For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
The pricing dynamics of Acesulfame Potassium in the North American region during Q1 2024 showed an overall downward trend, with a slight increase observed in the middle of the quarter. This weakened trajectory was influenced by various factors, including an excess of inventory, reduced downstream demand, fluctuating trade momentum, and cautious purchasing practices. The presence of higher-than-usual stockpiles among market participants and continuous declining downstream purchasing activity prompted suppliers to focus on clearing existing inventories, leading to continued price decreases.
Additionally, rising freight costs ahead of the Red Sea dispute added complexity, as market participants were hesitant to procure goods at higher costs. Manufacturing activity in the USA's food industries, where Acesulfame Potassium is used as an artificial sweetener, further declined, resulting in significant drops in order volumes and subsequent price reductions by merchants to destock their inventories and further avoid additional storage costs. Overall, the buying sentiment for Acesulfame Potassium remained subdued, with the quarter ending on a pessimistic note.
However, a steady rise in regional consumption was witnessed within the market during the middle of the first quarter which was overall balanced by ample inventories held by market participants. Supporting this, in response to this increased interest, suppliers have promptly adjusted their pricing strategies to capitalize on the growing demand, resulting in proactive price hikes by market participants. A key contributor to this surge is the United States, a major Acesulfame Potassium importer, aligning its price trajectory with exporting regions to maintain competitiveness. Overall, with this, the price of Acesulfame Potassium in the USA as Q1 ends in March was recorded at USD 4880/MT CFR Houston.
APAC
In the first quarter of 2024, the pricing trends of Acesulfame Potassium in the APAC region displayed an overall decline, with slight fluctuations observed in the initial two months. At the beginning of the quarter, heightened demand from downstream sectors, along with the continuous arrival of international quotations, kept the purchasing sentiments of Acesulfame Potassium on the upper side until mid-quarter. However, due to the Lunar New Year celebrations, there was a temporary slowdown in trade, limiting product availability which resulted in a limited availability of the product. Following the holiday period, purchasing activities rebounded fueled by a surge in both domestic and international procurement orders. Additionally, rising freight and transportation costs added to logistical challenges, hindering product acquisition. The depreciation of the Chinese currency (CNY) against the USD further reinforced the upward price trend and bolstered market confidence during this period. However, towards the end of the first quarter, there was a notable decline in Acesulfame Potassium prices, primarily driven by factors such as a sudden decrease in overseas quotations, surplus inventory levels, and weak trade momentum. merchants stated that the anticipated surge in demand for Chinese exports did not materialize as expected, leading to excess stock in the market and further questions about the factors influencing international buyer behavior and market dynamics. Consequently, prices continued to decline throughout the quarter. As a result, suppliers focused on clearing their inventories significantly, while regional trades prioritized destocking activities to make room for fresh inventories as the new quarter approached. Overall, in Q1 2024, Acesulfame Potassium experienced a negative pricing trend due to weak demand and excess supply, with the quarter-ending price settling at USD 4530/MT FOB Shanghai, reflecting a downward trend compared to the previous quarter.
Europe
In Germany, the market witnessed significant price fluctuations, reflecting broader European trends. The quarter started with modest price increases, followed by further rises, but March saw a sharp decline. From January to February 2024, the market showed optimism due to increased demand for Acesulfame Potassium. Suppliers raised prices to capitalize on this surge, aided by the euro's depreciation against the dollar. However, geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions complicated dynamics, impacting sentiments and causing rising container freight rates, especially affecting maritime-dependent industries, thereby keeping the import prices on the upper side, However, as March concluded, there was a notable drop in Acesulfame Potassium prices in Germany due to reduced downstream inquiries from end-users. Economic weakness, worsened by inflationary pressures, limited manufacturing sector expansion, keeping the Manufacturing Purchasing Manager Index below 50 points, signaling contraction. Germany, a major importer, followed the global trend of falling Acesulfame Potassium prices, particularly in the APAC region, to stay competitive. Suppliers in exporting nations had surplus capacity, increasing commodity availability, and easing supply shortage concerns and freight charges from the past months, resulting in higher availability for the importing countries. Despite these improvements, purchasing sentiments in the German market remained weak due to low demand and weakened consumer confidence. Additionally, the euro's devaluation against the dollar exacerbated challenges by reducing the purchasing power of domestic buyers, contributing to a persistently negative market outlook. Overall, the Acesulfame Potassium pricing environment in Europe during the first quarter of 2024 was characterized by significant declines compared to the previous quarter of the previous year. In Germany specifically, Acesulfame Potassium prices dropped by 0.26% over the quarter, reaching the latest quarter-ending price of USD 5030/MT CFR Hamburg.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
The fourth quarter of 2023 proved to be challenging for the Acesulfame Potassium market in North America. The prices augmented at the beginning of the fourth quarter-2023 which was influenced by seasonal factors, including the holiday season and New Year's Eve. As winter approached, the demand for beverages and sweets increased, leading to a heightened demand for Acesulfame Potassium intakes in food industries.
