In May 2025, the world quicklime market witnessed a moderate price rise in major regions due to strong demand from industries, consistent import flows, and diverse supply conditions. Prices increased by 1.27% to 2.39% in the United States, China, India, UAE, and Germany because of special regional patterns in production, transportation, and downstream use.
• United States: Industrial Recovery Drives Demand
U.S. quicklime (CFR) prices went up by 1.39% in May, driven by robust demand from metallurgy, construction, and wastewater treatment industries. The wastewater treatment sector experienced a spike in orders, which helped boost market momentum. Smooth imports from Canada maintained adequate supplies, which correlated with recovery in industrial consumption. Output was stable, as downstream manufacturers ran close to optimal capacity to fulfill increased demand without going overboard. The metallurgy industry, led by steel and iron production, and renewed manufacturing environment marked stable rapid lime consumption.
• China: Export Strength Balances Domestic Weakness
China's quicklime (FOB) prices rose 1.43%, led by strong export demand from Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Papua New Guinea. Despite bottlenecks in logistics at Qingdao Port, bookings kept export levels up. Locally, demand tumbled as lower industrial activity over the festive holiday period coupled with weak consumer confidence took their toll. Steady prices of Calcium Carbonate feedstock helped keep production going, but inland delivery slippage mildly affected supply chains.
• India: Glass and Steel Sectors Drive Growth
Indian quicklime (CFR) prices raised by 2.39%. Commissioning of new glass factories, such as Goldi Solar Glass Gujarat and Borosil Glass's 600 ton/day unit, in combination with the resumed production at Asahi India Glass in Rajasthan, drove demand. Firm imports quicklime from Oman, China, and Malaysia, despite the queues at Qingdao Port, provided continuity to supplies.
• UAE: Export Markets and Industrial Expansion
In the UAE, prices of quicklime increased 1.64% underpinned by consistent exports to Oman, India, and Nigeria. Locally, metals and glass production witnessed moderate expansion, driven by Emirates Global Aluminum’s proposed 170,000 TPA recycling plant and a $4 billion investment in a smelting plant. Relief in inflationary and sustained export demand offset moderate Quicklime consumption, as producers-maintained inventory levels to service both domestic and foreign commitments.
• Germany: Daring Recovery with Logistic Restraints
Prices of quicklime (FD) in Germany rose 1.69% on the strength of steady intra-European export to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Denmark, and Italy. Local demand experienced weak growth for aluminum recycling and building, as recycling output rose by 3% and rolled aluminum output rose by 2%. High energy prices and poor quicklime demand from aluminum extrusion market, and transport interruptions at Hamburg Port, limited non-European shipments. The producers preserved managed production to prevent inventory accumulation, targeting short-term regional contracts.
ChemAnalyst anticipates Chinese quicklime exports will counter weak domestic consumption, and the UAE & Germany will place moderate local demand with strong external trade. Industrial activity is set for stable growth, albeit logistical and environmental pressures can influence future trends.
