For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In the first quarter of 2025, the U.S. bromine market experienced a mixed performance, primarily influenced by seasonal slowdowns, logistical challenges, and economic uncertainty. Starting in January, bromine prices saw a slight decline due to cheaper imports from China, creating a competitive environment. The market experienced moderate demand, affected by the year-end holiday season and harsh winter conditions, which disrupted several sectors, including construction.
Manufacturing and supply dynamics in the U.S. remained steady, with consistent import levels from China, despite challenges posed by the holiday period and winter weather. The demand for bromine remained moderate, supported by key sectors such as flame retardants, drilling fluids, and water treatment. However, the construction sector, a significant consumer of bromine-based products, experienced slower activity due to rising inflation and high borrowing costs, which impacted the procurement of bromine for construction materials.
By February and March, the market saw further fluctuations, with a slight decline in February driven by cheaper imports and ongoing seasonal effects. In March, geopolitical risks and disruptions in the Middle East further strained the supply chain, pushing prices upward. The overall demand remained moderate, with the construction sector continuing to face challenges, including rising material costs and policy uncertainties, which influenced bromine procurement strategies.
APAC
In the first quarter of 2025, the Bromine market in China experienced relatively stable dynamics, despite fluctuations in demand and supply conditions. Starting in January, bromine prices were stable, supported by balanced market conditions and strong domestic sulfur prices. However, weak downstream demand, particularly from the flame retardant sector, led to reduced market activity, especially during the Chinese New Year holiday period. While producers in the Shandong region continued production, inventory levels were kept moderate.
The construction sector, a major consumer of bromine-based flame retardants, experienced mixed signals, with some recovery in property sales but ongoing pressure from weak real estate investments and sales. As the holiday period ended, production resumed slowly, and despite the subdued demand, the market remained stable. By February, bromine prices remained steady, with minimal trade activity, and a decrease in bromine imports further limited supply.
In March, demand from downstream flame retardant manufacturers began to pick up, leading to increased procurement activity. Supply constraints continued due to tight inventories, delayed imports, and limited production. Despite weak performance in the construction sector, the need for flame retardants in various industries, including electronics and construction, helped sustain demand for bromine.
Europe
In the first quarter of 2025, the European bromine market saw moderate fluctuations in prices, largely driven by import dynamics and demand from key sectors. Europe continued to rely on imports from Jordan, as the region's domestic production capacity remained limited. Throughout January to March, the European market faced a combination of stable consumption and reduced purchasing activity.
In January, the market experienced a slight increase in bromine prices due to logistical challenges and a tighter supply chain stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which affected transportation routes. This was further compounded by delays in shipments from Jordan, leading to higher freight costs. Despite these challenges, demand for bromine in Europe remained relatively steady, with seasonal fluctuations influencing consumption in specific industries.
By February, the market saw a decline in prices as European buyers became more cautious in their purchasing due to lower demand from key consumer industries. The slowdown was particularly evident in construction-related sectors, which had been facing economic headwinds and reduced activity. In March, prices stabilized as suppliers from Jordan continued to meet moderate demand, although uncertainty surrounding geopolitical tensions and supply chain issues persisted. While European demand for bromine-based products in critical sectors remained stable.
MEA
In the first quarter of 2025, bromine prices in Jordan experienced fluctuations driven by shifting demand dynamics and external factors. The market began with a slight decline in January due to weak consumer demand, as businesses engaged in destocking efforts and reduced purchasing activity following the year-end period. Although demand from Asian markets, particularly for flame retardants and agrochemicals, remained steady, it was not sufficient to offset the downward pressure on prices.
Manufacturing and supply dynamics in Jordan were influenced by logistical challenges in the Middle East, along with broader geopolitical tensions, which affected export activities. The decline in bromine exports to key markets, including India and China, was significant, reflecting the weaker demand and cautious approach from international buyers. By February and March, prices continued to be under pressure, with reduced demand from major markets, including China, exacerbated by the Chinese New Year holidays and slower industrial activity.
Despite this, the demand for bromine remained consistent in key sectors like flame retardants, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. However, market sentiment was dampened by high material availability and slower procurement from Asian markets. The construction sector in China, a key consumer of bromine, showed mixed signals, with ongoing weakness in real estate investment and sluggish property sales.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The Bromine market in North America during Q4 2024 exhibited a mixed price trajectory. The quarter commenced with a bearish trend, primarily attributed to a slowdown in consumer demand, particularly within downstream sectors like flame retardants and intermediates. This deceleration was further exacerbated by the geopolitical instability arising from the Israel-Palestine conflict, which disrupted import channels, notably impacting bromine exports from Israel.