Suppliers struggled to keep up with this demand, resulting in decreased supply and a subsequent drop in stock levels. The scarcity in supply was further exacerbated by bulk ordering, putting additional strain on available resources and driving Acesulfame Potassium prices even higher. However, the market experienced a decline as mid-Q4 approaches and ends on a pessimistic note due to a global downturn in downstream consumption and reduced new quotations from the regional market.
Additionally, the market was impacted by the overall economic conditions, including concerns about an imminent recession, and rising inflation. Despite these challenges, the market maintained a moderate to high supply level, with sufficient stockpiles available to meet demand. Furthermore, the regional inquiries of the market experienced a decrease, with limited transactions and reluctance to place new orders. Consequently, the latest price for Acesulfame Potassium CFR Houston in the USA as of December the last month of the fourth quarter was assembled at USD 4990/MT.
APAC
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Acesulfame Potassium market in the APAC region demonstrated various factors that influenced prices and market dynamics. Firstly, the demand for Acesulfame Potassium remained relatively low throughout the quarter, mainly due to the weak global economy and reduced international inquiries. This lack of demand put downward pressure on prices. Secondly, there was an oversupply of Acesulfame Potassium in the market, particularly in China, as production levels increased in previous months. This oversupply further contributed to the decline in prices. Lastly, the market faced uncertainty and instability due to factors such as rising energy prices and the upcoming holidays during the months of November and December, which led to delays in production and trading activities as a result of which merchants keenly accumulated their inventories for Acesulfame Potassium during October 2023. Furthermore, this decline was also attributed to the growing popularity of alternative sweeteners, such as sucralose and stevia, which led to a decrease in demand for Acesulfame Potassium. Additionally, the overall market transactions were weak, with buyers only focusing on immediate requirements. However, when compared to the same quarter of the previous year, there was no significant change in prices. In conclusion, the Acesulfame Potassium market in the APAC region, particularly in China, experienced a decline in prices due to low demand, oversupply, and market uncertainty. The prices of Acesulfame Potassium in China for the fourth quarter of 2023 ended at USD 4740/MT FOB Shanghai as December 2023 concludes.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the market for Acesulfame Potassium in Europe started on a cheerful note while ended December witnessed a downward trajectory. One of the significant factors driving this substantial price increase is the heightened consumption of artificial sweeteners during the winter months, leading to increased usage in the production of processed foods and beverages during this time of year. The demand for these products rises in winter, leading to a higher demand for Acesulfame Potassium as of October 2023. Another reason for the price rise of Acesulfame Potassium in winter is the escalation in the cost of raw materials. The merchants with respect to the supply aspect raise their quotes from exporting countries to ensure sufficient stock levels in their warehouses as a result of a continuous increase in buying activity. However, as November commences, there was a noticeable decline in demand for Acesulfame Potassium due to weaker consumption of foods containing artificial sweeteners in certain countries. Additionally, high energy costs in Germany further increased market prices and added to the challenges faced by market participants. Furthermore, changes in exchange rates, particularly the appreciation of exporting nations' currencies against the USD, resulted in higher costs of imported raw materials, contributing to a drop in prices. Overall, the supply of Acesulfame Potassium remained sufficient throughout the quarter. However, market transactions were primarily driven by inquiries from the domestic market. Germany, as one of the key players in the European market, experienced fluctuating prices for Acesulfame Potassium. The price of Acesulfame Potassium in Germany ended the quarter at USD 5050/MT CFR Hamburg. This represents the latest price for the current quarter and reflects the overall trends and factors discussed above.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
With the commencement of the third quarter of 2023, the prices of Acesulfame Potassium plummeted across the North American region. A decline in the price trajectory was primarily driven by a consistent drop in consumption of artificial sweeteners within the downstream food industries, resulting in increased local inventory levels in the US market. Additionally, there was a modest rise in upstream production in the past months, which resulted in a sufficient availability of the product to meet the overall incoming inquiries within the region. In continuation to this, speculative selling may have additionally contributed to the decline in prices owing to the alleviation of global supply chain disruptions, and a reduction in purchasing activity had resulted in more than the accumulation of downstream products. Additionally, according to the PMI data for August, the manufacturing sector contracted during that month, albeit at a somewhat slower rate. For the tenth consecutive month, there was a decline in new orders, albeit at a slower pace than in July. Though at a slower pace, production also declined. Besides this, the merchants were reluctant to place newer quotations for the forthcoming period owing to a persistent drop in inquiries, further contributing to a downward price trend in the entire Q3-2023.
