For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
During the last quarter of 2024, Silane prices in the U.S. market rose in the initial month due to shipment delays caused by the ILA strike, which reduced East Coast port capacity by 10-17%. Seasonal typhoons in the South China Sea further disrupted supply chains, while holiday-related port congestion added to delays. Arbitrage opportunities from Europe remained closed in early November due to Red Sea security tensions, which contributed to Silane scarcity in the U.S.
Toward the end of the quarter, suppliers procured bulk inventories in late November and early December 2024 to address potential shortages ahead of a looming strike scheduled for January 15, 2025. By year-end, market sentiment shifted from anxious to cautious as suppliers liquidated inventories to avoid year-end tax repercussions and inventory devaluation. This bulk movement of stock improved supply but sustained the bearish market trend, as downstream coating industries operated at reduced rates, keeping offtake volumes low and inventories high.
Demand for Silane from the construction sector remained weak, despite a slight improvement in housebuilding confidence, which rose from 43 points in October to 46 points in November 2024. The index, however, stayed below the 50-point threshold, reflecting a bleak market outlook. Housing starts and completions fell by 3.1% in October 2024, with permits declining by 0.6%, further dampening demand. Spot procurement drove temporary price increases as suppliers, low on inventory, sought to replenish stocks. Overall, recovery in demand is not expected before early 2025.
Europe
Throughout Q4 2024, Silane prices across the European market continued to depreciate, declining by approximately 6%. The price drop was largely driven by improved supplies in Germany, as suppliers actively liquidated inventories toward year-end. This liquidation activity remained the primary factor shaping the current market situation for Silane.
Export conditions for Silane remained unfavorable due to disruptions at the Port of Hamburg. Ongoing modernization efforts at the Altenwerder (CTA) automated container terminal led to congestion and cancellations of carrier sailings, disrupting material flows and adding to the market’s surplus. Inland Europe faced similar challenges, as key ports like Antwerp and Rotterdam experienced heavy fog, further limiting the smooth distribution of inventories across the region.
Demand for Silane from the downstream coatings industry remained weak. With order volumes low, many companies extended Christmas holidays for employees, reducing production activities earlier than usual. January is expected to bring a seasonal dip in production, with some companies delaying operations until mid-month, resulting in continued thin orders from buyers.
In the construction sector, uncertainties worsened due to the collapse of the coalition government, which raised doubts about construction spending. The political stalemate could prevent the passage of the draft 2025 budget, rolling over monthly spending allocations from 2024 into the new year. Proposals for stimulus packages, affordable housing investments, and infrastructure funding for rail, roads, and bridges may remain in limbo, further dampening demand for Silane in the construction industry.
APAC
The APAC Silane market experienced a predominantly bullish trend during the initial two months of Q4 2024, with prices rising by approximately 4%. This upward trajectory was largely attributed to tight supply conditions resulting from lower production levels and persistently high production costs. Key producers in the region faced challenges related to elevated feedstock prices and restricted operating rates, which limited output and kept the market under supply pressure.
On the demand side, conditions showed notable improvement as procurement activities gained traction. The release of economic stimulus packages by Chinese authorities played a crucial role in rejuvenating market sentiment. These measures encouraged increased activity across several downstream industries, such as electronics, construction, and coatings, which are significant end-use sectors for Silane. Improved economic confidence among market participants spurred buying interest, further bolstering prices during the initial part of the quarter.
However, the bullish momentum weakened as the year-end approached, with widespread destocking activities becoming the dominant market driver. Suppliers and distributors across the region focused on clearing inventories to manage stock levels ahead of the new financial year. Additionally, demand from importing Southeast Asian markets remained subdued, influenced by a combination of unfavorable weather conditions, including monsoons and typhoons, which disrupted trade routes and logistics. These disruptions compounded the challenges for buyers in the region, leading to a build-up of inventory levels.
By the end of the quarter, ample supplies began to overshadow the earlier bullish sentiment, resulting in a softer market tone. The shift highlighted the sensitivity of the APAC Silane market to both supply-side constraints and fluctuating demand dynamics, underscoring the challenges of sustaining bullish conditions in the face of external disruptions and seasonal patterns.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American Silane market experienced a steady decline in prices, influenced by a combination of factors shaping the pricing landscape. Disruptions such as hurricanes affecting production and floods impacting downstream demand in the adhesives and solvent sectors, alongside geopolitical tensions, contributed to the downward price trajectory. Demand for Silane across industries like construction, electronics, and automotive remained moderate, while the supply chain in the region was balanced, with adequate supply levels meeting domestic demand.
