For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In the first quarter of 2024, the pricing dynamics of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in the North America region, particularly in the USA, were indeed influenced by a diverse range of factors that extended beyond traditional market drivers. Throughout this period, the pricing trend for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in the USA exhibited notable volatility and fluctuations, characterized by a combination of upward and downward movements.
Several factors contributed to these dynamics, with market conditions within the USA playing a pivotal role. Consumer sentiment and economic indicators significantly influenced both demand and prices. The quarter commenced with a decline in prices, primarily due to cautious consumer sentiment amid sluggish retail sales and rising inflation. This cautious approach led to reduced spending, consequently decreasing demand for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide. Furthermore, uncertainties stemming from inflationary pressures prompted consumers to adopt a more conservative financial approach, further dampening demand. However, prices saw a notable increase in February and March, driven by improved business sentiment fueled by a steady rise in new orders from end-users. This surge in demand outpaced the available supply in the domestic market, resulting in upward pressure on Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices. Additionally, challenges emerged in the supply chain, with disruptions at critical shipping chokepoints such as the Red Sea and the Panama Canal causing delays in product delivery, including Colloidal Silicon Dioxide. These disruptions further constrained supply in the USA market, contributing to the upward trajectory of prices.
Overall, the pricing environment for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in Q1 2024 witnessed fluctuations influenced by a combination of demand dynamics, supply chain disruptions, and prevailing economic conditions.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2024, the pricing dynamics of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in the APAC region, particularly in India, exhibited notable fluctuations influenced by various factors. The market experienced a mix of positive and negative trends, with significant price changes observed throughout the quarter. In January, Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices in India decreased due to reduced demand from major end-user industries such as food and pharmaceuticals. The slowdown in India's manufacturing sector also contributed to the decline, with both domestic sales and international orders experiencing a downturn. Additionally, the appreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar added to the downward pressure on prices, leading to an accumulation of surplus Colloidal Silicon Dioxide inventories in the domestic market. However, in February, prices rebounded driven by a resurgence in demand from downstream sectors, improved trading activities, and a positive market outlook. The market sentiment improved, leading to a more optimistic buying attitude among market participants. In March, prices continued to rise due to steady demand from domestic and international markets. Sustained international demand and an uptick in new inquiries further contributed to the price increase. The overall market sentiment remained bullish, reflecting confidence in the Colloidal Silicon Dioxide market. Overall, the pricing environment for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in India during Q1 2024 was characterized by fluctuations driven by changes in demand, manufacturing activity, and currency exchange rates. Despite the unstable nature of the market, the latest quarter-ending price recorded at USD 7014/MT of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide Ex-Mumbai in India reflects the dynamic pricing dynamics observed throughout the quarter.
Europe
In Q1 2024, the pricing dynamics of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in the Europe region indeed exhibited fluctuations influenced by various factors. Initially, prices experienced a decline, reflecting subdued consumer sentiments and concerns about the economy. This decrease in demand from key sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare contributed to the overall decrease in Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices. However, prices surged in February and March due to several factors. Rising consumer demand, logistical challenges, and limited inventories within the domestic market all played a role in driving prices upward. Disruptions in shipping and logistics, typical during the Spring Festival in China, led to delays and increased transportation expenses. These additional costs were passed on to buyers, contributing to the upward trend of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices. Moreover, prolonged disruptions in the Red Sea further complicated trade routes between Asia and Europe, resulting in escalated freight costs that influenced the pricing landscape of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in Europe. Additionally, the moderation of inflation in Europe spurred heightened spending by businesses and consumers, contributing to further price hikes. Overall, the pricing dynamics of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in the Europe region during Q1 2024 were shaped by a combination of factors, including changes in consumer sentiments, logistical challenges, disruptions in trade routes, and economic conditions.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Colloidal Silicon Dioxide market in North America encountered hurdles, witnessing price and supply fluctuations due to various factors. Firstly, the market struggled with restricted inventories, leading to a limited supply of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, mainly due to weakened trading ties with major exporting nations. Secondly, demand for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide remained steady throughout the quarter, fueled by consistent usage in the nutraceutical and healthcare sectors. Lastly, inflationary pressures and increased transportation expenses contributed to an overall price hike.
The strengthening of the dollar against currencies like the Chinese yuan resulted in escalated import costs, further impacting Colloidal Silicon Dioxide pricing. In the USA, the largest market in North America, Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices experienced slight growth in the fourth quarter. Despite concerns regarding inflation and higher prices, consumers demonstrated confidence in the US economy. The sustained demand from end-users, particularly in the nutraceutical and healthcare sectors, played a pivotal role in stabilizing prices. Additionally, efficient inventory management practices ensured the continued availability of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide.
