For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the U.S. Calcium Silicate market experienced a significant decline, primarily driven by weak domestic demand and a sluggish construction sector. The challenging economic environment, marked by rising interest rates, reduced commercial property values, and a tight lending landscape, significantly impacted market performance. Despite a modest recovery in the residential construction sector, factors such as labor shortages, high material costs, and limited land availability persisted, hindering growth.
Geopolitical uncertainties, particularly surrounding the U.S. Presidential Election and the threat of potential tariffs, further dampened market sentiment. Alongside these demand-side challenges, the market faced logistical disruptions, including port congestion and labor unrest, which exacerbated supply chain bottlenecks. The abundant supply of Calcium Silicate, combined with weak demand across critical industries such as construction, put downward pressure on prices.
By December, seasonal slowdowns and persistent economic challenges in the construction sector further weakened demand, leading to a substantial reduction in Calcium Silicate prices. Overall, the market struggled to recover, reflecting continued pressures from weak demand and logistical issues.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the APAC region witnessed a sharp decline in Calcium Silicate prices, driven by a combination of weak demand and excess supply across key markets. Economic challenges and reduced investment in the construction sector, a primary consumer of Calcium Silicate, significantly impacted domestic consumption. Export demand also declined due to sluggish economic activity in Europe and North America, further pressuring market dynamics. Seasonal factors led to an oversupplied market, which exacerbated the downward pressure on prices. Logistical challenges, including persistent port congestion, disrupted supply chains, contributing to inefficiencies and market imbalances. Downstream industries such as ceramics and glass, which rely heavily on Calcium Silicate, scaled back production amidst soaring energy costs and declining export orders, compounding the challenges. The overall price drop in the region during the quarter was significant, with an average decline of 38% compared to the previous quarter. Among the major markets, the most pronounced drop was observed in China. By December 2024, Calcium Silicate prices in the region continued to face headwinds, driven by oversupply, subdued demand, and lingering market uncertainties. Calcium Silicate FOB Qingdao (China) prices fell to USD 330/MT by the end of the year, underscoring the prevailing bearish sentiment in the APAC region.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the European Calcium Silicate market experienced a substantial decline in prices, largely due to weak demand from critical sectors such as construction. Geopolitical tensions, persistent supply chain disruptions, and ongoing port congestion further exacerbated market challenges. Rising energy and labor costs, elevated interest rates, and reduced investment in infrastructure and new projects added to the downward pressure on prices. Although steady imports and relatively efficient port operations ensured sufficient product availability, consumer confidence remained low, and market participants adopted a cautious approach throughout the quarter. Inflation within the Eurozone, which reached 2.4% in December, further dampened market sentiment, and restrained overall consumption. Germany, a significant market within the region, faced the steepest price declines, driven by ongoing economic challenges and reduced activity across residential, commercial, and civil engineering sectors. Weak demand from these key areas further compounded the downward trend in pricing. By the close of the quarter, Calcium Silicate prices in Europe had plummeted by 25% compared to the previous quarter. Prices for Calcium Silicate CFR Hamburg (Germany) fell to USD 498/MT, reflecting the challenges faced by the market. The combination of subdued demand, economic uncertainty, and supply chain difficulties highlighted the fragile state of the market and created a challenging environment for industry stakeholders.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American Calcium Silicate market faced a notable decline, with prices dropping compared to the previous quarter. This downturn was largely driven by weakened demand from vital sectors, including construction and glass manufacturing, both of which grappled with ongoing supply chain disruptions and logistical challenges.
Factors such as persistent port congestion, labor strikes, and the potential impact of hurricanes significantly undermined market confidence, leading to a bearish pricing trend. Additionally, plant shutdowns especially those triggered by Hurricane Beryl tightened supply levels, exerting further downward pressure on prices. While there was some hope for a recovery, overall demand remained tepid, leaving domestic producers and traders contending with difficult market conditions.
In North America, the USA recorded the most pronounced price volatility, reflecting a continuous downward trend throughout the quarter. Overall, the pricing landscape for Calcium Silicate in North America during Q3 2024 was largely unfavorable, shaped by weak demand, and exacerbated by external factors such as weather-related disruptions, labor issues, and supply chain inefficiencies that continued to challenge market dynamics.
