For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
The pricing environment for Calcium Carbide in the North America region during Q1 2024 witnessed a mixed trend. Overall, prices were influenced by various factors, resulting in both positive and negative trends. The market experienced an upward trend in prices in January and February, driven by factors such as increased demand from the downstream PVC and steel industries, particularly in the construction sector. The construction boom in the region, supported by government investments and streamlined regulations, has led to a surge in demand for essential materials like Calcium Carbide.
Additionally, supply constraints and an increase in the price of feedstock coke contributed to the rise in production costs for Calcium Carbide, further driving up prices. While in March, the prices of calcium carbide declined due weaknesses in U.S. construction spending, as reported by the Commerce Department.
Finally, the quarter-ending price for calcium carbide in USA was recorded at USD 1415/MT, FOB USGC, reflecting the mixed pricing environment observed during the first quarter.
APAC
In Q1 2024, the pricing of calcium carbide in the APAC region witnessed a consistent decrease, reflecting a negative pricing environment. Several factors contributed to this decline in market prices. The overall trend in the region was influenced by sluggish demand from downstream industries, such as PVC and steel, which resulted in a lack of momentum in the market. Additionally, the availability of affordable feedstock coke and coal further exerted downward pressure on prices, reducing production costs for calcium carbide.
China, being a key player in the calcium carbide market, experienced the maximum price changes. The market in China followed a similar trend to the APAC region, with decreasing prices throughout the quarter. The market was characterized by stagnation, limited trading activities, and reduced demand from downstream sectors. The decline in prices can be attributed to factors such as low procurement activities ahead of the lunar year, a slowdown in the construction industry, and a lack of enthusiasm for buying downstream. Compared to the same quarter last year, there was a significant decrease of 21% in calcium carbide prices. Looking at the previous quarter in 2024, prices declined by 10%. Furthermore, there was an 8% decrease in prices between the first and second half of the quarter. In line with the overall downward trend, the quarter-ending price for calcium carbide in China was USD 391/MT FOB Qingdao.
Europe
During Q1 2024, the pricing landscape for Calcium Carbide in Europe exhibited a diverse trend, marked by a mix of positive and negative sentiments. Various factors influenced prices across the region, leading to fluctuations in different directions. Germany experienced notable price shifts during this period.
One of the key factors driving the price increase in January and February was the heightened demand for calcium carbide in the steel and pharmaceutical sectors. The surge in steel sales in Germany has led to increased competition for essential raw materials, including calcium carbide. Additionally, disruptions in the supply chain, such as the strike by train drivers in Germany and delays in shipping routes, have further impacted the supply of calcium carbide, contributing to the price increase. The European market has also been affected by global factors, such as supply disruptions in the Red Sea and Panama Canal, which have increased freight charges and logistics challenges. While prices declined in March due to oversupply and low procurement activity observed in the domestic market of Germany due to slowdown in construction activity.
Finally, the quarter-ending price for calcium carbide in Germany was recorded at USD 1185/MT, FD Hamburg, reflecting the mixed pricing environment observed during the first quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
In Q4FY23, Calcium Carbide prices in the North American market exhibited a varied trajectory. In October, the USA market witnessed elevated prices driven by robust demand from downstream construction industries. Construction spending in the United States rose by 0.4%, supported by strong activities, boosting Calcium Carbide prices. Despite a mid-October decline in oil prices, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East introduced volatility.
The US markets rebounded after the Federal Reserve maintained stable interest rates, reflecting economic resilience. The unexpected rapid expansion of the US economy in Q3 strengthened market dynamics. November saw a decrease in Calcium Carbide demand due to weak support from low crude and natural gas prices. The downstream steel industry faced challenges, with U.S. Steel announcing the closure of its UPI operations, impacting national steel prices and availability.
