For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the North American Sodium Gluconate market experienced a decline in prices due to weak demand and oversupply. Initially, the market saw a surge driven by production disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions, including hurricanes and heavy downpours, which led to supply constraints.
However, as the quarter progressed, production levels stabilized, and the market began to see the effects of subdued demand, particularly from the construction sector. Despite an increase in October, U.S. construction spending remained flat in November, reflecting a slowdown in construction activities, which dampened the demand for Sodium Gluconate.
Manufacturers adjusted production to avoid excess inventory, but the oversupply situation and reduced purchasing from downstream industries exerted downward pressure on prices. Although feedstock costs rose, their impact on production was not sufficient to counterbalance the weak market sentiment. Furthermore, international demand remained lackluster, with logistical challenges and rising freight costs to the U.S. further complicating market conditions. As a result, Sodium Gluconate prices declined significantly during the quarter.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Sodium Gluconate market in China experienced a declining trend, primarily driven by weak demand and oversupply, especially due to challenges in key sectors such as construction and real estate. Despite some improvements in manufacturing activity, the overall demand for Sodium Gluconate remained sluggish. The slowdown in the real estate sector, coupled with reduced construction investments and continued struggles in lower-tier cities, dampened consumption. Manufacturers maintained steady production levels to meet supply needs, but this led to high inventory levels, intensifying market pressure. Although feedstock costs, like caustic soda, rose, this increase was not sufficient to offset the overall downturn in market sentiment. Additionally, the international demand for Sodium Gluconate remained weak, contributing to the negative market trend. The supply chain also faced logistical challenges, particularly rising freight costs in the US, although these pressures were somewhat mitigated by more stable rates in Europe. As a result, prices for Sodium Gluconate declined by 8.3% throughout the quarter, reaching USD 525/MT FOB Qingdao by the end of December.
Europe
The European Sodium Gluconate market remained stable with only minor fluctuations during the final quarter of 2024. Demand from the key downstream construction sector remained subdued, particularly as Germany, one of Europe's largest construction markets, experienced a deeper downturn in October, November, and December. This downturn was reflected in a decline in both activity and new orders, driven by broader economic pressures and reduced investment in construction projects across the region. The muted demand from the construction industry contributed to the lack of upward momentum in Sodium Gluconate prices, which remained relatively stable throughout the quarter. Market participants reported that construction activity in December 2024 faced significant challenges. Despite slight increases in some construction activity indexes, they remained well below growth levels, marking several months of contraction. Housing activity saw its sharpest decline since September, while the commercial and civil engineering sectors showed slower but still negative growth. Both Germany and France continued to face difficulties, with France reporting its most significant contraction since April, leading to notable job cuts in the sector.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Sodium Gluconate market in North America experienced a notable decline in prices, primarily driven by weakened demand from downstream sectors, particularly the construction industry. As construction projects slowed due to economic uncertainties and rising material costs, the demand for Sodium Gluconate—commonly used as a concrete additive—diminished significantly. This reduction in consumption created downward pressure on Sodium Gluconate prices.
Additionally, low international demand exacerbated the situation, as reduced orders from key trading partners contributed to an oversupply in the market. Manufacturers faced challenges in moving existing inventory, further pushing prices downward. This combination of weak domestic and international demand resulted in bearish market sentiment. Moreover, late in the quarter, expectations of a potential strike on the U.S. East Coast and port congestion slowed trade for Sodium Gluconate.
By the end of the quarter, Sodium Gluconate prices reflected this trend, with significant reductions noted compared to the previous quarter. The overall pricing environment indicated a decline in domestic market activity.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the Sodium Gluconate market in the APAC region faced a decline in prices due to several key factors impacting supply and demand dynamics. Weak demand from downstream sectors, particularly the construction and textile industries, led to a noticeable reduction in consumption. The construction industry, which typically utilizes Sodium Gluconate as a concrete additive, showed signs of sluggishness amid economic uncertainties and project halts, further diminishing demand. In the textile sector, competition and reduced production schedules also contributed to lower consumption levels. High inventory levels created an oversupply situation in the market, forcing manufacturers to lower prices to stimulate sales. Additionally, reduced international orders, particularly from major trading partners, contributed to bearish sentiment, as manufacturers struggled to move existing stock. China experienced the most significant price fluctuations during the quarter, with prices recorded at USD 573/MT FOB Qingdao. Despite these challenges, it is noteworthy that prices rose by 1.5% compared to the previous quarter, indicating some resilience in the market. Furthermore, when compared to the same quarter last year, prices increased by 2.5%.