APAC
Throughout the third quarter of 2024, the APAC region witnessed a challenging quarter for Calcium Silicate pricing due to various factors. Prices decreased at both the beginning and end of the quarter, with a notable spike occurring in August. Although global port congestion persisted, supply levels remained adequate, while demand from downstream sectors, particularly construction, was subdued. China experienced the most significant price fluctuations, underscoring its critical role in the regional market. Seasonal dynamics, especially construction activity, influenced demand variations. At the end of the quarter, prices trended downward, largely due to the low costs of imported materials from other Asian markets, which applied downward pressure on regional prices. Furthermore, the cautious approach of key Asian markets, particularly China, affected regional dynamics. Typhoon Bebinca also caused severe flooding, disrupting logistics during the Mid-Autumn Festival and complicating transportation amid already weak demand. Overall, Calcium Silicate prices eased by 6% compared to the previous quarter, with a quarter-end price decline of 5% for FOB Qingdao (China).
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European Calcium Silicate market experienced a notable decline in prices, primarily driven by weakened demand from key downstream sectors, including construction manufacturing. This downturn was further compounded by sluggish industrial activity, congestion at major ports, and challenging economic conditions, all of which contributed to a bearish market sentiment. Germany exhibited the most pronounced price fluctuations, with subdued demand leading to a price drop of 4% compared to the previous quarter. The negative trend was exacerbated by disrupted supply chains and low consumer confidence, resulting in price changes of 11% in August and 1% in September for Calcium Silicate CFR Hamburg (Germany). Overall, the quarter underscored a difficult pricing environment in Germany, characterized by persistently declining prices driven by a combination of weakened demand, supply chain disruptions, and adverse economic factors. Market participants faced increasingly challenging dynamics marked by uncertainty and caution as they approached the end of Q3, navigating through a series of hurdles that influenced their decision-making and strategic planning.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, Calcium Silicate prices in North America experienced notable volatility, with a general decline followed by a rebound by the end of June. This period was characterized by a complex mix of supply chain disruptions, changing demand dynamics, and geopolitical tensions.
Significant supply chain challenges included the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which severely impacted transportation logistics, and a potential strike by workers at major freight rail carriers CN and CPKC, which threatened to disrupt trade across North America.
Additionally, the Panama Canal Authority's decision to add extra transit slots per day provided some relief to supply pressures, but it was insufficient to counteract the broader market disruptions. Demand for Calcium Silicate declined mainly due to a slowdown in the manufacturing sector and decreased construction spending, exacerbated by high interest rates that limited expenditure on construction projects and reduced consumer spending. Nonetheless, demand picked up toward the end of the quarter, driven by renewed interest in infrastructure projects and increased private-sector construction activities.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the Calcium Silicate market in the APAC region experienced a mixed trend as the prices initially eased, however, rebounded later. The quarter has seen a blend of key factors driving this price increase, despite overall subdued demand from downstream industries like construction. Strategic government initiatives aimed at stimulating the property sector, such as relaxed down-payment requirements and lowered interest rates on home loans, have moderately bolstered confidence in the market. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and disruptions in trade routes, particularly through the Red Sea, have compounded supply chain challenges, contributing to cost pressures and influencing the upward price trajectory. Focusing on China, which has been at the epicenter of these price changes, the market exhibited a bullish trend throughout the quarter. Despite weak downstream demand and challenging economic conditions, low inventory levels have played a significant role in maintaining an upward momentum. The Chinese market saw substantial month-on-month price increases, reflecting a persistent struggle with supply constraints amid moderate demand recovery. Seasonal factors, such as increased construction activities during the summer, have further influenced this upward trend. The quarter concluded with the price of Calcium Silicate FOB Qingdao at USD 780/MT, underscoring a stable yet positive pricing environment. Overall, the Q2 analysis reveals that while the market faced various pressures, the pricing context remained predominantly positive due to strategic economic interventions and persistent supply limitations.