December witnessed a price increase influenced by strengthened cost support from feedstock coke. Active demand from the construction sector, evidenced by a substantial increase in construction jobs, boosted market sentiment. Import challenges from Asian nations faced higher quotations due to tensions in the Red Sea, and shipping costs doubled since November. Challenges at the Panama Canal added complexity, limiting vessel transit. These factors contributed to the overall mixed sentiment in the Calcium Carbide market during Q4FY23. As of December, Calcium Carbide prices in USA were assessed at USD 1390/MT, FOB USGC
APAC
In Q4FY23, Calcium Carbide prices displayed mixed sentiment in the APAC market. The initial two months of the quarter saw a decline in calcium carbide prices in China, marked by limited procurement from downstream construction industries. Simultaneously, swift imports of petroleum coke at the port were observed, yet holiday-related transportation limitations resulted in increased storage, ensuring sufficient availability of raw materials for Calcium Carbide manufacturers. The weak performance of the construction sector over the past few quarters impacted real estate development investment in China, decreasing by 8.8% year-on-year to 7,690 billion RMB and exerting pressure on key raw material markets, including Calcium Carbide. Market participants noted a contraction in new export and import orders, reflecting manufacturers' challenges in securing foreign buyers and reducing orders for components used in finished goods. Despite this, the movement of finished goods remained unimpeded, with no observed supply-chain bottlenecks. In December, calcium carbide prices rebounded, driven by high demand from the downstream acetylene sector, particularly in the automotive industry. This surge was attributed to the widespread use of acetylene in welding, a crucial process extensively employed in joining metal components to form the structural framework and body of vehicles. As of December, Calcium Carbide prices in China were assessed at USD 434/MT, FOB Qingdao.
Europe
In Q4FY23, Calcium Carbide prices in the Europe market displayed a positive trend throughout the final quarter, maintaining their upward momentum in the domestic market of Germany. The sustained price increase in Germany can be attributed to manufacturers implementing production cuts, resulting in limited availability of finished stocks of Calcium Carbide. Consequently, manufacturers opted to pass on the price hike to downstream firms to secure their profit margins. Market sources highlighted the significant impact of recent geopolitical events, such as escalations in the Israel-Palestine conflict, ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions, and shifts in the global energy market, on the European chemical industry. These events led to continuous fluctuations in chemical raw material prices, affecting terminal demand on a broader level. Despite the underwhelming performance in recent quarters, many prominent domestic chemical plants synchronized their scheduled maintenance shutdowns due to lackluster demand from downstream industries. Notably, Vinnolit GmBH, a downstream PVC manufacturing plant in Burghausen, underwent a maintenance shutdown. The European Construction Industry Federation reported that in Germany, 81% of companies faced potential risks due to escalating material and energy prices in 2023. Conversely, the Federal Statistics Office noted an unexpected decrease in the inflation rate in Germany to 3% in October, reaching its lowest annual level since June 2021. This broad-based deceleration in inflation contributes to the purchasing power of terminal consumers in the largest economy of Europe. As of December, Calcium Carbide prices in Germany were assessed at USD 1145/MT, FD Hamburg.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
Average consumption from the downstream construction sector has led to a fall in the prices of Calcium carbide in the first half of the third quarter of 2023. In terms of production, the manufacturing firms have been operating under pressure amid tepid demand from the terminal market. The availability of Calcium Carbide was also sufficient to meet the demand from the downstream construction industries. Furthermore, towards mid-Q3, the prices of Calcium Carbide gained momentum. As per the data released by the Federal Reserve, Industrial production increased 0.4 percent in August, and manufacturing output inched up 0.1 percent on a m-o-m basis. In addition, According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, The annual inflation rate in the US accelerated for a second straight month to 3.7% in August from 3.2% in July, on the back of high energy prices. This rise in inflationary pressures has further taken a toll on the purchasing sentiments of the end-use industries. In September, Active demand from the construction sector has elevated market sentiment and has prompted downstream manufacturers to increase their procurement of raw materials, including Calcium Carbide. Despite economic challenges in the U.S., construction activity has stayed strong, driven by various factors that have bolstered spending in both residential and non-residential construction. Thus, Calcium Carbide FOB USGC prices were settled at USD 1331 per ton in Q3-end.
APAC
In the domestic market of China, the prices of Calcium Carbide have demonstrated mixed market sentiments. The prices of Calcium Carbide declined in early Q3 in the wake of tepid demand from the downstream construction industries. The rising interest rates and tight monetary policies in the overseas market have also clobbered the demand fundamentals of Calcium Carbide among the manufacturers. The spot transactions were also based on immediate requirements, the Calcium Carbide market has operated at low levels. However, the prices have gained momentum in the latter half of the quarter. The manufacturers were cautious about selling the goods at low prices, thus elevating the prices to secure their profit margins. The improvement in demand from the downstream PVC industries has contributed to strengthening the market sentiments of upstream Calcium Carbide. Meanwhile, the reduction in production run rates and plant maintenance shutdowns at Suzhou Huasu (with 130,000 mt/year total capacity) and Shanghai Chloro Alkali (with 100,000 mt/year total capacity) contributed to the limited availability of PVC supplies, thus manufacturers have increased the procurement of upstream Calcium Carbide to supplement downstream production. Consequently, Calcium Carbide FOB Qingdao prices were settled at USD 459 per ton in September.
