For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Arsenic Metal Price Index in North America fell by approximately 7.86% quarter on quarter, reflecting continued price softness from Q1 to Q2 2025.
• Production costs remained largely stable. Freight rates on key routes (e.g., China–U.S.) declined, helping reduce landed costs. Raw material and smelting costs showed minimal movement, supporting a modest cost environment
• Arsenic Metal Demand Outlook: Demand from the semiconductor industry remained weak throughout the quarter due to ongoing underperformance and labor bottlenecks. Furthermore, the drop in EV-related semiconductor usage continued to suppress arsenic consumption
• Arsenic Metal Market Supply & Dynamics: Consistent imports from China (over 70% of supply) ensured ample inventories. Stable German imports supplemented supply. Lower freight costs combined with pre-emptive stockpiling by buyers anticipating trade restrictions maintained robust supply.
• Inventories remained well-stocked across U.S. warehouses. There were no significant logistical disruptions, and combined with softened demand, this maintained a downward pressure on prices.
Why did the Arsenic Metal price change in July 2025 in North America?
July saw a decrease in the North America Arsenic Metal Price Index. According to the latest data, arsenic prices plunged in China by mid-July, indicating downward pressure on import costs. This decline is reflected in North American pricing.
Europe
• In Q2 2025, Arsenic Metal Price Index dropped by around 5.5% quarter on quarter, continuing the decline from the prior quarter. Prices softened due to steady import volumes—chiefly from China—and efficient logistics with lower freight costs.
• The Arsenic Metal Production Cost Trend remained largely flat: input and processing expenses held steady, with no major cost inflation or disruptions in the quarter
• Arsenic Metal Demand Outlook stayed subdued, with key end use sectors (semiconductors, electronics, EV alloys) showing minimal recovery. Industrial caution and high inventory levels constrained uptake.
• Imports remained stable, and logistics improvements, especially freight cost reductions, helped ease delivered costs but couldn’t offset weak demand.
• Arsenic Metal Price Forecast for the region points to persistent softness in the short term given oversupply and subdued end user demand. Recovery would depend on a tangible rebound in tech manufacturing or new trade initiatives
Why did the Arsenic Metal price change in July 2025 in Europe?
According to latest China data in mid July, arsenic prices dropped about 9–10% driven by weakening demand and abundant supply. Since Europe is heavily import reliant, this led to a sharp drop in the Arsenic Metal Price Index in July.
APAC
• Asian Arsenic Metal Price Index in Q2 2025 dropped ~2 % from Q1, with FOB Shanghai spot prices dipping below USD 830–840/MT by the end of the quarter
• Costs remained relatively stable across the quarter. Energy and labor input costs showed mild volatility mid quarter, but smelters maintained consistent output without major cost spikes
• Demand was subdued. Semiconductor sector procurement was cautious, lead acid battery and electronics sectors maintained conservative restocking, and no major uptick occurred by the end of the quarter
• Continued slight downwards pressure expected short term unless semiconductor or battery material demand revives. Prices likely remain flat to modestly negative into early Q3
• Stable supply from China and other APAC producers with steady production capacity. Inventories remained balanced, with no notable logistics disruptions by quarter end
Why did the Arsenic Metal price change in July 2025 in Asia?
As of late July, the APAC Arsenic Metal Price Index edged up slightly. This uptick reflects a modest rebound in semiconductor component procurement in early Q3, as OEMs accelerated restocking following new product cycle ramps.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
• The Arsenic Metal Price Index in the US market showed a consistent decline throughout the first quarter of 2025, primarily driven by steady supply from China and weak downstream demand.
• Imports for the product remained stable, while the eased freight costs boosted logistical efficiency and contributing to softening of prices all across the region.
• In the United States, the Arsenic Metal Spot Price fell to USD 986/MT CFR Houston by quarter-end, reflecting a 5.5% QoQ decrease compared to Q4 2024.
• Demand from key sectors, particularly semiconductors, remained sluggish, contributing to the bearish sentiment throughout the quarter.
• The Arsenic Metal Production Cost Trend remained relatively stable, with minimal disruptions in processing and input procurement.
• Why did the price of Arsenic Metal change in the US in April 2025? Prices were observed to be falling, due to weak procurement activity in downstream electronics and semiconductors, despite stable supply.
• The Arsenic Metal Demand Outlook for Q2 remains muted, unless substantial recovery in tech manufacturing or new trade agreements emerges.
• The Arsenic Metal Price Forecast for North America suggests continued price softness amid oversupply and limited end-user consumption.
Europe
• The Arsenic Metal Price Index in Europe showed a sustained downward movement in Q1 2025, driven by weak demand and high import availability.
• In Germany, prices declined steadily, closing at USD 956/MT CFR Hamburg, down 5.2% QoQ.
• Consumption was dampened by fragile automotive and semiconductor sector activity, with excess semiconductor inventories further reducing spot transactions.
• Europe’s reliance on Chinese imports, aided by low freight charges and rising post-holiday Chinese output, ensured an ample supply buffer.
• Despite slight upticks in manufacturing in early Q1, downstream sectors maintained cautious procurement strategies, leading to inventory accumulation and stagnant spot trades.