Conversely, robust economic indicators, including strong consumer spending and government expenditure, initially provided some support to the market. However, as the quarter progressed, these positive influences were gradually overshadowed by the lingering effects of the geopolitical crisis. Supply chain disruptions and production halts at key manufacturing facilities in the Middle East led to supply constraints and subsequent price increases.
Despite these challenges, consistent demand from key industrial sectors, such as flame retardants, drilling fluids, and water treatment, provided a degree of market stability. Towards the end of the quarter, a resurgence of cheaper imports exerted downward pressure on prices, culminating in a slight decline.
APAC
The Bromine market in the APAC region during Q4 2024 exhibited a nuanced price trajectory. The quarter commenced with stable prices amidst balanced supply and demand. However, improved weather conditions spurred increased production and imports, leading to a period of price appreciation in the APAC region dominated by China. Strong demand from the flame-retardant sector fueled this upward trend. Subsequently, prices stabilized as downstream demand provided limited cost support.
Towards the end of the quarter, a decline in consumer demand, particularly within the flame-retardant sector, exerted downward pressure on prices of Bromine. Despite this, the market remained relatively stable, supported by consistent domestic production and adequate inventory levels.
The Chinese construction sector showed signs of recovery, driven by government stimulus measures, which positively influenced the demand for bromine-based flame retardants. However, the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to pose logistical challenges, impacting transportation costs and affected future supply chain dynamics.
MEA
The Bromine market in the MEA region during Q4 2024 exhibited a volatile price trajectory particularly in Jordan, a major producer. The quarter commenced with price increases driven by escalating regional tensions and weakening demand from downstream sectors. Subsequently, prices stabilized amidst improved supply conditions and robust industrial activity in Jordan.
However, a decline in demand from key Asian markets such as China, particularly for flame retardants, coupled with destocking activities and year-end discounting, led to a price drop towards the end of the quarter. While production in the Dead Sea region showed improvement, sales of bromine-based flame retardants declined due to lower prices and weaker demand from the electronics and construction sectors.
Geopolitical tensions in the region continued to impact the market, affecting logistics costs and trade flows. Despite these challenges, steady demand from Asia, particularly from China for bromine in applications such as flame retardants, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals provided some stability to the market towards the end of the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Bromine market in North America witnessed a significant decline in prices, with the USA experiencing the most notable changes. This quarter saw a multitude of factors influencing the market, leading to a decrease in prices. Demand from downstream industries like flame retardants and intermediates slowed down during this quarter, both domestically and internationally, due to adequate material availability.
Additionally, construction spending in the USA saw a decrease, impacting Bromine consumption. The ongoing conflict in Middle Eastern regions further disrupted imports, affecting overall market dynamics. Comparing Q3 2024 to the same quarter last year, prices have plummeted by 32.2%, reflecting the challenging market conditions.
Moreover, the quarter-on-quarter change in 2024 showcased a 6.3% decrease, with a consistent negative trend throughout the period. The second half of the quarter mirrored the overall downtrend, indicating stability in the decreasing prices. The quarter concluded with Bromine Bulk CIF Houston in the USA priced at USD 2146/MT, highlighting a persistently negative pricing environment.
APAC
In the third quarter of 2024, the Bromine market in the Asia Pacific region experienced mixed trends as the prices fluctuated. The quarter was characterized by varied pricing trends, with factors such as oversupply and weak demand dynamics, stable production rates, and moderate to high inventory levels influencing Bromine market prices. In China, which saw the most significant price changes, overall trends indicated a steady market environment. The current quarter recorded a substantial 26 percent decrease compared to the same period last year, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the Bromine market. However, from the previous quarter i.e., Q2 of 2024, there was no change in prices, indicating a period of price stabilization. The comparison between the first half and second half of the quarter also showed no significant price variations, highlighting a consistent pricing trend. The latest quarter-ending price for Bromine Exw-Shandong basis in China stood at USD 2449 per MT, underscoring the prevailing varied pricing sentiment in the region.
