In the U.S., sodium gluconate prices fell by x.xx, due to weak demand and the availability of cheaper imports, especially from Asia and Europe.
The construction sector, a major consumer of sodium gluconate as a concrete mixture that improves workability, strength, and durability, struggled during this time. The slowdown in construction and real estate was clear. Houses were taking longer to sell because of high homebuying costs and economic uncertainty. According to the Census Bureau, the data for July showed low numbers in ground-breaking volumes and building permit filings. In June, single-family housing starts dropped, and permits for new homes fell to their lowest levels. Regionally, builder sentiment hit a new low, which further reduced demand for sodium gluconate in construction.
On the supply side, sodium gluconate was readily available, and import prices fell, particularly from Asian and European sources....