• The Arsenic Metal Spot Price showed no recovery through the quarter, with low volumes reflecting hesitant market sentiment.
• The Arsenic Metal Production Cost Trend declined marginally due to lower raw material acquisition costs and improved Asian smelting capacity.
• Why did the price of Arsenic Metal change in April 2025 across Europe? Prices were low, driven by subdued automotive production and semiconductor demand, coupled with high inventory levels.
• The Arsenic Metal Demand Outlook for Q2 remains weak unless macroeconomic stability improves and inventory de-stocking accelerates.
• The Arsenic Metal Price Forecast indicates potential downward resistance if downstream consumption does not pick up significantly.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• The Arsenic Metal Price Index in the APAC region followed a declining trend through Q1 2025, ending with the Arsenic Metal Spot Price at USD 831/MT FOB Shanghai, a 3.7% QoQ decrease.
• In China, Lunar New Year disruptions, contracting manufacturing activity, and reduced international inquiries dampened market enthusiasm.
• The first half of the quarter saw significant supply-side interruptions due to holiday shutdowns and cautious restocking efforts.
• Although supply started recovering mid-quarter, rising energy costs and limited spot availability hindered production ramp-ups.
• Downstream sectors such as lead-acid batteries and semiconductors adopted a conservative stance, keeping procurement volumes minimal.
• By late Q1, low operating rates and restricted buying interest contributed to a bearish close, with bulk orders becoming rarer.
• The Arsenic Metal Production Cost Trend remained volatile, reflecting energy price fluctuations and regional labor cost variations.
• Why did the Arsenic Metal prices change in Asia during April 2025? Prices were low, as weak export orders and domestic industrial slowdown continued to suppress transaction volumes.
• The Arsenic Metal Demand Outlook remains under pressure, with no major sectoral rebound expected in the immediate term.
• The Arsenic Metal Price Forecast suggests flat to slightly negative movement into Q2 unless demand from energy storage or semiconductor sectors recovers.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Arsenic Metal market in North America experienced a significant downward trend, with prices declining by 6% compared to the previous quarter. This decline was driven by weak demand across key downstream sectors, particularly in the electronics and semiconductor industries, which are primary consumers of arsenic metal. The semiconductor sector faced considerable challenges due to geopolitical tensions and stricter export controls between the U.S. and China, reducing procurement activities and leading to excess supply.
In addition, the ongoing economic uncertainty and shrinking manufacturing output in the U.S. further weakened demand, with businesses delaying production projects and scaling back procurement. The U.S. supply chain remained steady, supported by imports from China, although tightening controls on critical minerals in China impacted global supply dynamics. This, combined with extended delivery times due to hurricane-related disruptions, contributed to higher transportation costs. However, the overcapacity in arsenic metal production, particularly from major producers like Linxi Jinyilai Arsenic in China, created a market imbalance, leading to a build-up in inventories and a drop in prices.
By the end of the quarter, the price of Arsenic Metal (99%) CFR Houston stood at USD 1,112/MT, reflecting the subdued demand environment and surplus in the market.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Arsenic Metal market in Europe experienced a declining trend, with prices falling by 7% from the previous quarter. In Germany, supply conditions tightened due to disruptions in China, which remains a key source for Arsenic Metal. AT the start of the quarter, reduced availability from China, particularly during their festival season, resulted in a slight price increase. However, as the quarter progressed, supply levels from China normalized, and by December, global supply chains, including imports to Germany, showed slight improvements. Demand for Arsenic Metal in Germany weakened significantly due to declines in key downstream sectors. The semiconductor industry, a major consumer of Arsenic, faced reduced demand as global chip production slowed and major projects like Intel’s and Wolfspeed’s factories were delayed. Additionally, the electric vehicle sector, another critical driver of Arsenic consumption, experienced a sharp contraction, with battery-electric vehicle registrations in Germany falling by 22% in November alone. These factors led to subdued demand, further impacting pricing. By the end of the quarter, the price of Arsenic Metal (99%) CFR Hamburg stood at USD 1065/MT, reflecting the ongoing challenges in supply stability and weakening downstream demand across Europe.
APAC
The Arsenic metal market in the APAC region experienced a declining trend, with prices dropping by 2% in Q4 compared to the previous quarter. In China, the supply side saw a mix of stability and strategic adjustments. Major producers like Linxi Jinyilai Arsenic resumed operations after maintenance, while Luoning Zhongtian Materials reentered production with high-purity arsenic, signaling some recovery in supply. However, the export market faced moderate price adjustments due to cautious international buying and ongoing competition among producers. Demand remained steady from the electronics sector, particularly in the smartphone industry, driven by Singles' Day promotions and AI integration. The semiconductor sector also showed resilience despite U.S. trade restrictions, but international demand weakened. Domestic consumption supported stability, while exports to new energy vehicles and independent brands declined sharply. In December, China’s strategic export controls over critical minerals highlighted its influence over global supply chains. However, amid these challenges, arsenic prices continued to drop due to reduced demand from key sectors like semiconductors and photovoltaics. By the end of the quarter, the price of Arsenic Metal (99%) FOB Shanghai stood at USD 875/MT, reflecting a cautious market outlook.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
The third quarter of 2024 witnessed a consistent downward trend in the North American Arsenic Metal market, with the USA recording a notable 4% decline between the first and second half of the quarter. Key market dynamics were shaped by moderate to high supply levels coupled with persistently weak demand.