Europe
Throughout the third quarter of 2023, the prices of Calcium Carbide have demonstrated a volatile trend. The persistent inflationary pressures in the European market have impacted the purchasing power of the end-use industries on a broader level. As a result, there was limited procurement from the downstream construction sector, prompting the manufacturers to reduce their Calcium Carbide prices. As per the market sources, the downstream Steel sales at July-end amounted to 829.61 thousand tons, which is 6.5% less compared to July last year, caused by the slowdown in industrial production. However, the availability of the finished Calcium Carbide goods was sufficient to cater to the downstream production. The downstream manufacturing firms have operated at reduced rates for the maintenance of market fundamentals. As a result, the manufacturing purchasing manager index has swung into the contraction zone. Furthermore, the holiday season in mid-Q3 has weighed upon the production activities of the manufacturing firms. The manufacturers open during the Holidays have released the inventories at higher prices. In addition, the rising energy prices towards the Q3-end have further contributed to the upshift observed in the price realizations of Calcium Carbide.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
In the US market, the prices of Calcium Carbide have sustained their downward trajectory throughout the second quarter of 2023. The declining costs of energy raw materials and a slowdown in demand from the downstream construction sector have been responsible for the bearish market sentiments. The inquiries from the downstream PVC industries have also remained on the lower end and did not contribute to the market growth of Calcium Carbide. Market participants have reported an abundance of Calcium Carbide stocks which has increased pressure on the supply side. However, there have been no reports of port congestion in the US, so the movement of finished goods was unhindered. Amidst mild temperatures and reduced demand, relatively high natural gas production has further weakened the market sentiments. Furthermore, tightened credit conditions after getting clocked by Federal Reserve interest rate hikes in the second quarter of 2023 have significantly impacted the trade activities in the domestic market as it raised the challenges for manufacturing firms to start fresh projects in the US market. As per the market participants, the demand from the PVC industries also did not improve much. In addition, the market players have been facing additional pressures from China and other Asian markets as they have provided the goods at relatively low prices.
APAC
Throughout the second quarter of 2023, the prices of Calcium Carbide have remained on the lower end in the domestic market of China. The decline in demand from the downstream construction sector has been responsible for the downshift observed in price realizations of Calcium carbide. The inquiries from the Western market were also relatively low as the cumulative effect of financial sector tension and tight monetary conditions has impacted trade activities on a broader level. The Calcium Carbide stocks were at the higher end, increasing the supply-side pressure in the domestic region. The market players have reported that the supply challenges have been eased, and the operating rate of the manufacturing units was regular in the domestic region. The delivery times have also been reduced with improved container volumes and low freight rates. The cost of transportation of a 20ft container from China to the European market has plunged by double-digit figures. Furthermore, Crude Oil stockpiles have been added at the fastest rate in May 2023. According to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, China's refiners processed 62.0 million metric tons in May, equivalent to 14.6 million bpd. Overall, the market sentiments were under pressure amid weak economic growth across the manufacturing sectors in China in Q2-end.
