For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, the North American market for Tartaric acid experienced a mixed performance, marked by significant price fluctuations, particularly in the USA. The quarter commenced with a surge in prices that continued until mid-quarter but ultimately gave way to a decline as it neared its end.
The early increase in prices was driven by several key factors. A notable contributor was rising consumer optimism regarding business conditions, which positively impacted demand for Tartaric acid. Additionally, supply chain disruptions played a critical role; blank sailings resulting from ships rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope (COGH) due to severe congestion at major ports in both Asia and North America limited the availability of Tartaric acid, further driving up prices. However, as the quarter advanced into September, prices began to decrease. This decline was largely attributed to a downturn in consumer demand, which was influenced by ongoing economic uncertainties. The political landscape, particularly the impending presidential election in November, caused consumers to adopt more cautious spending habits. Furthermore, concerns about potential tariff increases on Chinese imports contributed to a more pessimistic market outlook, placing additional downward pressure on Tartaric acid prices.
By the end of the quarter, the price settled at USD 2,210 per metric ton for L+ Tartaric Acid on a CFR New York basis. This figure highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing the market, including consumer sentiment, supply chain disruptions, and prevailing economic conditions.
Asia Pacific
In Q3 2024, the pricing landscape for Tartaric acid in the APAC region exhibited a mixed trajectory influenced by several significant factors. In July and August, prices saw an upward trend, driven by robust global demand, particularly fueled by strong export activities from Asia to key markets such as North America and Europe. This surge in demand was partially attributed to proactive measures taken by foreign importers, who placed larger orders to mitigate potential shortages. However, as September approached, prices began to decline due to a combination of factors. A notable decrease in demand occurred as global economic uncertainties undermined consumer confidence, leading to a slowdown in purchasing activity. This decline was further compounded by heightened competition within the pharmaceutical sector, which intensified pricing pressures and compelled suppliers to reduce their prices in order to remain competitive. As Q3 drew to a close, Tartaric Acid prices in China settled at USD 2,060 per metric ton for L+ Tartaric Acid on an FOB Shanghai basis, marking the quarter's ending price. This final figure reflects the complex interplay of demand dynamics and competitive market forces that characterized the Tartaric acid market throughout the quarter.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European market for Tartaric acid displayed a mixed trend, shaped by a variety of interconnected factors. Prices initially rose until mid-quarter, bolstered by steady demand from end-users, which provided a solid foundation for price growth. The easing of inflation in Germany to 2% annually also played a crucial role, alleviating some financial pressures on consumers and enhancing their purchasing power. This improvement positively affected the demand for pharmaceuticals, including Tartaric acid. However, as September approached, prices began to decline significantly. A key factor behind this downturn was a marked drop in demand, representing the most rapid decline seen in recent months. In response to this weakening demand, market participants reacted by cutting prices in an effort to stimulate sales, which further accelerated the downward trend in Tartaric acid prices. As Q3 2024 comes to a close, the price of L+ Tartaric Acid-CFR Hamburg in Germany is recorded at USD 2,155 per metric ton. This price point highlights the challenges faced in the market, including fluctuations in demand and the broader economic conditions impacting pricing dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, Tartaric Acid pricing in North America exhibited a mixed trajectory influenced by various market factors. The quarter began with rising prices, followed by a decrease in the middle, and concluded with another increase. Market conditions within the USA played a pivotal role, with consumer sentiment and economic indicators significantly impacting demand and prices.
In April, prices declined as overall business activity in the domestic market contracted, driven by a reduction in new orders due to consumer reluctance to spend amidst sluggish economic conditions. The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain high interest rates aimed at curbing inflation inadvertently eroded consumer purchasing power, tempering overall demand. However, in the middle of the quarter, prices rose, attributed to a continued improvement in consumer demand in the USA. U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly improved in May after three consecutive months of decline, buoyed by optimism about the labor market. Despite this temporary improvement, prices fell again towards the end of the quarter due to weaker-than-anticipated demand, marked by a significant decrease in fresh orders and a contraction in the order backlog. These occurrences, coupled with diminishing new product orders and reduced expenditure, indicated a gradual economic deceleration.
