For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Calcium Carbide Price Index in the U.S. moved upward through Q2 2025, with gains driven mainly by cost-side pressures and automotive-linked demand, while weakness in construction and sluggish downstream PVC and acetylene sectors restrained broader market momentum.
• April saw a sharp increase in prices as feedstock coke strengthened, inventories tightened, and robust synthetic rubber and PVC demand from the automotive industry supported fundamentals. U.S. auto sales rose, boosting acetylene and PVC pull, though construction demand lagged as housing starts fell 11.4% amid high interest rates and soft builder sentiment.
• May brought a modest retreat as lime prices softened, balancing surging coke costs to keep overall production costs steady. Downstream demand stayed weak, with building permits and completions declining month-on-month and year-on-year, weighing on PVC and acetylene consumption. Producers maintained cautious output levels, inventories remained sufficient, and buyers continued to purchase only for immediate needs, keeping transaction volumes muted.
• By June, prices edged higher again, driven by rising industrial energy expenses that inflated manufacturing costs despite stable feedstock inputs. Demand fundamentals stayed soft as homebuilder confidence deteriorated, buyer traffic weakened, and both residential and commercial construction activity stalled. With overseas orders showing little recovery and downstream procurement confined to essential volumes, the U.S. market remained cost-supported but sentiment-driven, lacking strong demand-side catalysts.
Why did the price of Calcium Carbide change in July 2025 in North America?
• In July, the Calcium Carbide Price Index in North America edged higher as rising lime feedstock costs and precautionary restocking ahead of hurricane season supported firmer offers despite subdued PVC-linked demand.
• The Calcium Carbide Production Cost Trend strengthened slightly, driven by elevated lime prices while coke remained stable, prompting sellers to hold firm on pricing even as output matched seasonal demand and Gulf Coast logistics stayed smooth.
• The Calcium Carbide Price Forecast signals mild upward pressure into August, as continued restocking activity and firm feedstock costs are expected to counterbalance weak construction-driven PVC consumption.
Asia
• The Calcium Carbide Price Index in China softened through Q2 2025, as weak feedstock trends and sluggish downstream PVC demand offset seasonal agricultural-driven support early in the quarter.
• April saw a brief uptick in prices as agricultural PVC consumption improved with rising temperatures, while domestic calcium carbide output fell 0.88% month-on-month due to plant maintenance and reduced operating rates. Feedstock coke prices remained weak, but tighter supply and post-Eid export demand expectations from the Middle East and parts of Asia lent partial stability. However, real estate and construction activity stayed muted, curbing broader demand momentum.
• Prices retreated in May as feedstock coke fundamentals weakened further and PVC demand sagged under the weight of a sluggish construction sector and ongoing trade tensions. Operating rates at PVC plants remained between 40–50%, and with inventories ample, buyers avoided bulk procurement, focusing on short-term volumes. Port congestion at Qingdao and rerouting to Ningbo slowed shipments but did little to support pricing, as regional inventories remained elevated.
• By June, prices declined further as feedstock coke backlogs and persistently high calcium carbide inventories pressured producers to lower offers. While lime prices held stable, soft coke fundamentals and subdued PVC spot demand reinforced a loose supply-demand balance. High operating rates at PVC facilities, muted construction-sector recovery, extreme weather limiting on-site activity, and delayed overseas orders post-Eid collectively kept sentiment bearish, with market participants sticking to need-based procurement.
Why did the price of Calcium Carbide remain stable in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July, the Calcium Carbide Price Index in Asia stayed flat as oversupply, sluggish PVC downstream demand, and weak export activity kept market sentiment subdued despite stable feedstock conditions.
• The Calcium Carbide Production Cost Trend remained steady, with manageable input costs, but profitability stayed thin as falling PVC operating rates, high social inventories, and port congestion at Qingdao limited price recovery.
• The Calcium Carbide Price Forecast points to continued pressure into August, as monsoon-driven construction slowdowns in South Asia and stagnant domestic PVC demand are expected to keep procurement subdued and spot activity minimal.
