initially, prices rose due to various factors, including limited stock availability, higher energy costs, and increased demand from consumers. Additionally, the expenses associated with air and sea transport surged in October due to China's Golden Week holiday, further pushing prices upward. However, prices later declined due to weakened demand from consumer industries, resulting in excess inventory accumulation. Market participants responded by offering lower prices to clear out old stock. Furthermore, the strengthening of the Euro against the US dollar facilitated more affordable imports from countries like China, ensuring an adequate supply of Calcium powder in the German market. The persistent subdued demand from both domestic and overseas markets is expected to continue. The European Central Bank maintained interest rates as Europe's economic slowdown and the Israel-Hamas conflict clouded the outlook, keeping consumer sentiments low in the German market. The combined impact of these factors underscored the dynamic nature of the European Calcium powder market in the final quarter of 2023.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
In the month of July, the prices of Calcium Powder witnessed a notable decline, subsequently leading to a resurgence in both August and September. In July, there was a decline in new order and sales inquiries, owing to the continued subdued state of both domestic and international demand. The Federal Reserve raised key policy interest rates by 25 basis points in July, the highest level in 22 years, dampening overall economic demand and contributing to the downward trend. However, prices rose in August and September due to a rise in energy prices, which increased total company expenditures and transportation costs, resulting in an increase in Calcium Powder pricing. Gasoline prices climbed as Russia and Saudi Arabia started aggressive supply cuts, pushing crude oil to a 10-month high of $91 per barrel. Furthermore, exports from key exporting countries like China fell, reducing the supply of Calcium Powder in the US market and driving up prices. Inventory replenishment was a top priority for market participants, resulting in a significant increase in Calcium Powder prices.
Asia Pacific
The prices of Calcium Powder experienced a noteworthy decline in July, followed by a subsequent increase in both August and September. Calcium Powder prices fell further in July as industrial activity stalled and demand from downstream industries declined. The official manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) in July was 49.3, indicating that factory activity in China fell for the fourth consecutive month as a result of lower foreign orders and inadequate local demand. Calcium Powder prices increased in August and September due to an increase in end-consumer demand and limited supply in the market as a result of the industrial sector's continued decline for the fifth consecutive month. Furthermore, as a result of economic concerns, China's central bank lowers its main interest rate, which serves to encourage market consumption, resulting in increased Calcium Powder prices in China. China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) softly moved back into the growing zone in September, revealing the restart of industrial activity and predicting a positive economic resurgence in the country.
Europe
The prices of Calcium Powder demonstrated a notable downward trajectory in July, followed by subsequent increases in both August and September. Calcium Powder prices fell in July due to a slowdown in commercial operations and a fall in demand from the downstream industry. A variety of factors, including consumer reluctance, destocking, and rising interest rates, as well as tighter market conditions and economic and geopolitical uncertainty, can be attributed to the sharp reduction in goods demand. Prices increased in August and September due to ongoing inflation, rising interest rates, and the oil crisis. In August, the year-on-year change in Germany's consumer price index (CPI) was +6.1%. Food and energy prices have risen faster than average inflation, contributing to high inflation. Energy product prices are up 8.3% year on year, after rising 5.7% in July. Firms' expenses and operating costs grow as a result of the persistently rising inflation, contributing to higher Calcium Powder prices in Germany. Furthermore, due to the Golden Week vacation in October, the cost transportation increased significantly around the end of September. This has also had an impact on the worldwide supply chain, resulting in an increase in the price of Calcium Powder in the German market.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
Calcium powder prices in the United States showed a mixed pattern in Q2. The calcium powder prices decreased for all grades in May from the previous month by 1.18% and 1.13% for Calcium Citrate and Calcium Carbonate, respectively, due to a decrease in end-user demand coupled with adequate stocks among market vendors. In addition, destocking kept the market sentiment south side. In contrast, the prices increased by 0.90% and 2.86% in June from May due to fewer inventories coupled with strong offtakes from the end-user industries. The consumer price index (CPI), an indicator of inflation, increased by 0.2% in June compared to 0.1% in May, suggesting inflation has slowed down in June due to a hike in interest rates by US Federal Reserve. Although the inflation rate has dropped, prices are still higher, indicating the possibility of further rate hikes in the third quarter. The US manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index) fell to 46.3 in June from 48.4 in May, indicating limited inventories at suppliers and market traders coupled with slow delivery by suppliers to meet consumer demand, which supported the upward trend in Calcium powder prices.