Supply conditions remained favorable throughout Q3, primarily due to improved logistics. Reduced freight rates from China to both U.S. coasts, enhanced port efficiency in Singapore, and increased Panama Canal capacity contributed to a more efficient supply chain. This optimization in transportation infrastructure led to better import conditions, particularly benefiting Chinese imports which constitute a major supply source.
Demand showed significant weakness across key end-user industries. The construction industry faced headwinds, with both single-family and multifamily unit construction showing year-over-year declines. The semiconductor industry, a crucial consumer of arsenic, faced particular challenges amid ongoing vehicle sales decreases. While September showed slight improvement in manufacturing decline rates, persistent new order reductions throughout the quarter continued to impact arsenic metal consumption negatively. As the quarter came to a close, the price for Arsenic Metal in the USA was quoted at USD 1127/MT CFR Houston, mirroring the broader trend of escalating prices across the region.
Europe
Europe's arsenic market in Q3 2024 demonstrated overall weakness, with particular challenges in Germany, one of the region's key industrial markets. The country experienced a notable shift between the first and second half of the quarter, recording a 5% decline in market performance, largely influenced by reduced industrial activity and changing economic conditions. In Germany, Supply remained consistent through Asian imports, particularly from Japan and China, supported by favorable freight rates. August showed marginal improvement with a slight price decrease, as normalized freight charges and shipping conditions helped maintain the market balance despite weakening demand. However, September marked a turning point with deteriorating business confidence reaching year-low levels. The manufacturing sector's continued downturn, coupled with declining domestic and foreign orders, significantly impacted arsenic demand. Key industrial sectors, particularly automotive and electronics, experienced sustained weakness throughout the quarter, reflecting broader economic challenges in the German market. The period was characterized by stable supply chains but consistently diminishing demand, creating a challenging environment for market participants. As the quarter came to a close, the price for Arsenic Metal in Germany was quoted at USD 1084/MT CFR Hamburg, mirroring the broader trend of escalating prices across the region.
Asia
The Asian commodity market, particularly for arsenic and related minerals, experienced notable fluctuations during Q3 2024. Regional dynamics were significantly influenced by geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Red Sea and Middle East, which impacted international trade flows and industrial demand patterns.
China's arsenic market demonstrated a clear downward trajectory in Q3, with the second half showing a 2% decline compared to the first half. Despite moderate supply levels supported by abundant pyrite reserves and copper mining activities, the market faced persistent demand challenges. The electric vehicle sector remained a bright spot, with EVs constituting over 50% of new car sales, sustaining semiconductor-related arsenic demand.
However, the manufacturing sector recorded contractions for four consecutive months, evidenced by declining manufacturing figures. This industrial slowdown, coupled with increased factory inventories and weather-related disruptions, created an oversupply situation. The quarter concluded with broader market weakness affecting multiple metals including Arsenic, Tungsten & Graphite. The semiconductor industry, along with the paint and glass manufacturing sectors, experienced reduced activity, primarily due to decreased international orders amid regional geopolitical concerns. As the quarter came to a close, the price for Arsenic Metal in China was quoted at USD 891/MT FOB Shanghai, mirroring the broader trend of escalating prices across the region.
FAQs
Q1: What key factors are influencing arsenic metal price trends globally in mid-2025?
The global arsenic metal market in mid-2025 is primarily driven by robust demand from the semiconductor industry, particularly for gallium arsenide (GaAs) in high-speed electronics, 5G technology, and optoelectronics. Growth in the consumer electronics sector across Asia-Pacific (especially China and India), and renewed demand from the automotive sector (for certain applications) are also supporting prices. Challenges include declining availability of arsenic-rich ores and increasingly strict environmental regulations affecting supply.
Q2: Who are the major global producers of arsenic metal and its key compounds?
China is the dominant global producer of arsenic metal and arsenic trioxide. Other significant producers of arsenic trioxide include Morocco and Belgium. While the US consumes arsenic, it has no domestic natural arsenic mine production and relies heavily on imports, primarily from China and Japan for arsenic metal.
Q3: Beyond semiconductors, what are the primary industrial applications driving demand for arsenic metal?
While the semiconductor industry is a major driver, arsenic metal and its compounds are crucial in other sectors. These include glass manufacturing (as a fining agent for clarity), wood preservatives (though residential use has declined, industrial applications persist), metallurgy (for alloying with lead and other metals.
Q4: What are the main challenges and opportunities for the arsenic metal market in the coming years?
Challenges include stringent environmental regulations and health concerns related to arsenic's toxicity, leading to efforts for safer alternatives and remediation technologies. The declining availability of arsenic-rich ores poses supply chain constraints. Opportunities arise from the continued growth of the electronics and telecommunications industries, increasing use in the renewable energy sector, and ongoing research and development for advanced applications and more efficient extraction methods.
