For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, the North American Calcium powder market experienced a volatile pricing trajectory, shaped by various factors impacting different sectors. The USA, in particular, saw the most pronounced price fluctuations, resulting in an unstable pricing environment throughout the quarter.
At the start of the quarter, prices declined, driven by a combination of factors exerting downward pressure on the market. A key influence was the inflation rate, which had previously surged beyond 9% but began to cool significantly as the quarter progressed. This reduction in inflation helped lower overall business costs, enabling companies to pass these savings on to consumers through reduced Calcium powder prices. However, as the quarter approached its conclusion in September, prices began to rise again. This upward trend was fueled by a mix of economic and logistical factors. Consumer confidence improved, spurred by better perceptions of the economy and easing inflation concerns, despite lingering uncertainties in the labor market. This renewed optimism triggered heightened demand for Calcium powder, adding upward pressure on prices.
In response to these evolving market conditions, companies took proactive steps to increase their inventories, anticipating a potential rise in future demand while also preparing to mitigate any supply chain disruptions. Despite the brief surge in prices, the quarter-ending price for Calcium Carbonate USP Grade on an FOB US Gulf basis settled at USD 645 per metric ton, reflecting an overall downward sentiment in the market as it grappled with these complex factors.
Asia Pacific
During the third quarter of 2024, the Calcium powder market in the APAC region experienced a mixed pricing trend, shaped by a range of influencing factors. Initially, prices declined throughout July and August, largely driven by weak consumption both within domestic markets and internationally. The Chinese market, in particular, saw a downturn early in the quarter, hindered by minimal demand from downstream sectors. Additionally, rising freight costs, caused by global maritime traffic disruptions, further dampened international demand and exerted additional pressure on pricing. However, as the quarter progressed and neared its conclusion, the market saw a rebound in prices. This recovery was fueled by strong demand from end-user industries, paired with effective inventory management strategies from manufacturers and suppliers. Global economic recovery efforts also played a vital role in driving prices higher, as businesses adapted to shifting conditions. The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, which had previously disrupted supply chains, began to show less of an impact, allowing international demand for Calcium powder to pick up, further boosting prices. China, in particular, experienced significant price fluctuations throughout the quarter, reflecting the delicate balance between supply and demand dynamics. This volatility highlighted the challenges faced by market participants as they navigated an unpredictable and rapidly shifting landscape. By the end of the quarter, the price of Calcium Citrate USP Grade on an FOB Shanghai basis stood at USD 2,080 per metric ton, signaling a more optimistic outlook for the region's pricing environment moving forward.
Europe
Throughout the third quarter of 2024, the European Calcium powder market exhibited a diverse pricing trend, influenced by a range of key factors. Early in the quarter, prices saw a decline, primarily due to weaker-than-expected demand in the German market, particularly within the food, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors. In response to this lackluster demand, market participants took a cautious approach, maintaining substantial inventory levels to meet current consumption needs in Germany while avoiding overproduction. However, as the quarter progressed toward September, the market experienced a notable shift, with prices beginning to rise. This upward trend was driven by a combination of factors, including strong demand from end-user industries and strategic inventory management practices by companies praeparing for potential disruptions. Favorable macroeconomic conditions also contributed to the recovery in prices. Compounding the situation was the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, which disrupted global maritime traffic, creating logistical bottlenecks and restricting the supply of Calcium powder. These supply constraints further intensified the upward pressure on prices as the quarter progressed. Additionally, improvements in consumer sentiment, particularly in Germany, played a critical role in revitalizing demand, fostering a more positive outlook for the market. Despite the challenges posed by logistical disruptions and fluctuating demand, companies in the sector proactively bolstered their inventories in anticipation of potential shipping delays, further supporting the upward trend in prices. This combination of factors helped stabilize the market and improve the pricing environment as the quarter came to a close.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the Calcium Powder market in North America exhibited a consistent decline in prices, reflecting a broader bearish trend driven by several influential factors. The primary catalyst for the descending price trajectory was the persistently weak demand from end-user sectors, despite a robust supply maintained by market participants. This imbalance was exacerbated by a cautious consumer sentiment, largely stemming from ongoing economic uncertainties and elevated interest rates imposed by monetary authorities to combat inflation. Additionally, logistical challenges and geopolitical tensions further contributed to the ample supply and sluggish demand dynamics, pushing prices downward.
Focusing on the USA, the market experienced the most significant price fluctuations. The overall trend was characterized by a steady decrease, with seasonal demand variations and economic conditions playing pivotal roles. The pricing environment remained negative, with a marked -9% decrease compared to the same quarter last year and a -5% decline from the previous quarter in 2024. The quarter concluded with Calcium Carbonate USP Grade FOB US Gulf priced at USD 680/MT.