Asia Pacific
Calcium powder prices in China showed a mixed pattern in Q2. A decrease of 1.70% and 3.37% for calcium citrate and calcium carbonate, respectively, is noticed in the prices of Calcium powder in May, contrasted with the levels seen in April because of adequate supply in the market amid poor demand. China's PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index) stood at 48.8 in May from 49.2 in April. This indicates a contraction in the manufacturing activity as the production activity decreased due to weak demand, causing the prices to drop. On the other hand, the prices of Calcium powder increased in June by 1.30% and 2.33% from May because of a surge in demand from end users in the food and beverage, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical industries accompanied by fewer inventories among market participants. China's official Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) settled at 49.0 in June, indicating a contraction in manufacturing activity. The Calcium powder market price has increased due to the fact that some manufacturers have decreased production to increase the prices.
Europe
In Germany, Calcium powder market conditions were mixed in Q2. Calcium powder prices decreased in May as compared to April and then increased again in June. The decrease in Calcium powder prices in May was due to an oversupply of Calcium powder among merchants and suppliers, as well as a decrease in end-user industries' demand. The German Manufacturing PMI (PMI) for June 2023 decreased to 43.2 from April's 44.5, indicating a decrease in buying activity as well as inquiries for new orders. The German economy was affected by rising inflation and the European Central Bank's interest rate hike in June, resulting in higher food and energy costs. This subsequently increased the cost of business activity dependent on Calcium powder. The Manufacturing PMI for June 2023 in Germany decreased to 41.0 compared to the levels observed at the beginning of the second quarter, indicating a lower level of inventories in the market to meet the demand, thus pushing the prices upwards. Market participants' focus on restocking inventories which kept the market situation on the north side.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
During the first quarter of 2023, prices for Calcium Powder USP Grade in the US domestic market rose sharply, from USD 726/MT to USD 745/MT for Calcium Carbonate and USD 3365/MT to USD 3440/MT for Calcium Citrate from January to March. Due to stable freight costs, import purchases were made at prices that were largely unchanged from the previous week, resulting in prices in the US market being the same, with a borderline movement of 0.1%. Additionally, a perfect balance between supply and demand existed in exporting nations like China at the time of purchase, keeping the price of Calcium Powder consistent. Due to continuous orders from the end-user sector, Calcium Powder prices showed a stable trend in the week ending March. Because of the equilibrium between supply and demand, the market dynamics remained unchanged.
Asia- Pacific
The price trend for Calcium Powder remained higher than expected in the Asia Pacific market throughout the first quarter of 2023. Calcium Powder prices for USP grade in China significantly increased from USD 471/MT to USD 495/MT for Calcium Carbonate and USD 2321/MT to USD 2380/MT for Calcium Citrate from January to March. Due to consistent demand from end-user industries like the food and pharmaceutical industries, the price of Calcium Powder has been rising consistently in China. Due to increased production after the Spring Festival, the price of Calcium Powder in China grew steadily throughout the entire month of March. The gradually expanding demand and persistent inquiries from end-user sectors were primarily responsible for this minor price hike.
Europe
German Calcium Powder price trend showcased an upward trajectory during the first quarter of 2023. However, the highest price quotation from China, a large importer that appears to be having trouble finding German customers, supported the quarter's pattern of rising prices. Additionally, there were not enough Calcium Powder supplies to meet the overall demand, which led to higher pricing in the domestic market. Additionally, because the consumer was purchasing out of necessity, demand from the end-user pharmaceutical and nutraceutical businesses remained greater. Since there was a shortage of fresh supplies, traders' interest grew as they predicted an improvement through the year's end. However, Calcium Powder costs increased due to a busy market and competitive product bidding.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
During the fourth quarter of 2022, prices for Calcium Powder USP Grade in the US domestic market fell sharply, from USD 850/MT to USD 750/MT for Calcium Carbonate and USD 4100/MT to USD 3580/MT for Calcium Citrate from October to December. The price of raw materials was low, the cost support of Calcium Powder weakened, and the downstream market wavered in a lower range. There were plenty of products available among domestic manufacturers to meet the demands of the end-user pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. According to the observations, end-user industries have had persistently poor sales, which has pointed to a major downturn in demand. However, the pricing dynamics for various commodities, including Calcium Powder, were impacted by the recovery in market dynamics in several areas. These factors had a substantial influence on the downward pricing trend of Calcium Powder.
Asia- Pacific
The price trend for Calcium Powder remained lower than expected in the Asia Pacific market throughout the fourth quarter of 2022. The prices of Calcium Powder USP grade in China significantly decreased from USD 600/MT to USD 495/MT for Calcium Carbonate and USD 3010/MT to USD 2450/MT for Calcium Citrate from October to December. In the Chinese domestic market, there was enough stock of Calcium Powder with the local suppliers, and the price was lower than the production cost. As industries were closed for the Golden Week holiday, a new round of Covid restrictions in China slowed operations at the nation's various ports. Only purchases from significant suppliers for immediate consumption were noted; the quarter's demand from downstream sectors remained subpar.