In summary, the Colloidal Silicon Dioxide market in North America faced challenges in the fourth quarter, characterized by limited supply, moderate demand, and inflationary pressures.
APAC
In Q4 2023, the APAC region experienced a notable demand for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, ranging from moderate to high levels. Prices saw a gradual increase during the quarter, primarily fueled by consistent growth in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, key end-users of the product. The supply remained constrained to moderate, with limited stocks available due to restricted manufacturing activities in the region. Market sentiments were predominantly shaped by overall end-user demand, creating a bullish market scenario. India stood out with the most significant changes in Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices in the APAC region, influenced by insufficient product supply. The pricing trend was impacted by factors such as steady demand from end-consumers, inventory restocking, and an overall improvement in market sentiments. Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in India was priced around INR 560650/MT for Ex-Mumbai, reflecting the latest price in the selected country for the current quarter. Overall, the APAC region witnessed a moderate to high demand for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, coupled with limited supply, contributing to a bullish market situation.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2023, pricing dynamics in the Colloidal Silicon Dioxide market in Europe were influenced by several factors. Primarily, a shortage of available stock, elevated energy prices and transportation costs contributed to these price hikes. Despite encountering these challenges, demand for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide remained at a moderate level, supported by the alleviation of inflationary pressures and an increase in consumer confidence. Germany, in particular, felt significant impacts on prices. The country experienced a reduction in inflation, reaching its lowest level since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This decrease in inflation heightened consumer confidence and played a role in the upward movement of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices. Disruptions in the global supply chain of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, resulting in limited availability, were a primary driver for these price increases. The scarcity prompted market players to raise prices to maintain profitability. Furthermore, reduced exports from China to the European Union contributed to diminished inventories in the German market, further propelling the upward trajectory of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices. Overall, market sentiments remained elevated due to consistent demand, limited supply, and sluggish imports in the domestic market.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
Prices for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in the United States varied in the third quarter. Prices rose initially in July due to inventory replenishment, increased demand from end-user sectors, and lower imports from important exporting nations such as China. In July, consumer prices increased by 3.2 percent, raising company costs and contributing to the increase in Colloidal Silicon Dioxide pricing. Prices declined in August compared to July, owing to a drop in new orders and market consumption. Consumer prices jumped 3.7 percent in August, mainly due to increasing fuel costs. Inflationary pressures weighed on customer purchasing power, resulting in an abundant supply of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, which led to price reductions. However, prices increased in September as a result of many political and economic issues. The factors influencing this trend are persistent inflation, slow trade, and steady demand from end-user industries. China has recently moved to boost trade with Southeast Asian regional allies amid escalating political tensions with the US, which has hampered supplies to the US and maintained Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices high.
Asia Pacific
Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices showed a mixed pattern throughout the third quarter. Prices rose 3.54% percent in July due to rising demand from domestic and international markets, as well as a lack of supply in the market. The manufacturing sector continued its strong growth momentum at the start of the third quarter, implying that consumer activity picked up in July as new orders from other nations increased. Rising business expenses and rising labor expenses drove enterprises to raise their selling prices, which aided the upward trend. In August, Prices fell by 2.21 percent due to higher crude oil prices following production curbs by Saudi Arabia and Russia, which increased transportation costs. Furthermore, increased interest rates in important export regions contributed to a reduction in Colloidal Silicon Dioxide demand in the international market, exacerbating the downward trend. However, prices rose by 4.26 percent in September due to increasing demand, which has greatly boosted industry confidence to reach its pinnacle this year. Despite rising inflationary pressures, strong domestic demand, combined with growing overseas sales to Asia, Europe, and North America, has contributed to this notable result.
Europe
During the third quarter, Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices in the German market exhibited a varied pattern. Prices climbed in July as a result of rising end-user demand and decreasing merchant and supplier inventories. Furthermore, excessive heat and heavy rains in Germany hampered transportation networks, resulting in delayed delivery times to meet market demand, causing Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices to rise. In the month of August, prices experienced a graceful descent, primarily attributed to the abundance of offerings by market providers and a decline in customer demand. Retailers and service providers within the market also observed a decrease in the influx of new orders. Furthermore, rising interest rates and inflation affected consumer confidence, resulting in a drop in demand for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in the domestic market. Nonetheless, prices climbed in September, indicating a resurgence of consumer confidence in the German market. This current trend might be linked to a number of crucial variables, including a scarcity of accessible inventory, high energy prices, and increased end-user demand.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
In the U.S., the prices of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide decreased from the levels observed in April, indicating that prices remained on the lower side in the second quarter. The factors such as increased supply and weaker demand in both domestic and foreign markets supported this downward trend. The PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) also dropped to 46.3 in June compared to the beginning of the second quarter, explaining decreased purchasing activity from end consumers. Since there was less demand, market participants decreased the price of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide to free up inventory. Energy, which is one of the main input costs for production, declined in recent months as the global economy slowed down with a decrease in oil prices, supporting the downward trend of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices. High-interest rates also reduced the demand for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in the U.S. market, resulting in lower prices. Furthermore, the US dollar appreciated against the Chinese yuan in June, making US imports cheaper and increasing the availability of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, resulting in lower Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices.