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the Calcium Silicate market in Europe experienced fluctuations as the prices declined in April, however, surged by quarter end. The quarter has been marked by disruptions in key trade routes, particularly in the Red Sea, which have compounded supply chain challenges. Geopolitical tensions and adverse weather conditions have exacerbated these disruptions, leading to increased freight rates and extended delivery times, which in turn elevated production costs. Additionally, macroeconomic factors, including rising inflation and high financing costs, have further contributed to higher market prices. Despite these challenges, the subdued demand from downstream industries like construction, ceramics, and glass has persisted, preventing a more robust recovery. Focusing on Germany, the country has experienced the most significant price changes within the region. The overall trend in Germany has been upward, with prices reflecting a positive sentiment due to constrained supply and moderate demand levels. Seasonal factors, such as increased construction activity during the warmer months, have also played a role in driving prices up. In conclusion, the pricing environment for Calcium Silicate in Germany has been positive in Q2 2024, with the latest quarter-ending price recorded at USD 830/MT CFR Hamburg. The consistent price increases highlight a market under pressure from supply chain disruptions, macroeconomic challenges, and seasonal demand fluctuations, culminating in a favorable pricing trend for the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In the first quarter of 2024, the pricing trends of Calcium Silicate in North America showed a varying pattern, influenced by several factors. While there was an overall sense of stability, the market in the USA experienced notable fluctuations, with periods of both price increases and stability.
By the middle of the quarter, the USA Calcium Silicate market maintained stable prices after a surge in January. Additionally, the relatively higher import costs of the product contributed to a slight uptick in domestic market prices. The business climate in the US demonstrated a significant increase in economic activity, with companies seeing strong growth in new orders for goods and services. This led to an optimistic outlook and increased confidence in future business prospects.
The growth in construction projects and positive business sentiment propelled the product's upward price trajectory in the US market. Moreover, freight charges associated with importing Calcium Silicate to the US affected product pricing domestically. Nevertheless, the domestic market had sufficient supply, prompting traders to adjust prices with only a marginal increase this quarter.
APAC
Throughout the first quarter of 2024, the pricing dynamics of Calcium Silicate in the APAC region remained subdued, influenced by various factors, with the overall market situation in China playing a significant role in shaping the pricing trend for the quarter. Frequent price fluctuations and an overall downward trajectory characterized the market, mainly attributed to weak demand from the downstream construction sector during the Lunar New Year holidays. The presence of ample product stock further aggravated the situation, leading sellers to offer discounts. Moreover, disruptions in supply routes via the Red Sea and Panama Canal resulted in stockpiling at regional ports, contributing to increased inventory levels and downward pressure on prices. The decrease in demand from the construction sector, as indicated by the business activity index, also had a bearing on pricing. When comparing year-over-year data, the pricing trend for Q1 2024 showed a decline compared to the same quarter in the previous year, reflecting the challenging market conditions. However, there was a slight price increase compared to the preceding quarter of 2023, attributable to pre-holiday restocking and optimistic expectations. Consequently, by the end of the quarter, the product's price in China had declined by 1%.
Europe
During Q1 2024, the pricing dynamics of Calcium Silicate in the European region were characterized by a subdued atmosphere influenced by a variety of factors. The market trend leaned bearish, driven by a combination of low demand and ample supply, which resulted in price reductions. Germany, in particular, witnessed significant price fluctuations due to challenges within its construction sector and economic uncertainties. The construction industry in Germany grappled with issues such as diminished demand, constrained financial conditions, and elevated prices, leading to reduced new orders and an atmosphere of caution in the market. The availability of competitively priced imported materials further compounded the decline in prices. Furthermore, disruptions in container shipping and severe congestion in the Red Sea exerted pressure on supply chains, contributing to the downward trajectory of prices. When comparing year-over-year price changes, there was a depreciation in prices compared to the same quarter last year, underscoring the persistent challenges faced by the market. Ultimately, the final price for Calcium Silicate CFR Hamburg in Germany declined by 1% at the end of the quarter, reflecting the prevailing downward trend in prices during this period.