Europe
The decline in demand from the downstream construction sector weakened the market sentiments for Calcium Carbide in the German market in the second quarter of 2023. To encourage new shipments, manufacturers have lowered their prices. The global economy has slowed down due to the Russia-Ukraine war's retaliatory effects and the COVID-19 situation, causing the German manufacturing purchasing index to remain below 50 points (indicating contraction). To prevent excess stockpiling in the domestic region, production facilities have been operating at slightly reduced rates. The persistently high inflation rates continued to affect the German economy, reducing the purchasing power of end-use industries and resulting in decreased overall demand. The underperforming construction sector contributed to a contraction in manufacturing activities across the country. The data has shown that the construction Purchasing Managers' Index posted 41.4 in June, down from May's 43.9, as the construction sector in Germany witnessed a steepest decline since February 2021, brought on by higher interest rates and uncertain economic conditions, weighing down the demand fundamentals of several key input raw materials, including Calcium Carbide. In addition, German inflation increased in June to 6.4% year-on-year from 6.1% YoY in May.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
In early Q1, the prices of Calcium Carbide remained on the higher end in the US market. The operating rates of the manufacturing firms were regular, and more inputs were required to supplement downstream production. In addition, the inflationary pressures also softened in January, strengthening the market sentiments for Calcium Carbide among the manufacturers. However, the prices declined in late Q1. The demand from the downstream construction sector has remained at low levels and did not strengthen the buyer's will for inventory replenishment. The cumulative effect of financial sector tension and tight monetary conditions has impacted trade activities on a broader level. The ChemAnalyst database shows that Calcium Carbide FOB USGC prices were concluded at USD 1450 per ton at the end of the first quarter.
APAC
In the domestic region of China, the prices of Calcium Carbide have witnessed a volatile trend. The prices have remained buoyant in the early Q1, owing to active demand fundamentals. The demand from downstream PVC industries has improved and strengthened the market fundamentals of Calcium Carbide in China. In addition, Following China's removal of the "Zero COVID" policy, Asian markets have been experiencing growth, which has fueled the development of the Calcium Carbide market. However, towards the end of the first quarter, the prices started to decline. The major Chinese container ports Shenzhen and Shanghai have witnessed a massive growth in the number of empty containers. The decline in coal and freight costs has also supported the downshift observed in the price realizations of Calcium Carbide. Thus, Calcium Carbide FOB Qingdao prices were settled at USD 508 per ton in March.
Europe
The prices of Calcium Carbide have demonstrated mixed market sentiments in Germany in the first quarter of 2023. The sharp inflation and input price pressures have continued to weigh on the production activities of Calcium Carbide; thus, the prices have inched higher in early Q1. However, in February, the weak demand fundamentals from the downstream construction sector slackened the market growth of Calcium Carbide, and the pricing dynamics of Calcium Carbide were sorted at low levels. The inflationary pressures started to diminish, albeit at a slower pace, which has further inflicted the European Central Bank to tighten its monetary policies. Furthermore, German exports were dampened by weak global demand, which has led to inventory disbalance in the domestic region. Consequently, Calcium Carbide FD Hamburg prices averaged at USD 1160 per ton at Q1-end.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
Calcium Carbide prices have retained their upward momentum throughout the fourth quarter of 2022. The rising interest rates with tight monetary policies have weighed upon the US economy. The energy costs have remained volatile and pressured the production costs of Calcium Carbide in the domestic region. The manufacturing activities were suppressed as the demand from the downstream steel and PVC industries slackened. The spot transactions were average. The supply pressures have been eased, and there were sufficient inventories to cater to the inquiries from the end-use industries. The ChemAnalyst database has shown that Calcium Carbide FOB USGC hovered around USD 1520 per ton in December.
APAC
The prices of Calcium Carbide have demonstrated mixed sentiments in the Chinese market. The prices first escalated and then declined in November. The fresh spikes in COVID cases have hampered trade activities across the domestic region. In October, the demand for Calcium Carbide was general, but the cost support from upstream raw materials was sufficient to cause a price rise. Furthermore, the market players have reported that the construction sector was weak, and the procurement from PVC and other end-use industries has remained at the lower end. In addition, the global economic slowdown has resulted in subdued demand from the overseas market. Prices of Calcium Carbide FOB Qingdao were settled at USD 530 per ton at the end of the fourth quarter.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the price of Calcium Carbide has remained on the higher end. The German market has witnessed burgeoning natural gas prices amid limited supplies from Russia, increasing the production costs of several chemicals, including Calcium Carbide. The demand from the downstream PVC industries was relatively low and didn’t support the uplifted price realizations of Calcium Carbide in the domestic region. Furthermore, the inflation levels reached record heights in Q4 and weakened the purchasing sentiments of the terminal market. Additionally, workforce shortages have been observed in the European region. Consequently, Calcium Carbide FD Hamburg was assessed at USD 1250 per ton in Q4-end.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
In the USA, Calcium Carbide prices fluctuated throughout the third quarter of 2022. The prices first fell in early Q3 due to a decline in demand from the downstream construction sector. In August, Natural gas prices witnessed a reduction of 9.7% and lowered the operating costs of Calcium Carbide for the manufacturers. However, the demand from downstream PVC industries rebounded in September and strengthened the market sentiments of Calcium Carbide in the domestic region. The increased procurement from the downstream construction sector and supply-chain disruptions at the US Gulf coast have escalated the market value of Calcium Carbide towards the end of the third quarter. Prices of Calcium Carbide FOB USGC were settled at USD 1396 in Q3-end.