MEA
In Q3 2024, the Sodium Gluconate market in the MEA (Middle East and Africa) region displayed a stable pricing trend, primarily driven by positive demand from downstream sectors, particularly the construction industry. As new infrastructure projects were initiated across several countries, the demand for Sodium Gluconate, widely used as a concrete additive, saw a notable uptick. This increasing activity provided a robust foundation for price stability in the market. Additionally, ample inventory levels helped maintain equilibrium in supply and demand dynamics. Manufacturers were able to meet market needs without significant fluctuations in prices. Furthermore, the influx of affordable imports from overseas suppliers contributed to the stable pricing environment. These cost-effective imports allowed local manufacturers to manage their production costs while ensuring adequate supply for the growing demand. Despite potential challenges, such as fluctuating international trade conditions, the overall market sentiment remained positive. By the end of the quarter, Sodium Gluconate prices reflected this stability, indicating a resilient market capable of adapting to changing demands and supply chain dynamics in the region.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the North American Sodium Gluconate market experienced a consistent downward trend in pricing, driven by several significant factors. The ample availability of Sodium Gluconate within the region, coupled with high port inventories and subdued demand from the downstream construction industry, played pivotal roles in exerting downward pressure on market prices. The inflationary environment further added to the complexities, impacting overall market sentiment and consumer purchasing power.
Despite a generally robust economic backdrop, with moderate growth in the manufacturing sector, the Sodium Gluconate market faced challenges due to the reduced rate of expansion and declining orders in both manufacturing and services sectors. Focusing on the USA, where the most substantial price changes occurred, the overall trends reflected a bearish market sentiment. The seasonality factor, particularly the arrival of the monsoon season, contributed to the muted demand from the construction sector, further influencing the negative price trajectory.
The correlation between these seasonal trends and the broader economic pressures was evident in the price movements throughout the quarter. Overall, the pricing environment for Sodium Gluconate in Q2 2024 was negative, with persistent downward pressure reflecting the challenging market conditions.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European Sodium Gluconate market experienced a pronounced upward trend, significantly influenced by heightened demand from the downstream construction sector and elevated global freight rates. The continuity of supply was maintained despite logistical challenges, with freight rates witnessing a notable surge, especially for shipments from Asia to Europe and North America. The chemical industry, reliant on timely shipments, faced increased costs due to these delays and higher freight charges. This quarter has been characterized by a bullish market sentiment, driven by the robust recovery of the construction industry and broader economic improvements across the region. Focusing on Germany, where the most significant price changes were observed, the market dynamics were particularly noteworthy. The country experienced a notable increase in Sodium Gluconate prices, driven by the resilient demand from the construction sector. The seasonality factor played a crucial role, with the onset of favourable summer conditions bolstering construction activities and thereby increasing Sodium Gluconate demand. The price escalation was further compounded by rising crude oil prices, influenced by supply cuts from OPEC countries, which affected the derivative markets and overall production costs. Comparing the first and second halves of the quarter, the latter displayed a marked price increase of 3%, reflecting the sustained demand and logistical constraints. Despite no plant shutdowns reported, the market's positive trajectory remained unimpeded by supply disruptions. This upward trend underscores the market's resilience and the strategic adjustments made by industry players to navigate logistical challenges and rising input costs.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the pricing environment for Sodium Gluconate in the APAC region has witnessed a significant upward trend. A combination of sustained demand from the construction industry and increased production costs has been pivotal in driving up market prices. The escalation in crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and disruptions in global supply chains have further compounded cost pressures. Additionally, logistical challenges, including a surge in freight rates and port congestion, have exacerbated the supply constraints, thereby contributing to the bullish market sentiment. Notably, there have been no reported plant shutdowns, ensuring a steady, albeit strained, supply. Focusing on China, the price changes have been particularly pronounced. The robust construction sector, spurred by rising home sales and government-backed infrastructure projects, has significantly bolstered demand. Seasonal considerations, such as favourable summer conditions, have further heightened construction activities, reinforcing the positive pricing momentum. Compared to the first half of the quarter, prices saw a notable 7% increase in the second half, underscoring the persistent upward trend. Overall, the prices recorded a 7% increase from the previous quarter, reflecting a strong market trajectory. The quarter concluded with the price of Sodium Gluconate at USD 600/MT FOB Qingdao, illustrating a consistent positive pricing environment throughout Q2 2024 powered by robust demand and supply-side constraints.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
The North American Sodium Gluconate market experienced a bullish trend in the first quarter of 2024, driven by expensive imports from Europe and Asia, particularly from Belgium and India. The Red Sea crises during the quarter significantly impacted product imports, leading to increased surcharges and traders opting for premium insurance.