Europe
German Calcium Powder price trend showcased a downward trajectory during the fourth quarter of 2022. However, the quarter's plunging price trend was backed mainly by the lowest price quotation from the significant importing country, China which seems quite beneficial for German buyers. Moreover, inventories of Calcium Powder were sufficient to cater to the overall demand, resulting in lower prices in the domestic market. Also, demand from end-user pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries remained sluggish as the customer was buying as a necessity. The lack of demand for fresh supplies caused traders' interest to diminish as they projected a downturn until the year's conclusion. However, weak market activity and low product bidding drove Calcium Powder prices down.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
In North America, the prices of Calcium Powder (USP Grade) declined by around 11.8% for Calcium Carbonate and 9.9% for Calcium Citrate due to unfavorable sentiments in the regional market during the third quarter of 2022. In terms of demand, there was weakened demand and offtakes from downstream pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. In terms of supply, there were ample inventories in the market, and suppliers met the overall order of regional and overseas buyers, which affected the Calcium Powder market. Therefore, by the end of the quarter, the prices for Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Citrate settled at USD 810/MT and USD 4150/MT in September 2022, respectively.
Asia- Pacific
During the third quarter of 2022, the Calcium Powder market exhibited sluggish market sentiments across the Asia Pacific region, with prices settling at USD 548/MT for Calcium Carbonate and USD 3220/MT for Calcium Citrate in September. The manufacturers of Calcium Powder in the Chinese market had high inventory, so the market stock was abundant. Also, the production cost for the pharmaceutical grade continued to deteriorate throughout the quarter, prompting producers to keep the prices lower. Both the poor offtakes and bleak demand for Calcium Powder from downstream pharmaceutical industries resulted in a downward trend.
Europe
The price movement of Calcium Powder scaled down in the European market during the third quarter of 2022. The decline was due to sufficient inventory in the german domestic market. Also, the European demand decreased significantly post-inflation because product offtakes remained less from the regional market by the end-user pharmaceutical producers, who were cautious before making any purchase. The companies reduced their profit margins to increase the trade of goods in the market, which further levied its impact on the offers for the pharma and industrial grade in the European market. Also, depreciated currency values further reflected the prices negatively.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
In the North American region, the Calcium Powder market demonstrated a static price trajectory during the second quarter of 2022. Domestic traders and buyers were concerned about high raw material prices throughout the quarter due to high inflation, the problematic political situation between Russia and Ukraine, and the very unpredictable nature of oil prices. Long-lasting port and supply constraints persisted during the whole quarter in the US market. Offtakes from the downstream industries, such as pharmaceutical and nutraceutical, were constant in demand.
Asia
The Asia Pacific Calcium Powder market displayed stagnant sentiments in the second quarter of 2022. After the ports and factories began operations in the first part of the quarter, calcium powder production in China surged. After a subsequent rise in COVID-19 cases in the final week of April, the Chinese government once more put important production facilities on lockdown, which impacted the country's nutraceutical markets. On the demand front, offtakes from the end-user industries remained steady during the quarter. The country's Zero-COVID policy caused several cargo ships to become stuck at ports, thus hindering the shipment of the goods to other markets. Later, in the second half of the quarter, a number of plants went under maintenance, contributing to the market decline for calcium powder in China. In order to get rid of stockpiles before they degraded due to the high COVID customs, numerous factories were prepared to offer the goods at a discount toward the end of the quarter.
Europe
Calcium Powder prices in Europe followed the same pattern as in North America in Q1 2022, as demand from downstream sectors remained robust throughout the quarter. Calcium Powder has become a must for consumers, particularly in developed markets such as the European region, particularly in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, resulting in increased demand in the region. Throughout the quarter, the market was exacerbated by rising raw material and freight costs and long-term supply chain problems.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
Calcium Powder's domestic market remained stagnant in the first quarter of 2022, but demand and sentiments increased, drawing attention. During the first half of Q1 2022, the US markets remained demand-driven, and supply-chain limited, with signs of improving labor resources and supplier delivery performance. A large increase in demand for Calcium Powder from end-user businesses, on the other hand, resulted in a price increase across the country. In the month of March, calcium carbonate prices for USP and food grade were fixed at USD9340/mt and USD865/mt, respectively. Increased raw material, energy, transportation, services, and logistics costs in China aided this pricing adjustment in the country.
