For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Calcium Acetate Price Index in the US exhibited a consistent downward trend throughout Q2 2025, although the rate of decline moderated by June amid marginal stabilization in demand and easing freight volatility.
• In June, market conditions appeared less bearish as distributors began limited restocking, and input costs for acetic acid and calcium carbonate plateaued, slightly reducing the cost-pressure on producers.
• May recorded the steepest price drop of the quarter, driven by prolonged weak demand from the pharmaceutical and food sectors, along with excess inventories that forced sellers to offer deeper discounts to sustain volume flow.
• Competitive pressure from Asian-origin imports intensified in May, as lower FOB offers from China undercut domestic pricing despite elevated trans-Pacific freight rates.
• April’s decline was influenced by soft procurement sentiment, especially from contract manufacturers and food additive processors, who delayed purchases in expectation of lower price floors.
• The Calcium Acetate Production Cost Trend declined moderately over the quarter due to a favorable shift in raw material pricing and more stable energy costs, particularly across the Gulf Coast.
• Calcium Acetate Demand Outlook remained muted across Q2, though slight improvements in June indicated potential restocking by nutraceutical and pharma players ahead of anticipated Q3 requirements.
• Inventory levels were high through April and May but began tapering slightly in June due to improved logistics and modest pickup in domestic off-take.
• Suppliers responded to demand-side weakness by adjusting contract terms and offering flexible delivery schedules to retain long-term buyers.
• Calcium Acetate Price Forecast for early Q3 suggests marginal recovery potential contingent on sustained procurement, reduced inventory burden, and steady freight environment.
Europe
• Calcium Acetate Price Index in Europe, particularly in Germany, remained on a downward trajectory throughout Q2 2025, although the pace of decline eased by June amid stabilizing input costs and marginal improvement in regional demand.
• In June, the market showed signs of bottoming out, with prices declining at a slower rate as energy and raw material costs leveled off and offtake from the pharmaceutical and food processing sectors slightly improved.
• May registered a steeper drop in prices due to prolonged demand weakness, high inventory pressure, and competition from lower-priced Asian imports, particularly from China and India.
• Elevated freight rates and soft euro exchange rates further eroded the landed cost advantage for regional suppliers, prompting discounting to maintain competitiveness.
• In April, prices began trending lower following a buildup in inventories across distributors, compounded by sluggish consumption and easing feedstock costs for Acetic Acid and Calcium Carbonate.
• Calcium Acetate Production Cost Trend declined steadily through Q2, reflecting the broader European energy price softening and improved plant utilization rates in Western and Central Europe.
• Calcium Acetate Demand Outlook in Germany remained weak but showed tentative recovery signs in June as macroeconomic indicators pointed to modest industrial rebound and early restocking among food additive and pharmaceutical buyers.
• Inventory levels across the quarter remained high, although destocking activity accelerated in June in anticipation of firmer procurement needs for Q3.
• Calcium Acetate Suppliers maintained flexible pricing strategies across the quarter to protect market share, often revising contract quotes based on monthly cost movements and import parity.
• Calcium Acetate Price Forecast for early Q3 indicates potential price stabilization if current energy trends persist and downstream consumption gradually picks up.
APAC
• Calcium Acetate Price Index in China declined throughout Q2 2025, with a sharp fall in May followed by a more modest dip in June, reflecting sustained bearish market conditions.
• In April, prices fell slightly due to persistent oversupply, weak export volumes, and lower Acetic Acid costs that reduced production expenses.
• May saw a significant price drop of over 5%, as excess inventory from pre-holiday stockpiling met with weak downstream demand and reduced offtake across pharmaceuticals and food sectors.
• Calcium Acetate Suppliers in May aggressively cut prices to liquidate stock amid muted response to temporary tariff relief and rising freight costs to Western markets.
• In June 2025, the Spot Price for Calcium Acetate USP was assessed at USD 886/MT FOB Shanghai, marking a 0.67% decrease from May, primarily driven by high inventory levels and lower production costs.
• Calcium Acetate Production Cost Trend declined consistently over the quarter, with falling feedstock prices and softening manufacturing input costs creating margin room for producers to adjust prices downward.