Container shipping faced substantial disruptions, with vessels rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid Red Sea conflicts. Major ocean carriers suspended Red Sea transits, causing travel durations and freight expenses to increase notably. These disruptions, coupled with the Panama Canal drought, contributed to a surge in ocean shipment rates, with container shipping rates from Asia to Europe and North America increasing by 300%. Additionally, the global increase in feedstock Gluconic Acid prices during this period raised production costs in the region, further supporting the bullish market trend.
The downstream construction industry saw increased demand due to tight housing supply in the USA, evidenced by significant shortages in housing units for sale. Despite a slight dip in multi-family housing project outlays in February, likely due to backlog management, construction companies played a pivotal role in bolstering the US job market, adding 39,000 jobs in March. Concurrently, the unemployment rate dropped to 3.8%, with over 400,000 individuals joining or rejoining the workforce, reflecting positive economic dynamics in North America during Q1 2024.
APAC
Sodium Gluconate pricing in the APAC region for Q1 2024 has been influenced by several significant factors. Overall, the market has experienced a positive price trend, driven by factors such as increased feedstock costs, tight supply conditions, and strong demand from the construction industry. In China, the largest market for Sodium Gluconate in the region, prices have seen the maximum price changes. The market has witnessed a bullish trend, with prices increasing consistently throughout the quarter. This can be attributed to the rise in feedstock costs, particularly Gluconic Acid, which has directly impacted the production expenses for Sodium Gluconate. Additionally, the global surge in freight rates has further contributed to the price increase in the Chinese market. Seasonality has also played a role in the price changes, with demand from the construction industry being affected by adverse weather conditions, particularly during the winter season. However, overall demand has remained stable, supported by the government's initiatives to stimulate the construction sector. In terms of price comparisons, the first half of the quarter has seen a slight increase in prices compared to the second half. This can be attributed to the tight supply conditions and increased feedstock costs that were more pronounced in the early part of the quarter. To conclude, the pricing environment for Sodium Gluconate in the APAC region, particularly in China, has been positive in Q1 2024. Prices have been driven by factors such as increased feedstock costs, tight supply, and stable demand from the construction industry. The latest quarter-ending price for Sodium Gluconate FOB Qingdao in China is USD 551/MT.
Europe
During Q1 2024, the European Sodium Gluconate market saw a bullish trend, especially in Belgium, a key exporting country in the region. Overseas demand for the product increased due to uncertainties in trade routes. Disruptions to global trade, such as the Houthi campaign against shipping in the Red Sea, impacted retailers in the UK, with container shipping prices soaring by up to 300% and goods experiencing delays of up to a month. This led to supply shortages of Sodium Gluconate and cash flow challenges in the European market. Additionally, rising feedstock costs, particularly for Gluconic Acid, directly affected production expenses for Sodium Gluconate. However, the downstream construction industry did not perform well during this quarter, with real estate deals in Europe experiencing their highest number of failures since the global financial crisis, attributed to ongoing economic uncertainties in the region. Despite challenges, the European Sodium Gluconate market remained resilient, driven by increased overseas demand and supply chain disruptions. Ongoing economic uncertainties posed challenges to the downstream construction sector, impacting the overall market dynamics in Q1 2024.
