Within the U.S., the average price for Fly ash in November 2025 showed a 1% increase. This was due to supply chain issues emanating from Chinese suppliers, in addition to transportation costs. Despite low residential development, this trend continued.
The supply conditions of Fly ash in the U.S. were under pressures in November, continuing from those in October. Chinese suppliers, which contribute a substantial volume of Fly ash imports to the U.S., were impacted with their production being hampered by seasonal trends. Mine safety regulation has impacted supplies of coking coal, with decreased combustion and, consequently, lower production of Fly ash.
Transportation of goods also became a challenge, with Drewry’s World Container Index increasing 7%, thereby increasing landed costs for imported volumes. Also, port congestions in South China due to severe weather conditions delayed export lead times. Suppliers in the U.S. also faced tough conditions with increasing transit times and import tariffs.
Downstream construction demand also provided baseline support to the pricing in November. The continuous effort of the cement industry to cut emissions kept Class C Fly ash, a supplementary cementitious material, in favor, especially in Louisiana, where refiners’ carbon capture projects called for low-CO2 concrete. Residential building permits edged down with higher mortgage rates, but this had trivial effects on Fly ash sales, since infrastructure projects currently absorb a relatively higher share of sales.
Non-residential construction planning decreased 1.1% in November, with institutional projects down 3.4% and commercial projects declining marginally. Nonetheless, note that data centre and healthcare projects progressing in momentum were instrumental in maintaining steady sales of cement and clinkers resulting in steady Fly ash consumption. Procurement managers replenished inventories ahead of possible winter logistics disruption.
Looking ahead, U.S. Fly ash markets are expected to continue with robust pricing, with supply chain challenges expected to drive market sentiment. Chinese production difficulties and high freight costs are also unlikely to ease in the near term, with additional challenges from adverse winter conditions.
On the other hand, downstream projects related to infrastructure development and decarbonization of industries are expected to drive Fly ash demand, even as residential demand remains low. Suggested early restocking purchases by procurement executives indicate that downstream sectors are preparing for potential supply chain challenges, which should help maintain a robust order book into December.
With limited alternatives and low import alternatives, fly ash market is expected to maintain an upward trajectory, with prices expected to remain firm.