The consistent decline in prices throughout the quarter signifies a negative pricing environment, driven by subdued market sentiments and economic factors that overshadow any potential stabilization. The cumulative impact of these elements underscores the challenging landscape for Calcium Powder in North America, particularly within the USA, where price changes were most pronounced.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the pricing environment for Calcium Powder in the APAC region has been characterized by a consistent decline for both grades i.e., Calcium carbonate and Calcium citrate, driven predominantly by a confluence of factors. The market experienced subdued demand from end-users, both domestically and internationally, as consumer restraint and geopolitical uncertainties continued to weigh heavily on purchasing behavior. The ample supply conditions, coupled with rising shipping costs exacerbated by the Red Sea crisis, further pressured prices downward. Factors such as inflation stabilization and eased producer price declines provided some relief but were insufficient to counterbalance the overarching trend of weak market sentiments.
Focusing specifically on China, where the most significant price fluctuations occurred, the market undertook a marked decrease in pricing. Seasonality played a role, but broader economic factors were more influential. Despite efforts to stimulate the economy, demand from downstream sectors remained tepid, leading to an oversupply that further depressed prices. From the same quarter last year, prices fell by -8%, reflecting long-term challenges in demand recovery. Moreover, the decline from the previous quarter in 2024 stood at -5%, indicative of persistent economic headwinds.
The latest quarter-ending price of USD 2160/MT for Calcium Citrate USP Grade FOB Shanghai encapsulates the negative pricing trajectory. Overall, the quarter has seen a negative pricing environment, driven by weak demand, ample supply, and logistical challenges, all of which contributed to the pervasive downward pressure on Calcium Powder prices in the APAC region.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the Calcium Powder market in Europe encountered a significant downturn, influenced by several key factors. The period saw a sharp decline in demand from major sectors, including dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, despite improvements in supply chain conditions. The influx of Calcium Powder from major Asian exporters heightened competitive pricing pressures. Furthermore, the easing of global trade disruptions and lower freight costs contributed to downward price adjustments.
Economic factors also played a role in this trend. While there was a modest recovery in inflation and an uptick in consumer confidence, these factors were not enough to counterbalance the overall downward movement in prices. In Germany, which experienced the most pronounced price volatility, the Calcium Powder market underwent notable shifts. Seasonal factors, such as reduced consumption during the warmer months and high inventory levels, further intensified the price drop.
Overall, the pricing environment in Q2 2024 was marked by a predominantly negative sentiment. An oversupply of Calcium Powder and stabilizing trade conditions overshadowed any minor improvements in demand. This combination of factors created a challenging market landscape, characterized by persistent downward pressure on prices throughout the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In Q1 2024, the pricing of Calcium powder in the North America region experienced notable fluctuations, reflecting the complex interplay of various factors shaping market conditions. The pricing trend throughout the quarter exhibited a mixed pattern, characterized by shifts in both supply and demand dynamics, alongside external factors influencing the market.
The price trajectory of Calcium powder in the region showed increases in January and February, driven by heightened buying activity in downstream sectors such as construction, nutraceutical, and healthcare. Additionally, disruptions at two crucial shipping chokepoints, namely the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal, resulted in increased costs for U.S. retailers, subsequently leading to higher prices for consumers. However, as the quarter progressed, prices declined due to cautious consumer attitudes towards the economy. Factors such as sluggish retail sales and subdued consumer spending contributed to this decline. Persistent inflationary pressures further compounded consumer caution, prompting a conservative approach to finances.
Overall, the nuanced analysis highlights the impact of various factors, including consumer behavior, supply chain disruptions, and market conditions, on the pricing dynamics of Calcium powder in the North America region during Q1 2024. The quarter-ending price for Calcium Carbonate USP Grade FOB US Gulf in the USA was USD 735/MT.
Asia Pacific
In the APAC region during Q1 2024, the pricing dynamics for Calcium powder displayed a mixed pattern, influenced by several significant factors. Initially, prices saw an uptick fueled by heightened demand across end-user industries, significantly impacting Calcium powder prices. Market participants responded by offering higher quotations to maximize profits. Additionally, disruptions in shipping routes, such as the Panama Canal and Suez Canal, led to heightened shipping and operational costs, which were subsequently passed on to consumers through elevated prices. However, prices experienced a decline in March due to weak consumer sentiments. Despite improved economic activity in China following an extended holiday period, concerns regarding inadequate domestic demand persisted throughout the month, overshadowing this positive momentum. Market participants found themselves grappling with substantial inventories in their warehouses, leading them to actively seek opportunities to offload their stock at discounted rates. Moreover, the decline in oil prices played a pivotal role in curbing business expenses within the market, including diminished transportation costs. These savings were subsequently passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices for Calcium powder. Despite these challenges, the quarter-ending price for Calcium Citrate USP Grade FOB Shanghai in China was USD 2310/MT. Overall, the pricing dynamics of Calcium powder in the APAC region during Q1 2024 were influenced by a combination of factors, including demand fluctuations, global supply chain disruptions, and economic conditions.