Asia-Pacific
The price trend of Calcium Carbide has demonstrated mixed sentiments in the domestic region of China. The resurgence of Covid cases in early Q3 and declined export activities has hampered the manufacturers' market sentiments of Calcium Carbide. The purchases from downstream PVC industries were limited, and the transaction prices were subjected to negotiations. However, the prices improved in August due to an increase in inquiries from the downstream PVC market. In September, the combination of crippled demand from the construction sector in Europe and Asia and fluctuating crude oil values prompted negative cost support to the price realizations of Calcium Carbide among the traders. Therefore, Calcium Carbide FOB Qingdao prices averaged USD 538 per ton at the end of the third quarter.
Europe
The supply-chain bottlenecks and rising energy costs have increased the manufacturing costs of Calcium Carbide in the domestic region of Germany. The curbed natural gas supplies from Russia due to the economic fallout with Ukraine has impacted the supply fundamentals of natural gas for the European nations. The prices of Calcium Carbide have demonstrated a significant increment throughout the third quarter. However, the downturn in new orders from construction amid rising inflationary pressures has hampered the demand dynamics of Calcium Carbide among the market players. The purchasing power of the terminal sector has weakened, foreseeing the escalated Calcium Carbide offers. Moreover, the workers' strikes at the container port., Felixstowe and the weakening values of the Euro against the US dollar have imposed a downside risk on the market growth of Calcium Carbide. Thus, Calcium Carbide FD Hamburg prices were concluded at USD 10005 per ton in September.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
The price offers of Calcium Carbide have demonstrated a downward trend and significantly dropped by nearly 10% at the end of the second quarter compared to observed Q1 costs. The economic uncertainties resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine have significantly impacted the price chain of crude oil and its derivatives. Furthermore, the waning demand from buyers and the limited import offers amidst reduced offtakes have forced the prices to plunge in the US market. In addition, the curtailed shipping activities and higher freight charges have further pressured the downstream construction sector's demand outlook and deteriorated the Calcium Carbide market sentiments throughout Q2.
APAC
During the second quarter of 2022, the Calcium Carbide price movements have demonstrated mixed market sentiments. The Indian market witnessed a steep rise in the first half of Q2 amid robust demand from the downstream construction sector and fell in the second half. However, the Calcium Carbide offers have reported an increment of nearly 4% from Q1 prices. Furthermore, in China, the crippled demand from the downstream construction sector has substantially offset the market sentiments for Calcium Carbide in the domestic region throughout Q2. As per the market participants, the squeezed demand from downstream PVC has further weakened the procurement enthusiasm for Calcium Carbide, and they followed a wait-and-see approach. Additionally, the stringent COVID restrictions have also directly impacted the benchmark prices of Calcium Carbide in the domestic market.
Europe
In Germany, Calcium Carbide price offers have oscillated throughout the second quarter. The burgeoning energy costs brought on by the supply turmoil unleashed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the hostilities between Europe and Russia have a cumulative effect on the uplifted price realizations of Calcium Carbide. The substantial increases in significant energy raw materials have pressured the manufacturing firms to revise their quotations. In addition, the reduced gas flows from US and LNG cargoes reaching their full capacities have prompted the input supply-side concerns and have pushed the manufacturing costs of Calcium Carbide to remain buoyant. As a ripple effect, an overall surge of nearly 5% has been demonstrated by Calcium Carbide price offers towards the end of the second quarter.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
In North America, prices of Calcium Carbide fell in the first quarter of 2022 due to dwindling demand from the downward PVC and deoxidizers market. The number of inventories increased moving into Q1, and power deficit situations further supported the downward pricing trend in North America. However, high production cost in the market was attributed primarily to the global energy crisis that led to the curtailed production rates at the production facilities in the US region. In the USA, the price of Calcium Carbide went down to USD 1500/ton FOB in March, with an overall decrease of 11.2% in Q1 2022.