Asia Pacific
Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices in India showed a negative trend in the 2nd quarter. Colloidal Dioxide prices decreased by 3.51% in June as compared to the levels observed in April. In June, the Indian manufacturing sector registered its second-fastest growth of the year, although at a slightly slower rate than in May. The manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ (PMI) Index settled at 57.8 in June, marginally lower than May’s figure of 58.7. The PMI has been above the 50 mark for two consecutive years, indicating an expansion rather than a contraction. This continued growth augurs well for India’s manufacturing industry, which has shown resilience and strength despite rising inflationary pressures. However, the increased production led to an oversupply of colloidal silicon dioxide in the market amid low demand, which put downward pressure on prices. Market providers are compelled to cut down prices to clear inventories and maintain profitability. In addition, the extreme temperature of June also restricted trading activity during the 2nd quarter, which increased the supply in the Indian domestic market, further supporting the downward trajectory.
Europe
The Colloidal Silicon Dioxide price dropped in June compared to the levels observed in April, indicating prices remain on the weaker side in the second quarter. The factors such as low purchasing activity and ample inventories in the German market contributed to this downward trajectory. In Germany, the manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) for June 2023 fell to 41 from 43.2 in May and 44.5 in April, indicating a slump in manufacturing due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Weak end-user demand leads to a faster decline in new orders. As per the Federal Statistical Office, inflation, as measured by the CPI (consumer price index), hit 6.4% in June, up 0.2% from May. The European Central Bank raised interest rates to curb inflation, leading to lower consumer demand in the market. In addition, the appreciation of the Euro against the US dollar in June made imports cheaper and increased the availability of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in the German market. This further put downward pressure on Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
The first quarter of 2023 saw an ongoing trend of high North American Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices due to growing raw material costs and strong global demand. According to a market source in Houston, the price of a variety of raw materials used in construction increased during the quarter, with inflationary pressure remaining the primary driver. The dynamics of pricing for goods offered on the US market during the fourth quarter of 2023 were impacted by the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. Strong demand for the product from the construction and adhesive sectors enabled consistent shipments to be domestic and international markets.
Asia Pacific
The first quarter of 2023 saw an increasing trend in the price of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in Asia due to persistent demand from the pharmaceutical and low inventories available in the domestic market. The spring festival in China mostly brought on these rises, the developing conflict in Ukraine and Russia, the rising price of crude oil, etc. The regional supply dynamics have also been hampered by China's market closure for the spring festival, which created a supply gap that Japanese exporters later filled. The demand for colloidal silicon dioxide in APAC countries has increased as a result of increasing freight expenses brought on by stable crude oil prices. Towards the end of the quarter, the prices for Colloidal silicon Dioxide were assessed at around USD 6511 MT for Ex-Mumbai in March.
Europe
The price of colloidal silicon dioxide dramatically climbed in the first half of the quarter after increasing consistently, according to ChemAnalyst analysis. A significant fumed silica feed for the product maker, a 15% price rise for the global market will start in January. As a result, the market for Colloidal silicon dioxide kept growing in Europe. In addition, this price increase was mostly fuelled by high input costs and intense inflationary pressure on producers, as the nation's producer price index has already risen sufficiently to maintain this upward trend.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
Due to rising raw material costs and robust worldwide demand, North American Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices continued to be high in the fourth quarter of 2022. A market source in Houston claims that the cost of a number of construction-related raw materials climbed throughout the quarter, with inflationary pressure continuing to be the main motivator. The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War had an impact on the dynamics of pricing for items supplied on the US market during the fourth quarter. The product's strong demand from the construction and adhesive industries made steady exports to both domestic and foreign markets possible.