MEA
In Q3 2024, the Bromine market in the MEA region witnessed a period of decreasing prices, influenced by various significant factors. The market experienced a decline in prices due to subdued demand from downstream sectors like flame retardants and intermediates, leading to an oversupply situation. Additionally, the increased production rates in key exporting nations coupled with ample material availability further contributed to the downward pressure on prices. The ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions in the region also played a role in the pricing dynamics. Specifically focusing on the United Arab Emirates, the market saw the most significant price changes in Q3 2024. With a notable 20.5% decrease compared to the same quarter last year and a -5.6% decline from the previous quarter in 2024, the pricing trend remained negative. Moreover, there was a -1% price difference between the first and second half of the quarter, indicating a consistent downward trajectory in prices. The quarter-ending price of USD 2240/MT of Bromine CIF Jabel Ali in the UAE reflected the prevailing decreasing sentiment in the market.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In the second quarter of 2024, Bromine prices in North America witnessed a mixed sentiment influenced by several key market dynamics. The quarter witnessed a steady uptick in prices due to persistent robust demand from downstream flame retardant and intermediate industries. This heightened demand, coupled with decreased imports arising from geopolitical tensions in major bromine-exporting regions, exacerbated supply constraints. Additionally, rising logistics costs and increased ocean freight rates further contributed to the upward price pressure.
Focusing on the USA market, which experienced the most significant price changes, the overall trend showcased a persistent increase, underscored by strong industrial activity and increased consumption. The seasonality effect was pronounced, with unseasonal demand spikes in ocean freight from Asia, leading to further strain on the already tight supply chains. This context of rising demand and constrained supply set a bullish tone for the quarter.
Despite these factors, the price change from the same quarter last year reflected a 30% decline, indicating a significant drop from previous elevated levels. However, the prices showed a marginal decrease of 1% from the previous quarter in 2024, suggesting a relatively stable pricing environment within the recent quarters.
Concluding the quarter, Bromine Bulk CIF Houston in the USA settled at USD 2310/MT, reflecting the increasing sentiment driven by robust demand and supply-side challenges. Overall, the pricing environment for Bromine in Q2 2024 was marked by a positive trend, supported by strong market fundamentals and resilient industrial consumption.
Asia- Pacific
The second quarter of 2024 has witnessed a significant upward momentum in Bromine pricing within the APAC region, driven by several critical factors. Supply constraints and robust industrial demand have predominantly influenced the market, with import reductions and logistical challenges exacerbating the shortage. Downstream industries, particularly those involved in flame retardants and intermediates, have maintained a cautious procurement strategy, primarily purchasing based on immediate needs. This demand-driven approach, coupled with strategic interactions between suppliers and consumers, has spurred price increases. Additionally, escalating production costs and firm freight charges have further compounded the price rise, reflecting a complex interplay of supply chain disruptions and heightened demand.
In the context of China, which has seen the most pronounced price changes, the market trends have been particularly noteworthy. The region has experienced a 5% increase in Bromine prices compared to Q2 2023, indicating a robust recovery and growth trajectory. However, when contrasted with the preceding quarter of 2024, there has been a notable 12% decrease, highlighting a volatile yet progressively strengthening market. Notably, the price comparison between the first and second half of Q2 2024 reveals a substantial 17% increase, underscoring the burgeoning demand and supply pressures as the quarter progressed.
The overall pricing environment in China has been positive, driven by an intricate balance of demand-supply dynamics and external economic factors. The quarter concluded with Bromine prices settling at USD 2784/MT Ex-Shandong, marking a significant rise from earlier in the quarter. This upward trend reflects a stable yet bullish sentiment in the Bromine market, driven by persistent supply shortages, increased production costs, and strategic purchasing behaviors within the downstream industries.
MEA
The second quarter of 2024 has been marked by a dynamic pricing environment for Bromine in the MEA region, characterized by a consistent upward trend. Several significant factors have influenced market prices, contributing to this increase. Elevated freight charges across major sea trade routes have played a crucial role, as have supply-chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions that have exacerbated logistical challenges. Additionally, robust demand from flame retardant and related downstream industries has provided strong support for Bromine prices. The construction boom in the region has further bolstered consumption levels, driving up demand for Bromine-based products.
In the United Arab Emirates, the impact has been particularly pronounced, reflecting the highest price changes in the region. The overall trend in the UAE has been one of steady price appreciation, underpinned by consistent inquiries from local industries and ongoing construction activities. Seasonality has played a role, with demand peaking in alignment with construction cycles and industrial restocking. The correlation between increased demand and constrained supply has been evident, reinforcing the upward price trajectory.
Compared with a quarter-on-quarter, prices have risen by 2%, showcasing a resilient market. Within the quarter, prices showed a marginal 1% increase between the first and second halves, suggesting a steady yet modest rise. Concluding the quarter, Bromine prices in the UAE settled at USD 2443/MT CIF Jabel Ali.
Overall, the pricing environment for Bromine in the UAE during Q2 2024 has been positively skewed, driven by strong demand fundamentals and supply-chain constraints, despite underlying challenges.