In the USA, where the most significant price changes occurred, the first half of the quarter saw prices adversely impacted by rising interest rates and economic uncertainty, which led to a pullback in new construction activity. However, a shift in demand dynamics emerged during the latter half of the quarter, as a reduction in interest rates began to positively influence demand, despite an increase in freight rates.
By the end of the quarter, Silane Coating Grade DDP Texas was priced at USD 3370/MT. This figure reflects the ongoing adjustments in the market, illustrating the interplay of economic factors and supply-demand dynamics.
APAC
The third quarter of 2024 witnessed a downward in Silane prices across the APAC region, driven by a confluence of factors influencing the market dynamics. The persistent supply challenges, exacerbated by port congestion and disruptions caused by natural calamities like typhoons, played a pivotal role in pushing prices upwards. Demand procurement remained low, especially from the construction sector, showing limited enthusiasm in the market. The recent typhoon season, notably Typhoon Bebinca, has caused significant disruptions across major Asian markets, including China, with ongoing heavy rains worsening the situation. These disruptions have negatively impacted construction projects, leading to delays and cancellations that have reduced the demand for construction-related materials. In China, the market experienced the most pronounced price changes, reflecting the overall trend in the region. Despite a -2% decline from the previous quarter, the overall sentiment remained positive, culminating in a quarter-ending price of USD 2915/MT for Silane Coating Grade FOB Shanghai. The quarter saw a distinct seasonality impact on prices, with a notable 3% increase observed between the first and second half of the quarter. The market resilience amidst various challenges underscored a robust pricing environment, despite the fluctuations.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2024, Silane pricing in Europe experienced a notable decline, particularly in Germany, which saw the most significant price fluctuations. The decrease can be attributed to low demand from the downstream construction industry, as construction spending continued to fall. This trend was further exacerbated by sluggish demand in the housing sector, which struggled amid an economic slowdown, directly impacting Silane consumption. Compounding these challenges, the lending environment for construction projects remained difficult, and ongoing weaknesses in commercial property values hindered inquiries and overall construction activity. Inflationary pressures contributed to a decline in demand, while consumer enthusiasm waned during this period. Additionally, the European Silane supply chain faced disruptions from adverse weather conditions and lower export values from the USA, affected by port strikes and the hurricane season. The quarter recorded a 1% decrease in Silane prices compared to the previous quarter, reflecting a challenging pricing environment. The quarter ended with Silane Coating Grade FD Hamburg priced at USD 3665/MT, underscoring the ongoing downward trend in pricing.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the North American Silane market faced notable challenges, culminating in a downward pricing trend. The market grappled with an oversupply situation, primarily due to high inventory levels and subdued demand from downstream sectors such as construction and coatings. Despite a robust construction sector reflected by positive employment indicators, the overall demand for Silane remained weak as merchants preferred to work through existing stocks rather than place new orders.
In the USA, which experienced the most significant price fluctuations within the region, Silane prices showcased a persistent decline. The seasonality effect, typically driving higher demand in warmer months, failed to counterbalance the market's bearish sentiment. Additionally, the correlation between excessive inventory and reduced fresh orders exacerbated the downward pressure on prices.
Concluding the quarter, the price of Silane Coating Grade DDP Texas in the USA dropped by 3%. This persistent decline suggests that the pricing environment has been predominantly negative, influenced heavily by supply-demand imbalances and strategic inventory management by merchants looking to avoid surplus stock.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the pricing trajectory for Silane in the APAC region has exhibited a discernible decline. This quarter has been notably challenging for Silane, as multiple factors converged to exert downward pressure on market prices. The primary reasons include subdued demand from the construction sector, which continues to grapple with economic pressures, reduced investment levels, and a persistent property market crisis. Furthermore, increased ocean freight rates have discouraged orders from overseas markets, leading to an oversupply of Silane domestically, evident across key markets in APAC.
