During late October 2025, Calcium Carbide prices remained stable in Asia on the back of weak demand in the downstream PVC and sufficient supply in the market.
In China, Calcium Carbide prices remained stable during the late October due to sufficient supply and low demand in the downstream PVC. Limited support from the export market further influencing calcium carbide market.
Demand for Calcium Carbide in the downstream PVC remained sluggish. After the National Day, increased maintenance in PVC production, impacting Calcium carbide exports and prices. Mid-October demand decreased further, leading to lower purchasing prices. The overall trend for Calcium Carbide remained downward due to ongoing oversupply.
On the supply side, PVC manufacturers maintained high operating rates and ongoing production levels. The PVC market continues its efforts to destock and reduce inventory levels. Some sellers were providing discounts to attract buyers.
Calcium Carbide was slightly supported by the feedstock semi-coke due to robust cost underpinnings in mid-October. However, muted downstream PVC demand ensured price stability into late October.
Calcium Carbide demand in Japan has significantly weakened, particularly affecting downstream industries like PVC, which faced limited activity due to a downturn in construction. The construction sector is currently battling high costs and labor shortages. This has resulted in procurement delays and a cautious purchasing approach, with many buyers focusing only on immediate needs. Overall, the construction costs surged by 25–29%, driven by a 37% increase in material prices and a 22.9% rise in labor costs, straining budgets and leading to low trading volumes.
Rising inventories have worsened market sentiment, prompting buyers to be cautious about locking in bulk contracts. New orders dropping markedly in October, and exports, especially to Asia, Europe, and the US, continued to decline.
In India, PVC leading domestic producer recently cut spot prices (approximately $34/ton) due to subdued demand and ample supply. This price reduction has set a weak tone for the market, which is also affecting calcium carbide demand, as PVC is a key downstream application.
Meanwhile, the arrival of approximately 200,000 tons of imported PVC during September has ensured comfortable supply conditions in the Indian market. This situation contributes to a bearish sentiment for both PVC and calcium carbide industries, leading to cautious buying behavior.
As per the ChemAnalyst, Calcium carbide prices will likely remain under pressure in the Asian market due to high inventory levels from pre-holiday production and muted demand. Traders are likely to offer discounts to clear excess stock.