Asia Pacific
Asian Calcium Carbide market attained a downfall trajectory, and the producer’s quotations fell, observing a fall of 25.2% in the prices in China in Q1 2022 and similarly in other Asian countries. This fall observed in China was caused by the persistent efforts made by the Chinese authorities to curb the power rationing, which led to improved production rates in the production facilities in China; in response, the supply-demand gap diminished. Prices in India were observed to be hovering around USD 821/ton-USD 875/ton CFR Kolkata during February. The shutdown in China due to the COVID-19 spread resulted in lower production, increased supply rates, and inventories, causing decrease in the prices of Calcium Carbide.
Europe
During Q1 of 2022, Europe witnessed plunging market sentiments of Calcium Carbide during the first quarter 2022, where the prices began at USD 940/ton FD Hamburg in January and were seen to be hovering around USD 899/ton- USD 959/ton FD Hamburg in Germany during February. An overall decrease of 6.7% was observed in Q1 Germany compared to the previous quarter of last year due to supply chain disruption and power crisis. The demand for downstream PVC, cannons, lamps, and headlights decreased, thus contributing to the decrease in the prices of Calcium Carbide.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
In the Q4 of 2021, the market sentiments for Calcium Carbide in the North American region remained suppressed throughout the quarter, amidst the improvement in the supply-demand gap. This development is attributed to improved production rates at the manufacturing facilities in the US post-hurricane season. Whereas the mining metals and chemicals dropped significantly in the LME and international market. In response, the offers were dropped persistently, and the FOB Midwest (USA) discussions for Calcium Carbide powder 80% dropped by 7.37% throughout the quarter with the prices were settled at USD 1130 per tonne in December.
Asia Pacific
During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Asia Calcium Carbide market eased after soaring to the historic high. The high charges and limited availability of freight vessels in the region imposed excessive cost support in the exported volumes against the robust demand from the downstream PVC manufacturing sector. Whereas the persistent efforts made by the Chinese authorities to curb the power rationing improved the operational loads in the Chinese domestic market. As a ripple effect, the offers for Calcium Carbide throughout the fourth quarter, and the offers were settled at USD 978 per tonne, during the quarter ending in December.
Europe
The Calcium Carbide sentiments in the European market remained strengthened throughout the fourth quarter of 2021. This development in the market movement is attributed to the ongoing energy crisis in Europe that led to the curtailed production rates at the production facilities. In response, the prices for mining metals and chemicals were reduced in international prices. Therefore, the prices for Calcium Carbide remained buoyed throughout the fourth quarter of 2021 against the strengthened demand from the downstream industry.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
In North America, Calcium Carbide market outlook appeared bullish following sturdy demand and limited supplies. An improvement in the offtakes from the downstream Acetylene manufacturers was witnessed in this timeframe after the rebound in the industrial and commercial activities. Furthermore, supply of Calcium Carbide got disturbed in the North American region as Ida hurricane hampered the manufacturing facilities in the Gulf Coast of US. The crises led to the scarcity of the product and consequently aided the Calcium Carbide pricing trend in this timeframe. Further, reduction in the mining activities in China owing to the power deficit conditions impacted the Asian PVC market, which made room for the US manufactures to increase their exports.
Asia
As China is the major exporter of Calcium Carbide, many chemical manufacturers in the region were compelled to cut down their production rates in Q3 2021 due to the power deficit conditions. Moreover, congestion on several ports of China led to the disruption of the supply chain and resulted into the tightened Calcium Carbide market in the region. In India, as Calcium Carbide is mainly imported from China, its prices surged throughout the quarter backed by the limited supplies amidst high demand from the downstream Acetylene manufacturers. Furthermore, extensive freight charges and shortage of shipping containers also sent ripples to the prices of Calcium Carbide in the region. Calcium Carbide (solid) Ex-Vadodara monthly average prices stood at USD 931.92 per MT in September, showcasing an inflation of USD 130.81 per MT since July.
Europe
In Q3 2021, Calcium Carbide prices witnessed an upward trend backed by tightened supplies and firm demand from the downstream Acetylene manufacturers. Delayed imports due to the congestion on the trade routes and exorbitant freight charges also contributed to the inflation in the values of Calcium Carbide. Furthermore, many manufacturers across the European region were compelled to curtail their production due to the Natural Gas crisis in the region.