• Calcium Acetate Demand Outlook remained weak across Q2, with subdued international orders for three straight months and only marginal improvements in domestic consumption.
• Export competitiveness weakened due to depreciation of the US Dollar against the Chinese Yuan, raising the relative cost of Chinese-origin products for overseas buyers.
• Inventory levels stayed elevated throughout the quarter, with limited improvement in offtake despite stable domestic manufacturing and easing logistics bottlenecks.
• Calcium Acetate Price Forecast for July suggests a potential rebound, driven by anticipated restocking activity, a possible slowdown in production, and early signs of stabilization in overseas inquiries.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The North American Calcium Acetate market displayed fluctuating pricing trends in Q1 2025, shaped by shifting supply conditions, varied demand from key industries, and external economic factors. January began with a price surge, supported by strong demand from the pharmaceutical and food sectors, as well as logistical disruptions that increased delivery times and procurement costs. Port congestion, especially at major hubs like the Port of Los Angeles, coupled with elevated freight rates, strained supply chains and added to the pressure on pricing levels, maintaining market stability despite some challenges.
February saw a shift in market conditions, with prices fluctuating as domestic suppliers faced pressure from excess inventory levels. The softer demand from downstream sectors, coupled with a reduction in freight rates and improved supply availability, resulted in a more balanced market. The relatively stable production costs from key exporting regions allowed suppliers to offer more competitive prices, though ongoing uncertainty around trade policies, particularly with China, contributed to market caution. Buyers adopted a more measured approach, focused on inventory management.
March continued the trend of price fluctuations as the market faced ongoing supply chain challenges and evolving demand patterns. Although freight costs eased further, the imposition of new tariffs and uncertainties around international trade relations added volatility to the market. A slight uptick in industrial demand, particularly from the healthcare sector, provided some price support. However, reduced purchasing activity in other sectors, coupled with fluctuating raw material costs, created a mixed market sentiment, resulting in continued price instability. Overall, Q1 2025 in North America reflected a market in flux, with prices responding to a complex mix of supply pressures, shifting demand, and global trade uncertainties.
Asia Pacific
The Chinese Calcium Acetate export market saw fluctuating pricing trends throughout Q1 2025, primarily influenced by supply-demand dynamics and geopolitical factors. In January, the market experienced downward pressure as weak downstream demand, particularly in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and food sectors, kept export prices subdued. High inventory levels and limited procurement activity resulted in a softening price environment, with international buyers delaying purchases. This, combined with China's deflationary economic conditions and seasonal fluctuations linked to the Lunar New Year, left the market struggling to recover. Geopolitical uncertainties, including potential tariffs under the incoming U.S. administration, further complicated the outlook, as suppliers engaged in aggressive destocking to clear excess inventory.
February marked a shift in the market as export prices rose due to tightening supply conditions. A reduction in domestic inventory, rising raw material costs, and the 10% tariff increase on Chinese goods bound for the U.S. contributed to heightened volatility. These factors prompted buyers to bulk purchase in anticipation of trade disruptions, while robust demand from the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors bolstered market conditions. Manufacturing activity showed signs of recovery, further supporting upward price pressure as China’s PMI indicated a rebound in factory output.
In March, the upward trend continued, driven by tightening supply conditions and strong industrial demand. The combination of lower inventories, robust procurement from key sectors, and rising upstream costs, particularly for Calcium Carbonate, placed pressure on production and supply chains. Although a slight decrease in China’s CPI indicated easing inflation, strong industrial demand, coupled with improved export competitiveness due to reduced freight costs, helped sustain the upward pricing momentum. The U.S. tariffs continued to encourage precautionary purchasing from international buyers, further tightening supply conditions and reinforcing the bullish sentiment in the Calcium Acetate market.
Overall, Q1 2025 saw a shift from a bearish to a more bullish pricing environment as supply-side constraints, strong sectoral demand, and geopolitical risks influenced market dynamics.
Europe
The European Calcium Acetate market, with Germany as a central player, experienced fluctuating price movements throughout Q1 2025, influenced by a combination of supply-side factors, demand shifts, and macroeconomic dynamics. January saw a modest price uptick, driven by early procurement strategies from the pharmaceutical and food sectors, which aimed to secure inventory ahead of expected disruptions due to the Lunar New Year holiday in Asia. Logistical constraints, such as port congestion and extended lead times, coupled with stable demand, helped maintain a generally balanced market despite the added cost pressures from increased freight rates.