Asia
The continued turbulence across the world had been hurting the Asian market for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, but in the second half of the third quarter, demand for the commodity dramatically decreased. The global market supply disruption caused by COVID restrictions in China, the escalating conflict in Ukraine and Russia, the growing price of crude oil, etc., were the main causes of these decreases. Due to China's pandemic-related uncertainty, which led to a supply vacuum that was eventually filled by Japanese exports, the regional supply dynamics have also been under strain. Because of lower freight costs due to steady crude oil prices, the demand for fumed silica in APAC nations has fallen. Towards the end of the quarter, the prices for Colloidal silicon Dioxide were assessed around USD 6212.82/MT for Ex-Mumbai in December.
Europe
According to the ChemAnalyst assessment, the price of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide increased significantly in the second half of the quarter after rising steadily in the first. A large fumed silica manufacturer, announced a 15% price increase beginning in October for the global market. The market for fumed silica continued to expand in Europe as a result. In addition, given the nation's producer price index has already risen sufficiently to maintain this upward trend, this price increase was primarily driven by high input costs and strong inflationary pressure on producers.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
Prices for North American Colloidal Silicon Dioxide remained high throughout the third quarter of 2022 due to growing raw material costs and steady global demand. A market source in Houston said that certain construction-related raw material costs grew throughout the quarter, with inflationary pressure continuing to be the main cause. The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War also had an impact on the pricing dynamics for items on the US market during the second quarter. The product's demand dynamics from the construction and adhesive industries supported consistent shipments to domestic and foreign markets.
Asia
The Asian market for colloidal silicon dioxide had been suffering from ongoing worldwide unrest, but in the second half of the quarter, demand for the product sharply recovered. These rises were mostly brought on by supply disruption on the global market brought on by COVID rules in China, the developing conflict in the Ukraine and Russia, the rising cost of crude oil, etc. The regional supply dynamics have also been under pressure due to China's pandemic-related uncertainties, which created a supply gap that was later filled by Japanese shipments. Increased freight costs mostly brought on these rises in demand for Fumed Silica in APAC countries because of rising crude oil prices and a sudden increase in COVID cases in China, the main exporting nation. Towards the end of the quarter, the prices for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide were assessed at around USD 5991/MT for Ex-Mumbai in September.
Europe
The price of Silicon Dioxide grew dramatically in the second half of the quarter after increasing consistently in the first, according to the ChemAnalyst review. A significant producer of fumed silica, announced a 15% price hike starting in July for the international market. As a result, the European market for fumed silica kept growing. Furthermore, this price increase was mostly fuelled by high input costs and significant inflationary pressure on producers, as the country's producer price index has already risen sufficiently to maintain this upward trend.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
Despite ongoing demand from the pharmaceutical industry in the North American market, prices of colloidal silicon dioxide remained steady in Q2 2022. Production expenses increased during the first part of Q2 due to port congestion and fluctuating raw material supply. The labor scarcity also impacted the labor rates, raising the values even further. Due to high freight costs brought on by a globally disturbed supply chain and rising crude oil prices due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Silicon Dioxide prices in the US market surged in May. In the USA, the cost of silicon dioxide increased. Due to the robust demand from the downstream industries, the price of colloidal silicon dioxide in the US market increased as we approached the second quarter.
APAC
During Q2 2022, prices of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide rallied upwards on the back of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, led to an increase in crude oil and energy costs worldwide, which in turn led to an increase in the price of raw materials like silica, which in turn led to higher market pricing for colloidal silicon dioxide this quarter. Supply chains were disrupted due to the pandemic's reappearance and the unstable nature of the current shipping networks. Because of the geopolitical conflict between two major energy-producing nations, crude oil and energy prices have increased globally. This has led to an increase in the price of the raw material silica metal. The demand-supply mismatch was caused by a robust operating rate combined with increasing demand from downstream industries, such as the automotive, construction, and EV makers.
Europe
During the second quarter of 2022, Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices rose in the European market. Imported supplies became more expensive due to ongoing increases in freight costs, and high energy prices throughout the winter impacted the overall cost of production in the European region. Throughout Q2, the demand in the pharmaceutical industry remained steady. The European colloidal silicon dioxide market displayed conflicting attitudes during the second quarter of 2022. Due to the ease of imports and strong production rates to fulfill domestic and international market demands, the product supply in the European region increased at the beginning of the quarter. However, a rise in the price of colloidal silicon dioxide was seen in the second half, which was accompanied by high manufacturing costs and supply chain bottlenecks on the trade routes. Colloidal silicon dioxide prices in the European region during this time also increased due to rising freight costs.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
Prices of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide remained stable amid consistent demand by consumers from the pharmaceutical sector in the North American market. During the 1st half of Q1, production costs increased due to port congestion and uncertainty in the availability of raw materials. Also, the labor shortage affected the production rates, which further increased the values. In March, high freight costs due to the globally disrupted supply chain and inflation in Crude oil due to the war between Russia and Ukraine increased Silicon Dioxide values towards the end of the 1st quarter of 2022 in the US market. Silicon Dioxide prices in the USA witnessed an increment by nearly USD 100/MT in Q1-2022.
