For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Calcium powder prices in the USA exhibited significant volatility, shaped by shifting economic and logistical dynamics. In October, prices rose as Federal Reserve rate cuts boosted consumer confidence, driving up demand. This increase was further exacerbated by supply chain disruptions, including prolonged port congestion, labor strikes, and fears of potential tariff hikes under President-elect Donald Trump, leading to a tighter supply-demand balance and higher prices.
By November, the market transitioned as prices began to decline. Weakened demand, fueled by inflationary pressures and elevated interest rates, coupled with a stronger U.S. dollar making imports more cost-effective, helped ease pricing. The resolution of the ILA strike reduced logistical challenges, while healthy inventory levels enabled suppliers to lower prices, benefiting consumers and further tempering the market. In December, the downward trend continued as waning consumer confidence, a seasonal drop in demand, and proactive inventory buildup ahead of potential January strikes and the Chinese Lunar New Year suppressed prices. Inflation concerns and tariff uncertainty drove cautious purchasing behavior, while ample supply and competitive pricing strategies intensified downward pressure.
Overall, Q4 2024 was characterized by sharp price fluctuations, with an initial surge driven by supply chain disruptions and robust demand, followed by a decline as inflationary concerns, improved supply chain conditions, and softer demand took precedence.
Asia Pacific
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Calcium powder market in China exhibited a fluctuating trend influenced by a combination of domestic and international factors. In October, prices climbed as China's recovering manufacturing sector gained momentum, fueled by government stimulus measures, a surge in domestic and export orders, and heightened demand during the Golden Week holiday. Additionally, the yuan's depreciation enhanced export competitiveness, further supporting the price increase. By November, the market shifted downward, with prices declining due to slowing domestic demand, elevated inventory levels, and weakened international demand amid global economic uncertainties. Improved seaweed harvesting led to an increased raw material supply, further applying downward pressure on prices. The downward trend persisted into December, driven by China’s disinflation, muted consumer demand, and reduced orders from the USA and Europe during the holiday season, which resulted in oversupply. To clear excess inventory, suppliers implemented aggressive price reductions, intensifying the decline. Overall, the Calcium powder market in Q4 2024 experienced an initial price surge driven by robust demand and favorable export conditions, followed by a sharp downturn due to weakening demand, ample supply, and economic uncertainties.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Calcium powder prices in Europe experienced notable fluctuations, shaped by various economic and market influences. In October, prices rose due to improved business sentiment, fueled by optimism around economic recovery and the European Central Bank’s third interest rate cut to 3.25%. This monetary easing boosted spending and investment, while supply chain disruptions at Hamburg’s ports and proactive inventory stockpiling added upward pressure on prices.
However, November brought a reversal as prices declined, driven by weaker demand from key end-use sectors and easing inflationary pressures. A sharp drop in consumer spending, coupled with a 1.9% reduction in energy costs, lowered production expenses, enabling suppliers to reduce prices to stay competitive and align with softened market conditions. By December, the downward trend persisted, primarily due to subdued demand, cautious purchasing behavior amid lingering inflation concerns, and higher import costs resulting from the euro's depreciation. Elevated inventory levels and year-end clearance efforts further pressured prices. Additionally, severe winter weather caused logistical delays, curbing consumer activity and exacerbating the market slowdown.
Overall, Q4 2024 was marked by a transition from initial optimism to cautious economic sentiment, resulting in a volatile pricing environment and an overall downward trend for Calcium powder prices in Europe.
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.