In February, the market saw a reversal in pricing trends, with prices softening due to a reduction in downstream demand and improving supply chain conditions. The combination of high inventory levels from pre-holiday stockpiling and declining freight costs contributed to more favorable procurement conditions. Additionally, the stronger euro added to import cost relief, allowing European buyers to manage costs more efficiently. However, cautious purchasing behavior across the pharmaceutical and food industries, driven by broader economic uncertainties, contributed to a more competitive pricing environment.
By March, the market exhibited further price fluctuations, marked by continued soft demand and reduced purchasing activity. Despite ongoing logistical improvements, the weakening euro and trade policy disruptions created a more uncertain market backdrop. Supplier responses to these conditions included offering more competitive prices to move stock, but overall demand remained subdued. Lower raw material costs from key export markets provided some support, but the impact of oversupply and weakened buyer sentiment continued to temper any significant price shifts. Overall, Q1 2025 in Europe showed a progression from early stability to a more cautious market dynamic, marked by price fluctuations in response to fluctuating demand and macroeconomic influences.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the U.S. calcium acetate market faced several economic challenges, leading to a bearish market sentiment, though a brief recovery was noted mid-quarter. In October, prices declined sharply due to weak trading, rising inventories, and reduced plant operations.
Supplier discounts failed to spur demand as buyers avoided restocking with ample existing stock. The resumption of production worsened the oversupply. Economic factors, including hurricane disruptions, port strikes, and declining crude oil prices, kept the market sentiment subdued. By November, a slight rebound occurred, driven by increased demand from pharmaceuticals, personal care, and other industries aligned with seasonal production.
Elevated freight rates and rising raw material costs pushed import prices higher, while the stabilization of the dollar and increased Asian exports improved trade conditions. However, by December, a downturn followed, with high inventories, weak demand from key sectors, and aggressive pricing from Chinese imports. U.S. suppliers engaged in heavy destocking, highlighting the need for better supply chain management and strategic inventory planning.
Asia Pacific
During the entire fourth quarter of 2024, the Chinese calcium acetate market displayed a bearish trend due to supply-demand imbalances and price volatility. October witnessed a sharp price drop driven by aggressive destocking by suppliers, weaken purchasing, and oversupply conditions. The shift from scarcity to surplus, coupled with weak regional and global demand, dampened trading activity and heightened price sensitivity in downstream sectors. November saw a slight price recovery, spurred by increased post-holiday demand from Western markets and improved freight conditions. Rising feed acetic acid prices also contributed to higher production costs, stabilizing prices and improving supplier margins. This created a favourable seller's market, enhancing Chinese suppliers' global position and boosting trade volumes, and benefitting them in terms of higher profit margins. However, December marked a downturn, as indicated by a dip in the Manufacturing PMI, reflecting ongoing economic challenges. Weak foreign orders, stagnant domestic demand, and the potential for new tariffs under President-elect Trump led to further destocking and discounting, exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance.
Europe
Similar to that of other importing nations, the German Calcium acetate market exhibited fluctuating price trends, concluding on a negative note with a modest rise witnessed in the middle of quarter. In October, prices fell due to weak downstream demand, cautious procurement, and low inventories. The euro's depreciation against the U.S. dollar further exacerbated import costs, reinforcing the bearish market sentiment. Sectors like food & beverage and preservatives reduced purchases amidst economic uncertainty, while competition from cheaper imports, especially from China, pressured prices. November saw a rebound in prices, driven by solid domestic consumption in industries such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Sufficient supply from major exporters, coupled with high seasonal shipping costs, led to elevated import prices, benefiting traders with improved margins. However, December experienced another downturn, marked by a steady decline in regional prices and need-based transactions. Minimal impact from seasonal logistics disruptions at ports like Rotterdam and Hamburg was observed, while high supplier inventories led to aggressive pricing, highlighting the need for flexible inventory management and adaptable supply chain strategies.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, the Calcium Acetate market in North America experienced a period of moderate growth amidst mixed market conditions. While supply-side pressures were manageable, the market grappled with tepid downstream demand and cautious purchasing trends, leading to stable but limited transaction volumes overall.