Asia
Demand for Colloidal Silicon Dioxide from the downstream pharmaceutical industries rose continuously in the Asian market during Q1 of 2022. The feed silica values remained firm throughout the period, which impacted the production costs of the Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in Q1. In March, uncertainty in the supply of raw materials due to the global supply chain disruption and high crude oil values increased the prices in second half of the first quarter of 2022. At the end of the quarter, prices of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide on CFR basis were accessed at USD 7010.66 per tonne in India.
Europe
Prices of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide increased in the European market during the first quarter of 2022. Continuous rise in freight costs increased the prices of imported materials, and high energy costs during winter influenced the overall production cost in the European region. The demand remained consistent in the pharmaceutical sector during Q1. However, high crude oil values amidst the crisis in the East European region because of the war between Ukraine and Russia significantly increased the prices in Europe in March. Silicon Dioxide prices in Europe increased by nearly 3% in Q1-2022.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
The US Colloidal Silicon Dioxide market entered the fourth quarter with an upward pressure in its prices on the back of the strong demand from the downstream sectors. The US Government has used several strategies to lower the prices of several commodities in order to reduce the expenditures, among which the downstream pharmaceutical industry remains under increased pressure. The covid-19 pandemic situation has significantly increased healthcare expenditure in all markets, which has further exacerbated the market situation in the US.
Asia
In Q4 2021, the pricing trend of the Colloidal Silicon Dioxide market showcased an upward trajectory across the Asian market. In the Indian domestic market, the prices of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide increased in the fourth quarter and escalated from USD 6175.87/mt to USD 6547.33/mt CFR JNPT from October to December. In terms of demand, offtakes from the downstream pharmaceutical industry remained strong throughout these three months. However, the prolonged port and freight congestion continued to disrupt the market sentiments, due to which traders said that they had difficulties in procuring the product. The prices are likely to increase further in Q1 2022 as the international players have heard revising their product prices for the global chain.
Europe
During the 4th quarter of 2021, the market sentiments of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide improved across the European region on the back of the increased demand and consumption from the downstream pharma sector. Supply chain disruptions continued to hamper the market sentiments in quarter 4 as well as they have increased the import price levels by approximately 11%. The Skyrocketed freight charges and prolonged port congestion further supported the pricing trend of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide across Europe. A producer of upstream Silica, Elkem, headquartered in Norway, stated that Silicon prices in Europe reached all-time highs during October and November, which further exacerbated the prices of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
During the third quarter of 2021, an improvement in the consuming market was observed in the North American region. Colloidal Silicon Dioxide prices in the US witnessed an upward trajectory during this timeframe backed by several factors. Due to the arrival of Ida hurricane along the Gulf Coast of the US, many production units and refineries remained closed for about a fortnight that impacted the production levels and squeezed the supply chains. It consequently affected the Colloidal Silicon Dioxide market in this quarter. Furthermore, expensive transportation charges also contributed to the inflation in the prices of Colloidal Silicon dioxide in this period.
Asia
Asian Colloidal Silicon Dioxide market noted improvement in the offtakes from downstream buyers in third quarter of 2021 after the resurgence in the industrial and market activities. In India market sentiments witnessed improvement backed by the surge in the production and consumption. Robust demand from the construction, paints and coatings and pharmaceuticals sector was seen that aided the pricing trend of the Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in India. Moreover, skyrocketing freight charges and crippled availability of shipping containers also pushed up the prices of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide as traders faced difficulties to procure the product owing to the freight congestion. Hence, Colloidal Silicon Dioxide Ex-Mumbai prices rose from USD 5817.94 per MT to USD 6144.53 per MT during the timeframe of July to September.
Europe
During the third quarter of 2021, Colloidal Silicon Dioxide market showcased mixed sentiments in Europe. At the beginning of the quarter, supply of the product in the European region improved owing to the ease in the imports and high production rates to meet the demands of the domestic as well as overseas market. However, in the latter half, an upsurge in the prices of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide was observed backed by the expensive production costs and supply chain disruption as an impact of Ida hurricane and congestion on the trade routes. Additionally, spiralling freight charges further contributed to the pricing trend of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in this timeframe across the European region.