Focusing on China, the epicenter of this price fluctuation, there has been a pronounced bearish trend. Seasonal factors, such as continuous rainfall in the East China region, compounded the issue by reducing demand and hindering enterprise shipments. This surplus of Silane in the domestic market placed significant downward pressure on prices. Additionally, the official NBS Non-Manufacturing PMI's slight decrease reflects the ongoing challenges in the broader economic environment, which has directly impacted construction activities and, by extension, Silane demand. The latest quarter-ending price for Silane Coating Grade FOB Shanghai dropped by 4%, encapsulating the overall declining sentiment. The market faces a negative pricing environment, as evidenced by the steady decline influenced by weak demand, oversupply, and economic uncertainties, with no significant plant shutdowns reported during this timeframe.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the Silane market in Europe has experienced notable price declines, driven by several pivotal factors. The overarching sentiment has been negative, primarily attributed to dwindling demand from the construction sector, alongside easing supply chain constraints. A surplus of Silane in the market, coupled with improved subcontractor availability and enhanced supplier delivery times, has exerted downward pressure on prices. The construction industry's contraction, exacerbated by high financing costs and regulatory burdens, has further dampened the demand for Silane. Despite no significant plant shutdowns recorded in Europe during this quarter, the sentiment remains bearish.
Focusing on Germany, the country has witnessed the most significant price fluctuations within the region. The German market saw a consistent decline in Silane prices, reflecting broader economic struggles. The construction sector's downturn, marked by decreasing new orders and high interest rates, has been a major influence. The latest quarter-ending price decrease for Silane Coating Grade FD Hamburg in Germany is 3%, signifying the impact of these adverse conditions on the pricing environment. Overall, Q2 2024 has seen a pronounced negative shift in the Silane market across Germany, driven by significant economic and sector-specific challenges.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In Q1 2024, the Silane pricing dynamics in the North American region, specifically in the USA, experienced fluctuations and challenges. While the overall trend suggests a bearish market situation, it is essential to delve into a nuanced examination beyond the conventional top three factors.
The market was influenced by factors such as weak purchasing activities, reduced demand from the downstream electronic and construction sectors, and global economic weakness. These factors contributed to a decline in prices for Silane Electronic and coating grades. The supply of Silane remained moderate, with sufficient stockpiles in the market. However, there were disruptions in the ocean route, which affected global trading activities and reduced demand from outside the region.
The demand for Silane was low due to existing stockpiles and a broader economic environment characterized by uncertainty, price pressures, and overall weakness. The decline in electronics production globally also impacted the demand for Silane in the electronic industry. In terms of seasonality, the first quarter is typically characterized by slower demand and reduced purchasing activities. Finally, the quarter concludes with the final price for Silane Coating Grade DDP Texas in the USA at USD 3400/MT.
APAC
In Q1 2024, the Silane pricing dynamics in the APAC region, particularly in China, witnessed significant fluctuations. The market situation in China was characterized by a bearish trend, primarily driven by weak demand from the downstream electronic sector. The global electronics industry faced challenges with subdued client demand, resulting in a decline in new orders placed with electronic manufacturers. This downward trend was attributed to the weak global economy, persistent inflationary pressures, and project postponements. The supply of Silane remained moderate, with sufficient stockpiles in the market. However, disruptions in the Red Sea supply chain led to a reduction in overseas demand and new orders from the international market. The pricing trend in Q1 2024 showed a decline compared to the same quarter last year, mainly due to weak demand conditions and global economic challenges. Additionally, there were no recorded plant shutdowns during this period that significantly impacted the pricing dynamics. Overall, the Silane Coating Grade FOB Shanghai in China concluded the quarter at USD 3000/MT.
Europe
In Q1 2024, Silane pricing dynamics in the Europe region were influenced by various factors beyond the conventional top three. The overall trend in the German market reflected a bearish sentiment, with weak demand from the downstream electronic and construction sectors. The global electronics sector faced challenges due to weak client demand, while the German construction sector witnessed an ongoing decline influenced by market uncertainty and elevated interest rates. These factors resulted in reduced purchasing activity and downsizing by construction firms, leading to a decrease in demand for Silane. Additionally, disruptions in ocean routes impacted international trading activities, further affecting export demand. Despite sufficient supply meeting domestic requirements, the market experienced a slowdown in trading activities. Looking at price changes, the year-over-year comparison showed a decline in prices for Silane Coating Grade in Q1 2024 compared to the same quarter last year, reflecting the challenging market conditions. However, the comparison with the previous quarter of 2023 indicated a stable price trend. The final quarter's price for Silane Coating Grade FD Hamburg in Germany was recorded at USD 3712/MT.