Price recovery was notable after a prolonged downturn, with sporadic upticks driven by increased downstream orders and improved shipment dynamics. End-user negotiations saw slight upward adjustments, reflecting consistent consumption across sectors where feedstock acquisition remained favorable.The rising cost of Acetic acid , a key raw material, added pressure to pricing structures, pushing Calcium Acetate prices upward.
Nevertheless, mid-quarters witnessed a dip in import prices, partly due to weakened demand in critical sectors like pharmaceuticals and preservatives. This decline, alongside oversupply concerns, economic slowdown, increased availability of cheaper alternatives, and currency fluctuations, exerted downward pressure on market prices, influencing purchasing patterns among cautious buyers. Shorter supplier lead times and restrained inventory purchases further highlighted market hesitancy. As the quarter drew to a close, a slight recovery in end-user demand balanced out excess inventories, providing some stability to the market.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC region witnessed a notable uptrend in Calcium Acetate pricing. Market dynamics were influenced by various key factors, such as strong demand from multiple sectors, limited supply, and favourable cost-support from raw materials. These factors collectively contributed to the price surge observed throughout the quarter. In China specifically, which experienced the most significant price fluctuations, the pricing environment reflected a positive trajectory. The quarter showcased a correlation between increasing temperatures, heightened demand for Calcium Acetate, and a surge in production costs ahead of varied feedstock acetic acid prices. However, the market witnessed a steady drop in the month of august 2024 with supply side balanced by the overall demand dynamics. With respect to the supply aspect concerning the market sentiments, following a continuous upward price trend, Inventories concerning the Calcium Acetate. were high, with limited inquiries arriving from the end-users. This surplus strained supplier, particularly regarding storage costs, compelling merchants to reduce prices to offload excess stock. While some market support came from maintenance activities and modest downstream purchases, Despite a slight decline in the middle of the quarter, the overall trend remained upward. The quarter-ending price of USD 930/MT for Calcium Acetate IR Grade FOB Shanghai in China, signifying a stable and positive pricing environment.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European Calcium Acetate market exhibited a largely stable price trajectory, akin to patterns observed across North America. Germany led the region in price adjustments, reflecting intensified market engagement, with increased trading volumes, high inquiry rates, and strong participant engagement. Price growth was driven by a rise in bulk purchases, steady costs for key raw materials maintaining production expenses, and increased inquiries from downstream poultry sectors. Export volumes from major producers rose, with traders focusing on profitability amid tightening logistical channels and elevated freight costs, particularly affecting Calcium Acetate imports from China. Mid-quarter, however, the market encountered a steady price downturn, influenced by reduced production costs as energy prices dropped and acetic acid became less expensive. Additionally, weaker demand across multiple sectors, notably in food preservatives and pharmaceuticals, put downward pressure on the market. Despite these factors, the quarter closed with a modest 1% increase in Calcium Acetate prices from the previous quarter, reflecting the mixed dynamics of rising logistics costs against a backdrop of softening production and demand pressures. This resulted in an overall steady but cautious market outlook across Europe.
FAQ’s
Why did Calcium Acetate prices in the US decline during Q2 2025?
Calcium Acetate Prices declined due to persistently weak demand from the pharmaceutical and food sectors, elevated inventory levels across distributors, and competitive pricing pressure from low-cost Asian imports, particularly from China.
What factors contributed to the easing of the price decline in June 2025?
The rate of price decline slowed in June as raw material and energy costs stabilized, limited restocking activity resumed among buyers, and production costs leveled off across key US manufacturing hubs.
How do Asian imports affect the US Calcium Acetate market?
The US Calcium Acetate market is sensitive to import parity. Lower FOB offers from Asian exporters, especially amid stable or high freight rates, increase price competition, forcing domestic suppliers to reduce or hold pricing to remain competitive.
Is a price recovery of Calcium Acetate expected in the near term?
The Price Forecast for Q3 suggests potential stabilization or slight recovery, provided procurement activity improves, inventory levels normalize further, and downstream demand from pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors strengthens.