For the Quarter Ending June 2021
North America
North American market witnessed stable demand for Calcium Carbide from the downstream Acetylene manufacturers. After recovery from winter devastation and pandemic, industries of USA were boosting their production as the demand from the domestic market kept rising, which increased the consumption of Calcium Carbide based Acetylene gas in the country. In the meantime, mining activities also improved week over week which increased the supply activities for the product. Therefore, amid the stable demand from the downstream Acetylene manufacturers with sturdy supply activities, prices of Calcium Carbide remained stable throughout the quarter except some usual fluctuations in USA.
Asia
Asian market witnessed infirm sentiment for Calcium Carbide during this quarter. In India, prices kept on declining throughout the quarter, due to dented market sentiments after resurgence of pandemic in the country. Traders anticipated an overall dull market scenario in the near term and offered their stocks on cheaper rates. Thus, prices dwindled consistently and reached USD 746/MT during June in India. While in China, demand remained stable from the downstream PVC sector, due to recovery in economic activities. During this timeframe, industrial manufacturing of China almost reached pre-pandemic level, which increased the consumption for Calcium Carbide based Acetylene in the country.
Europe
Europe witnessed prolonged dented demand for Calcium Carbide due to low industrial operations. Calcium Carbide based Acetylene remained in a narrow range from the industrial gases segment, while the operations improved from the pandemic. Most of the major European economies struggled to gain momentum from the pandemic, as major sectors like automobiles witnessed insignificant improvement. Therefore, the demand for Acetylene was low in several parts of Europe.
For the Quarter Ending March 2021
North America
Calcium Carbide market in North America remained moderately strong, as the demand from downstream sectors was deemed low, however the prices showed marginal increment due to short supply. During this time frame, critical weather condition disrupted the supply chain across the region and traders went short of cargoes, which directly supported the prices. Meanwhile, the demand from downstream pharma and dye manufacturing sectors were observed low in comparison to the previous quarter. Average FOB prices of Calcium Carbide were observed at USD 512 per MT during March 2021.
Asia
The Asian market encountered firm demand from downstream sector, amidst low supply activity across the region. In China, after Chinese Lunar holidays the supply activity chocked due to lower inventory level, hence the prices rose accordingly. In Chinese market after lunar holidays prices rose effectively during February but later came down as the supply started to get normal and settled at USD 953.67per MT, which is 7.47% higher than January prices. Similar scenario was observed in the Indian market where the prices rose by 4.03% from January to March end.
Europe
The European Calcium Carbide market faced low demand from downstream Acetylene producers during Q1 2021. Due to slow revival in the European metal fabrication sector, demand for Acetylene remained low, which reduced the demand for feedstock Calcium Carbide across the region. In addition, the prices showed marginal improvement, due to the disrupted supply chain and high freight cost.
For the Quarter Ending December 2020
Asia
The Calcium Carbide supply in various Asian countries majorly northeast Asia improved in Q4 which had been affected previously due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The improvement in Chinese demand is backed by strong revival in the total consumption by the end-user industries, majorly for the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other chemical compounds. Average Chinese Calcium Carbide volumes stood balanced in Nov. However, shortages were reported in India towards the end of the quarter due to limited cargo availability due to high ocean container freight. Contrary to the downtrend observed due to muted demand in India, Ex-factory price of Calcium Carbide showed a marked rise during in China. In India, the Calcium Carbide prices in India were averaged at around USD 810 per MT during December 2020.
North America
The North American Calcium Carbide market witnessed sluggish demand and tight raw material supply. Manufacturers were heard operating plants at lower rate during early Q4, prompting lesser product availability. This shortage of supply was reported by the key downstream sectors such as steel manufacturing industry. The regional pricing showed upward trend by the quarter end due to availability constraints and improving energy rates.
Europe
The Calcium Carbide market remained muted during the last quarter in Europe as the year-end lull deterred procurement cycle. Spike in demand of acetylene from international market for various commercial applications across chemical, plastics, welding and other industries caused upswing in the prices in December. The overall demand for Calcium Carbide surfaced by the quarter-end following recovery in businesses after easing off COVID-19 restrictions across the European countries. The increase in the global prices of PVC prompted producers to revise their rates upwards in December.