A year-over-year comparison showed a modest 1% decline, reflecting a slight reduction in demand and stable supply conditions. From the previous quarter in 2024, prices decreased by 2%, underscoring a gradual economic slowdown and cautious consumer behavior. The latest quarter-ending price for L+ Tartaric Acid in the USA settled at USD 2180/MT CFR New York.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the Tartaric Acid market in the APAC region displayed varied pricing trends, starting with a decrease at the beginning of the quarter, followed by an incline in the middle, and another decline towards the end. In China, which saw the most pronounced price fluctuations, the overall trends reflected the broader APAC sentiment. Several key factors contributed to the price decline in April. Subdued demand from end-user industries, both domestically and internationally, significantly pressured prices. Additionally, ample supply conditions exacerbated the oversupply issue, leading to competitive price reductions as market participants struggled to clear existing stock. Logistical disruptions and rising shipping costs, particularly due to geopolitical tensions, further added to supply chain challenges, diminishing buyer enthusiasm and curbing price stability. However, prices increased in May as steady consumer demand combined with limited domestic supply created a seller-friendly market environment. A decline in China's factory activity indicator in May, driven by a drop in output, indicated a potential reduction in production capacity. This slowdown in manufacturing output further constrained supply, prompting market participants to quote slightly higher prices. Despite this brief improvement, prices fell again in June due to pessimistic market sentiments. Within China's economic environment, companies faced numerous obstacles, including waning consumer demand and escalating financial pressures, which contributed to the downward trend in Tartaric Acid prices. The quarter ended with the price of L+ Tartaric Acid-FOB Shanghai stabilizing at USD 1990/MT, reflecting the ongoing adverse market conditions.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European Tartaric Acid market experienced fluctuating prices due to complex supply and demand dynamics, consumer sentiment, and broader economic influences. Early in the quarter, prices fell, driven by weak market sentiment. This decline was marked by a sharp drop in new orders and total sales volumes, putting significant downward pressure on prices. Inflationary pressures, heightened by strong energy and food prices, further eroded consumer sentiment and exacerbated the price drop. However, in May, prices saw an uptick as demand from end-user industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and supplements improved compared to the previous week. Market participants maintained adequate inventories, ensuring stability in the supply chain and enabling a quick response to market needs. Despite this, prices fell again in June due to insufficient genuine demand in the domestic market. Consumers were hesitant to spend money due to ongoing concerns about persistent inflation and high-interest rates, leading downstream sectors to adopt a cautious "wait and see" approach. By the end of the quarter, the price of L+ Tartaric Acid-CFR Hamburg in Germany was USD 2120/MT.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In the first quarter of 2024, the pricing dynamics of Tartaric acid in North America, particularly in the USA, were shaped by a variety of factors. Despite fluctuations, the overall pricing trend for Tartaric acid in this period remained positive, with prices steadily increasing. A significant driver of this trend was the heightened demand from downstream industries, notably in food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, which pushed prices upward.
In the USA specifically, Tartaric Acid prices rose due to tightened warehousing capacity, resulting in higher storage and distribution costs passed on to consumers. This increase was further fueled by a surge in demand from downstream industries, intensifying pricing pressures. Additionally, anticipation of the spring festival in China prompted proactive measures from market retailers and distributors to bolster their inventories, driving demand and prices even higher. Furthermore, disruptions in critical maritime routes like the Red Sea and Panama Canal posed challenges to shipping and import logistics, adding to the pricing pressures.
Overall, the pricing environment for Tartaric Acid in North America during the first quarter of 2024 can be characterized as positive with minor fluctuations. The quarter concluded with L+ Tartaric Acid-CFR New York priced at $2300 per metric ton.
Asia Pacific
In the first quarter of 2024, Tartaric acid prices in the APAC region showed a consistent upward trajectory. Various factors played into this trend, including sustained demand from industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Additionally, disruptions in the global supply chain and adverse weather conditions contributed to the price surge. In China specifically, demand steadily increased from January onwards, continuing to strengthen through March, indicating a positive shift in market sentiment. The quarter saw significant improvement, marked by rising prices, signaling a more balanced relationship between supply and demand. This upward trend allowed participants in the Chinese market to maintain healthy profit margins throughout the quarter. Even during the Lunar Chinese New Year holidays, the domestic Tartaric acid market remained active, supported by strong manufacturing activities and ample inventory availability. Furthermore, global demand for Tartaric acid, especially from the pharmaceutical and other sectors, added complexity to supply-demand dynamics, further impacting market trends. The quarter concluded with a price of USD 2095 per metric ton FOB Shanghai, reflecting the prevailing market conditions.