Europe
In the first quarter of 2024, the pricing dynamics of Calcium powder in Europe unfolded amidst a complex landscape influenced by various factors. Initially, prices saw an uptick driven by geopolitical tensions, logistical challenges, and constrained inventories. Heightened demand from the end-sectors further contributed to this increase. However, prolonged disruptions in the Red Sea complicated trade routes between Asia and Europe, leading to increased freight costs that impacted the pricing scenario of Calcium powder, especially in Germany. As the quarter progressed, prices experienced a decline in March. This decline was attributed to persistently lackluster performance in new industrial orders, coupled with insufficient domestic demand and a relatively high backlog. Additionally, the central bank's decision to maintain existing interest rates added complexity to the market environment, further straining consumers' purchasing power. In response, market suppliers and traders sought to address excess inventories amidst sluggish domestic demand, navigating through the evolving market landscape. Overall, the pricing dynamics of Calcium powder in Europe during this period reflected the interplay of various factors, highlighting the challenges and intricacies of the market.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the North American Calcium Powder market observed a mixed trend. Initially, prices rose, driven by several key factors including insufficient inventories, sluggish trading conditions, and sustained end-user demand. However, prices experienced a decline in November and December, primarily due to decreased demand from end-sectors and an excess supply within the domestic market.
The slight uptick in prices in October can be attributed to the consistent demand from vital end-user sectors such as pharmaceuticals and food. Responding to increased orders from these industries, manufacturers established higher price levels. However, demand later exhibited a lackluster performance, influenced by persistent inflation and elevated interest rates, which eroded the purchasing power of end-consumers. Additionally, the decline in Calcium powder prices in major exporting nations like China contributed to the downturn in the USA. As international prices decreased, it became less profitable for market participants to uphold higher prices in the US market. The USA faced maximum changes in the prices of Calcium Powder. The prices of Calcium Carbonate USP Grade FOB US Gulf settled at USD 740/MT, reflecting a decline of 2% from the previous quarter. The price comparison of the first and second half of the quarter showed a decline of 7%. In the last year's same quarter, the price declined by 1%.
In conclusion, the North American Calcium Powder market faced a bearish trend in Q4 2023 due to surplus supply and reduced demand, leading to a decline in prices.
APAC
The APAC region's Calcium Powder market experienced a bearish trend during Q4 2023, with the demand remaining low due to ample supply in the domestic market. The global economic slowdown, inflation, and financial fragilities contributed to the decline in the market demand. China faced a persistent subdued demand from both domestic and overseas markets, which impacted the economy. The Chinese market experienced a second consecutive contraction in its manufacturing activity, indicating a waning economic momentum. The market witnessed ample supply due to a lack of major orders and fierce market competition, leading to a decrease in Calcium Powder prices. The strengthening of the Chinese yuan against the USD hampered export volumes, contributing to the moderate decline in Calcium Powder prices. The price of Calcium Citrate USP Grade FOB Shanghai decreased by -0.64% in Q4 2023, settling at USD 2310/MT. The trend is expected to persist due to the persistent subdued demand from end-user healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. The percentage change observed in the price comparison of the first a¬¬¬¬-nd second half of the quarter was -1%.
Europe
The European Calcium powder market in the fourth quarter of 2023 displayed a mixed outlook. Initially, prices rose due to various factors, including limited stock availability, higher energy costs, and increased demand from consumers. Additionally, the expenses associated with air and sea transport surged in October due to China's Golden Week holiday, further pushing prices upward. However, prices later declined due to weakened demand from consumer industries, resulting in excess inventory accumulation. Market participants responded by offering lower prices to clear out old stock. Furthermore, the strengthening of the Euro against the US dollar facilitated more affordable imports from countries like China, ensuring an adequate supply of Calcium powder in the German market. The persistent subdued demand from both domestic and overseas markets is expected to continue. The European Central Bank maintained interest rates as Europe's economic slowdown and the Israel-Hamas conflict clouded the outlook, keeping consumer sentiments low in the German market. The combined impact of these factors underscored the dynamic nature of the European Calcium powder market in the final quarter of 2023.