Asia Pacific
As the third quarter of 2023 commenced, Acesulfame Potassium prices experienced a significant reduction in the Asia Pacific region, primarily across the Chinese market. China, being one of the exporters of pharmaceutical excipients and certain artificial sweeteners, witnessed a persistent drop in both domestic and regional offtakes of Acesulfame Potassium for the entire Q3. This was on the back of a consistently pessimistic market outlook in artificial sweetener industries. The inventory of Acesulfame Potassium continues to be elevated, with more availability of products in the local spot market. Also, further supporting this, owing to an overall decrease in regional and overseas quotations, the merchants considerably dropped their selling prices to clear out their accumulated inventory levels. Further supporting this, the trade momentum for the entire quarter from China remained on the lower side, keeping the higher accumulation of goods at the ports of Chinese traders. Also, the merchants significantly reduced their manufacturing activity for the entire quarter and focused on destocking processes while a continuous strengthening of the US dollar against the Chinese Yuan kept the exporting prices on the upper side, which caused the traders to pull back further their significantly placed previous orders, reinforcing a continuous drop in its prices. Overall, as Q3 ends in September, the value of Acesulfame Potassium in China was assembled at $ 4235/MT.
Europe
Across the European market, the price trajectory for Acesulfame Potassium remained on the cynical side, following the trend of the previous quarter of 2023. The finite availability of stockpiles among the suppliers and retailers, with a consistent drop in consumption in the food industry, kept the market attitude on the southerly side for the entire Q3. Moreover, as per the market participants, the consumer price inflation rate also slowed to 6.2 percent year-on-year in July 2023, down from 6.4 percent in the previous month and in line with market expectations, a preliminary estimate showed in July. Supporting this gloomy market outlook, following August, the German logistics market was having difficulties in August 2023 because of a precipitous drop in the demand for storage and logistical space. Numerous factors were cited as causes of this, including fluctuations in the economy, supply chain disruptions, and rising energy costs. The worldwide economic recession is having a negative impact on the demand for logistics services. This is because when the future is uncertain, businesses are less inclined to expand their operations or invest in new projects. As a result, the demand for logistics services like freight forwarding, shipping, and warehousing is declining, keeping the overall market dynamic on the southerly side. Overall, with the termination of q3, the prices of Acesulfame Potassium across the German market got assembled at $ 4400/MT, demonstrating a persistent weakened supply-demand activity.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
With the commencement of the Second quarter of 2023, the prices of Acesulfame Potassium experienced a sluggish market sentiment on the back of a consistent decrease in domestic demand from downstream food & beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. The weak demand led to excess inventory, which forced suppliers to lower their prices. Also, the ongoing economic instability in the U.S. and the rising global inflation rate have also contributed to the decline in demand for artificial sweeteners. In addition, as U.S. businesses struggle to offload their large inventory, import volumes have declined significantly during the month of May. At the major container ports across the U.S., the volume of imported goods has also decreased. Geopolitical tensions during May have prompted affected commerce to relocate. However, with a steady decrease in domestic inquiries, large inventories, and the recent announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) that Aspartame is classified as a “possible carcinogen,” distributors are concerned about placing large orders because of falling prices. Furthermore, trades and suppliers are not restocking inventories. Instead, they are focusing on clearing their surplus.
Asia Pacific
All through the second quarter of 2023 across the APAC region, both in China and India, the prices of Acesulfame Potassium underwent a parallel market trend. As for the Chinese market, Acesulfame Potassium prices dropped throughout the second quarter, consistently sustaining its downward market trend. This consistent declining trend was on account of weaker demand for Acesulfame Potassium, primarily used as an artificial sweetener in the food industry both from the domestic and international markets. Moreover, due to the recent strengthening of the Chinese Yuan against the U.S. dollar during May, Acesulfame Potassium has become more expensive for consumers in other nations resulting in a significant drop in its inquiries from foreign markets as it will cost more yuan to purchase the same amount of Acesulfame Potassium that was available at a lower rated in previous months. Apart from that, moving towards the end of Q2, i.e., June 2023, the price of Acesulfame Potassium fell by around 13 percent, which was more than a price drop in the last two months. This significant drop in its prices was because of weak purchasing of its upstream material from the international market resulting in higher stockpiles. Furthermore, China’s Manufacturing PMI also dropped to 50.5 in June 2023 from 50.9 in May. This was the second consecutive month that the PMI has fallen below the 50-point mark, which indicates that the manufacturing sector was also contracting. This prompted the suppliers in the domestic market to sell their products at discounted prices to clear out their piled-up stocks among stores.