Europe
In the first quarter of 2024, the Tartaric Acid market in Europe witnessed an overall uptick. Geopolitical tensions and logistical hurdles continued to strain the supply chain, resulting in limited availability of Tartaric Acid. Moreover, heightened demand from the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors further impacted the market dynamics. Germany, being a significant player in the European market, faced similar challenges with Tartaric Acid prices. The onset of Chinese New Year festivities in mid-February prompted many suppliers to adjust their prices in anticipation of the market slowdown during the holiday period. Concurrently, prolonged disruptions in the Red Sea complicated trade routes between Asia and Europe, leading to increased freight costs that influenced the pricing landscape of Tartaric acid in Germany. Furthermore, the moderation of inflation in Germany spurred increased spending by businesses and consumers, contributing to additional price hikes. Additionally, industry players capitalized on the favorable market conditions to quote higher prices, taking advantage of the prevailing demand-supply imbalance. By the end of the quarter, the price for Tartaric Acid in Germany stood at USD 2260 per metric ton for L+ Tartaric Acid-CFR Hamburg, reflecting the prevailing market dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
The North American market for Tartaric Acid in the fourth quarter of 2023 saw several key factors impacting the pricing and market dynamics. Firstly, the market witnessed a surge in demand driven by the holiday season, particularly in the United States. The increased consumer spending during events like Thanksgiving and the Black Friday contributed to an overall rise in Tartaric Acid prices. Additionally, the scarcity of the primary raw material, maleic anhydride, further drove up the cost of production, impacting the pricing of Tartaric Acid. Furthermore, the depreciation of the US dollar against foreign currencies resulted in more expensive imports, leading to a constrained supply in the domestic market and further elevating prices.
Despite concerns about inflation and higher interest rates, consumers exhibited a willingness to spend, sustaining the demand for Tartaric Acid and contributing to the price increase. Overall, the market situation can be described as escalated, with high demand and limited supply. In the United States, Tartaric Acid prices increased by from October to November 2023. This rise can be attributed to increased consumer spending during major shopping events like Cyber Monday and Black Friday. However, Tartaric acid prices saw a decline in December, primarily due to reduced demand from downstream industries and an ample supply in the market. The acceleration of inflation in the USA, leading to increased living costs, prompted consumers to exercise caution in their spending, affecting the overall demand for Tartaric acid and contributing to a downward price trend.
Overall, the pricing trend for Tartaric Acid in the USA is expected to remain higher, with steady demand from end-users and improved business sentiments. The latest price of L+ Tartaric Acid-CFR New York in the USA for the current quarter is $2120 per MT.
APAC
In Q4 2023, the global Tartaric Acid market experienced a moderate to high supply and weak demand, mainly due to weakened domestic demand, leading to deflationary pressures. China, being the largest market for Tartaric Acid, faced ample supply due to lack of major orders, fierce market competition, and disrupted supply chain during the national holidays. The market situation remained unstable despite the government's efforts to boost growth, and manufacturing activity contracted for the second month, indicating weakening momentum. The demand for Tartaric Acid faced a decline from significant export markets, particularly Europe and USA, linked to the maintenance of higher interest rates by central banks. However, end-consumer demand for Tartaric Acid consistently exceeded the available stock in the market, resulting in increased prices. The recent devaluation of the Chinese yuan against the US dollar resulted in cheaper exports to other countries, driving up prices. The market's restricted availability of supplies forced market members to raise their Tartaric Acid price expectations. The latest price for L+ Tartaric Acid-FOB Shanghai in China for Q4 2023 is USD 1963/MT. In summary, the unstable market situation in China due to weak demand and moderate to high supply resulted in stable prices, with a minor price change in India and a significant decrease in prices compared to the same quarter last year in China.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Tartaric Acid market in Europe witnessed several significant factors that influenced prices. Firstly, there was an increase in demand from the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, along with a decline in market inventories, leading to an escalation in prices. Additionally, the heightened prices of Maleic Anhydride, a crucial raw material for Tartaric Acid production, further contributed to the upward trend in prices. Among the European countries, Germany experienced notable changes in Tartaric Acid prices. The country saw an improvement in business sentiment, indicating a potential easing of factors hindering economic growth, such as high inflation. The decline in Germany's manufacturing sector showed signs of easing, raising optimism for a potentially milder recession. Furthermore, the reduction in inflation in Germany positively influenced consumers' purchasing power, playing a role in the upward trend of Tartaric Acid prices. However, prices declined slightly towards the end of the quarter primarily influenced by decreased demand from food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. A notable contributing factor was the unexpected decline in German business morale weighing on many retailers, marked by a notable acceleration in the reduction of both sales and new orders. In conclusion, the Tartaric Acid market in Europe, particularly in Germany, experienced an upward trend in prices during the fourth quarter of 2023. The quarter ended with a price of USD 2110/MT for L+ Tartaric Acid-CFR Hamburg in Germany.