Asia Pacific
The price trend of Calcium Powder increased little in the Asia Pacific region during Q1 2022, when market attitudes improved following the Lunar New Year slump. Due to sustained demand from downstream sectors and a growth in Omicron variant cases in the country, calcium powder consumption in the domestic market remained strong. The market trend in China has been bolstered by rising raw material and energy costs. The introduction of the zero-tolerance covid policy, on the other hand, has had a severe impact on the supply chain of various commodities across the country, including Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Citrate. Calcium Citrate for USP and Food grade was valued at USD2280/mt and USD4300/mt, respectively, in the negotiations. On the same day, pricing for USP and Food grade calcium carbonate were fixed at USD9835/mt and USD680/mt, respectively. The markets rose sharply after operations resumed on February 27 and stayed stable through the end of March.
Europe
Calcium Powder prices in Europe followed the same pattern as in North America in Q1 2022, as demand from downstream sectors remained robust throughout the quarter. Calcium Powder has essentially become a must for consumers, particularly in developed markets such as the European region, particularly in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, resulting in increased demand in the region. Throughout the quarter, the market was exacerbated by rising raw material and freight costs, as well as long-term supply chain problems.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
During the 4th quarter of 2021, the prices of Calcium Powder witnessed a slight increment in the domestic market of US, North America. Consistent intakes from downstream pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries resulted in the positive market outlook in this quarter. Logistics problems eased after the chaotic 3rd quarter further strengthened the supply chain across US. Minimum fluctuations were observed in the prices of Calcium citrate and Calcium carbonate on month-on-month basis as market dynamics shifted towards balanced demand and supply fundamentals in this quarter. The FOB US gulf Prices of Calcium carbonate escalated from USD 9350/mt to USD 9410/mt for USP grade and USD 810/mt to USD 830/mt for food grade from October to December.
Asia
In the Asian market, the pricing trend of Calcium Powder demonstrated an upward trajectory during the fourth quarter of 2021 followed by the stable demand from the downstream sectors. In the Chinese domestic market, the cost support from the upstream Citric Acid consistently weakened during the first week of Q4 which resulted in the plunged offers of Calcium Citrate across China. The FOB Shanghai discussions for Calcium Citrate were assessed at USD 4340/ MT and USD 2150/MT for the USP and Food grades respectively in the fourth week of November. Whereas discussions for the Calcium Carbonate settled at USD 9604 per tonne and USD 440 per tonne for the USP and Food grades respectively, during the week ending 26th November, taking cues from the high feedstock values. Due to the increase in the production costs, several Calcium manufacturing companies further increased the market prices and passed on the pressure on to the buyers including Yiyang Zhenbang which rose the prices for all its calcium products in October starting. Meanwhile, in India, slow improvements were observed for Calcium Citrate during the first half of this quarter. In terms of demand, strong offtakes from the downstream industries were observed throughout Q4 on the back of the skyrocketed freight charges along various Asian trade routes.
Europe
The market sentiments improved in the European market during the 4th quarter of 2021 on the back of the increased demand from downstream pharma grade industry. However, the supply outlook of several Nutraceutical products including Calcium Powder remained disrupted due to the energy crises across Europe. The skyrocketed raw material prices and high freight charges has further supported the market trend throughout the fourth quarter.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
In North America, Calcium Carbonate supply fundamentals remained dampened during Q3 of 2021 backed by lower production levels and supply chain disruption in the backdrop of Hurricane Ida. However, the demand from downstream Calcium Citrate and Calcium Carbonate manufacturers remained firm as the offtakes from pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals industries continued to remain buoyant in this quarter. Hence, In September, Calcium Carbonate was assessed at USD 9300 per MT FOB Gulf Coast while Calcium Citrate rose to USD 4380 per MT CFR West Coast.
Asia
In Asia, Calcium Powder prices witnessed an exponential rise during the third quarter of 2021. Demand for Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Citrate remained firm throughout the quarter following an active rebound in industrial and construction activities. In India, Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Citrate are majorly imported from other Asian countries therefore a continuous price increment was observed due to high freight charges and extreme shortage of shipping containers. Besides, congestion on the interoceanic trade routes also led to the delay in cargoes that consequently surged Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Citrate prices in India. Ex-Mumbai Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Citrate USP grade prices were assessed at USD 10795.60 per MT and USD 3154.84 per MT respectively in September showcasing a significant rise during this quarter.
Europe
In Q3 2021, Calcium Powder prices experienced a gradual rise in the European market influenced by the Asian market fundamentals. As European market fundamentals are highly influenced by China, lack of clarity over new factory registration rule coming into force in 2022 along with prevailing bad weather conditions over the Chinese east coast have added to the rise in prices of Calcium Citrate USP grade in Europe. Calcium Powder market sentiments remained high throughout the quarter backed by the improvement in offtakes from the downstream manufacturers. In addition, exorbitant freight costs and crippled availability of containers also sent ripples to the prices of Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Citrate. Moreover, sudden rise in energy costs further pushed up the prices of Calcium Powder and its derivatives in the region.