Europe
Across the European market, the price of Acesulfame Potassium continued to decline throughout the second quarter of 2023, owing to a consistent decrease in its domestic demand and overseas inquiries since the middle of the first quarter. Moreover, the higher availability of artificial sweeteners in the German market was due to several factors, including a significant decline in demand and weakened trade momentum resulting in no import-export momentum within the region. Also, the prices of raw materials used in the manufacturing of Acesulfame Potassium showcased decreased trajectory, further supporting the depreciating trend until the final weeks of June. Apart from that, acesulfame potassium is considered an artificial sweetener used in the food industry. Due to seasonal changes, after witnessing the overall market trend, the merchants decide to destock their piled-up stocks first and avoid restocking activity in order to avoid deterioration of their end-product during the month of June. Overall, the second quarter witnessed a decline of 10 percent in the prices of Acesulfame Potassium.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
The first quarter of 2023 saw a decremented price trend for Acesulfame Potassium because of a decrease in overall inquiries. Moreover, January demonstrates a surge in the prices of Acesulfame Potassium due to an increase in demand which was further balanced with the supplies among the local merchants as the previous stockpiles were sufficient to meet the overall demand this month. During the mid of the first quarter, the markets in the U.S. improved to some extent, but still, the demand from various sectors decreased, owing to which domestic retailers pulled back their newer orders from export nations and focused on destocking their piled-up stocks. Overall, the prices for Acesulfame Potassium were assembled at USD 8600/MT CFR Houston in the United States.
Asia Pacific
In the APAC region, Aspartame prices showcased a declining trend during the first quarter of 2023. During the first half of the first quarter, i.e., in January 2023, the market sentiments displayed a positive price trajectory in China, majorly because of improved domestic demands following the Lunar New Year as both consumption and production increased significantly. Besides that, market participants focused on refilling their shelves to prevent stock shortages. Following February, the prices started to decline at a moderate rate and followed a similar trend until the end of this quarter. With this, the prices for Aspartame were assembled at USD 8070/MT FOB Shanghai, propelling the manufacturers to reduce their production activity and destock the inventories to maintain their profit margin.
Europe
The price for Acesulfame Potassium in the European region dropped during the first quarter of 2023. This price trend was supported by weaker demand from the end-user industry coupled with stockpiles leading to lessen trade momentum. Moreover, a decline in freight charges owing to ease in the logistical problems, which resulted in enough cargo capacity on ships at German ports, didn’t affect the market trend because the inquiries remained on the lower side during the month of February also. However, cheaper imports from the APAC region still did not affect the overall market trend of Acesulfame Potassium this quarter. In Total, a consistent decrease in domestic inquiries and lower customer interest resulted in higher stockpiles of Acesulfame Potassium among the market players, which in turn supported the decremented price trend in Germany. With this, the prices for Acesulfame Potassium were settled at USD 9050/MT CFR Hamburg.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
The market of Acesulfame Potassium price started on a positive attitude and ended on a weaker side within the North American region during the final quarter of 2022. Compared to the previous month, this month, the demand remained on the higher side, with sufficient inventories among the market players. Further, higher inflation and an increase in the producer price index by 0.3% last month and a 0.4% increase in service prices together supported the price increase in all the commodities, including Acesulfame Potassium. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2022, the prices began to decline and got settled at USD 16700/MT CFR Houston in the United States.
Asia Pacific
Prices for Acesulfame Potassium began to rise at the beginning of October 2022 throughout Asia Pacific, most notably in China, due to an increase in its end-user demand. Acesulfame Potassium market sentiments in the region were boosted by ongoing zero COVID policies and ceased manufacturing activities. In addition, prices began to decline sharply at the beginning of December 2022 as a sharp increase in Covid infections, a highly contagious sub-variant of Omicron—in China and significantly increased the risk to international supply chains. Market participants and dealers lowered their future orders, which had an impact on Acesulfame Potassium's overall marker trajectory. Prices for Acesulfame Potassium were set at USD 14200/MT FOB Shanghai at the fourth quarter's conclusion.
Europe
Prices for Acesulfame Potassium in the European region reflect a similar pattern to those in the United States during the fourth quarter of 2022. Prices remained on the upper side due to the domestic market witnessing somewhat inclined downstream demand up until the middle of the fourth Quarter. Trade flows in Germany and the rest of the Eurozone partially resumed due to some breathing room, but this does not indicate stable market fundamentals. However, the demand for goods and services from the end-user industry stayed muted for a while due to the current economic challenge with the end of Q4. Additionally, this negative market attitude was supported by weaker consumer purchasing patterns. With this, it was shown what Acesulfame Potassium costs in Europe, which is USD 16445/MT CFR Hamburg.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
In the North American region, the price of Acesulfame Potassium witnessed a downward price trajectory owing to weaken customer inquiry from the end-user pharmaceutical and food sectors. At the onset of Q3, the prices surged at a moderate rate, balanced with the continuous supply momentum. Following the termination of the first half of Q3, the prices started to decline significantly, leading to a stockpiling of inventories with the domestic merchants. Also, owing to hoarding stocks propelled the suppliers to reduce their further quotations and prices to destock their inventories. Further, towards the termination of Q3, the prices witnessed were on the lower side with the settlement of USD 15365/MT CFR Houston.
Asia Pacific
In the APAC region, Acesulfame Potassium witnessed a bearish pricing sentiment throughout the third quarter of 2022. With decremented demand from the pharmaceutical industry, ample supplies with the suppliers, geopolitical conflicts, and other logistics challenges led to a drastic decrease in the price values of Acesulfame Potassium in the Asia-Pacific region at the onset of the first half of Q3. Additionally, the price value of Acesulfame Potassium was impacted by the increasing COVID-19 prevalence and lockdown implications in China. Furthermore, the prices went down on a continuous note with 1.98 percent during the end of Q3 and got settled at USD 13880/MT FOB Shanghai China.
Europe
The European region witnessed a similar pricing sentiment to North America in the third quarter of 2022, which was supported by abundant inventories and shaky demand. Although, at the onset of the first half of Q3, the prices rose owing to higher demand and weakened supply. Further, towards the termination of the first half and the start of mid half of Q3, the prices started to decline significantly, resulting in the availability of enough downstream products with the suppliers. Furthermore, slowing demand with rising stocks impacted the market dynamics of Acesulfame Potassium as it propelled the domestic merchants to reduce their prices in order to destock the accumulated inventories and maintain their profit margins. With this, the prices witnessed for Acesulfame Potassium at the end of Q3 were recorded at USD 15816/MT CFR Hamburg.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
Acesulfame Potassium price sored continuously during the Second Quarter of 2022 in the North American Region, backed by downstream solid demand from the Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, and Food & Beverage industries. Also, an Upsurge Upstream feed Acetic acid prices caused Acesulfame potassium prices to spike. Besides that, higher demand resulted in port congestion leading to a shortage of Cargo and uptrend freight charges, affecting the cost of Acesulfame potassium in the regional market. Additionally, rerouting activities amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine and delayed shipments were other reasons that resulted in an upsurge price of Acesulfame potassium in the regional market. The price value of Acesulfame Potassium was settled at USD 16543/MT CFR Houston at the end of June
Asia Pacific
APAC region witnessed a mixed market sentiment of Acesulfame potassium during the second quarter of 2022, with an overall Inclination of 1.4% in China and a decline of 0.35% in India. Acesulfame potassium Prices fluctuated during the entire quarter in the regional market. Upstream feed Acetic acid cost showcased a declined sentiment till May and regained its upward trend in June, affecting the prices of Acesulfame potassium. Further, the demand for Acesulfame potassium fluctuated throughout the quarter due to frequently changing demand and supply fundamentals. The price value of Acesulfame potassium rose in April and then started declining in the Chinese domestic market owing to weakened buying activities leading to stockpiling of inventories with the traders and reduced exporting momentum. The prices of Acesulfame Potassium were settled at USD 18000/MT FOB Shanghai in China.
Europe
In European Market, the prices for Acesulfame potassium Pharmaceutical Excipients mimic similar market sentiments followed by the North American Region during the second Quarter of 2022 and settled at USD 17487/MT CFR Hamburg. An increased downstream demand and supply shortage in the regional market affected the price value of Acesulfame Potassium. Upsurge crude oil prices and increasing energy costs owing to Russian – Ukraine geopolitical tension resulted in the price increment of Acesulfame potassium excipient in the overall regional market. Besides that, the affected trading atmosphere, delayed shipment, and shortage of cargoes owing to rerouting activities heightened the freight charges, causing the price value of Acesulfame Potassium to spike high in the overall regional market.