Europe
• The Calcium Carbide Price Index in Germany trended largely flat-to-lower through Q2 2025, as oversupply and persistently weak downstream demand outweighed minor cost fluctuations and seasonal factors. Market sentiment remained weighed down by the protracted slowdown in construction and steel sectors, with buyers favoring short-cycle procurement over forward commitments.
• April held prices stable as subdued demand from acetylene, PVC, and steel end-users offset modest cost relief from falling electricity and gas rates. German crude steel production dropped 13.5% year-on-year, reducing carbide consumption for desulfurization, while 25% U.S. tariffs on EU imports added uncertainty to exports. Port congestion at Hamburg and low Rhine water levels constrained outbound shipments, inflating inventories and capping any upside momentum.
• May showed little pricing movement despite a slight rebound in PVC activity, as acetylene and steel demand stayed muted. Thyssenkrupp reported further declines in steel output, while elevated gas costs—3.3 times U.S. levels per Cefic—kept producers under margin strain. Congestion at major North European ports, coupled with tighter customs checks under EU green compliance rules, extended delivery times and slowed trading activity across the region.
• By June, prices edged down again as demand from PVC and acetylene segments failed to pick up amid deepening contractions in housing, commercial, and infrastructure activity. Stable lime and coke costs provided no upward leverage, while ample distributor inventories and spot-based purchasing kept volumes thin. With steel output stagnant, construction-linked PVC offtake subdued, and export demand from neighboring EU markets limited, European calcium carbide markets closed Q2 under clear bearish pressure, with no near-term demand catalyst in sight.
Why did the price of Calcium Carbide change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July, the Calcium Carbide Price Index in Europe rose modestly as surging electricity and coke costs, driven by a regional heatwave and energy strain, lifted production overheads despite sluggish PVC demand.
• The Calcium Carbide Production Cost Trend strengthened, with electricity rates doubling and feedstock coke prices rising, prompting producers to hold firm on offers even as lime prices stayed steady and Hamburg port congestion slowed outbound shipments.
• The Calcium Carbide Price Forecast points to continued cost-driven firmness into August, though lackluster construction activity and muted PVC consumption are expected to keep overall demand momentum restrained.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Throughout Q1 2025, the calcium carbide market in North America experienced a mixed trend, beginning with slight gains in January, a dip in February, and a strong recovery in March. The initial uptick in January was largely driven by rising feedstock coke and energy costs, though downstream demand from PVC and acetylene sectors remained soft due to severe winter conditions that disrupted construction activity.
February saw prices decline as demand weakened further, particularly in the residential construction sector, and stable feedstock prices offered little cost support. Despite ongoing challenges such as high interest rates, reduced hiring in construction, and cautious industrial procurement, manufacturing output showed signs of improvement.
By March, prices rebounded as feedstock costs rose and procurement activity picked up, particularly in acetylene-linked sectors. A slight recovery in construction, improving manufacturing indicators, and modest restocking efforts contributed to the upward momentum. Export interest also revived slightly, supporting sentiment. Calcium carbide prices in the U.S. closed Q1 2025 at USD 1,341/MT FOB USGC.
APAC
Throughout Q1 2025, the calcium carbide market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region experienced consistent price declines, driven by persistent weakness in downstream demand and soft cost fundamentals. In January, prices fell amid high operating rates and weak procurement from the PVC sector, a key end-user. Seasonal construction slowdowns and limited new orders kept market sentiment bearish. In February, prices remained under pressure, as holiday-related shutdowns and cautious post-festival restocking restricted consumption. Export activity slowed, while feedstock, provided minimal cost support. By March, prices continued to decline, weighed down by oversupply and muted activity in construction and infrastructure. Despite some maintenance at PVC plants, operating rates remained high across calcium carbide producers, sustaining supply pressure. Weak international demand, high inventories, and cautious global sentiment kept export volumes subdued. With no significant recovery in downstream PVC or construction sectors, and feedstock prices staying low, calcium carbide values are likely to remain soft in the short term, barring any major supply-side disruptions or demand resurgence.
Europe
Throughout Q1 2025, the calcium carbide market in Europe saw consistent price increases, largely driven by cost-push inflation rather than improved demand fundamentals. In January, rising feedstock coke prices and elevated energy costs pushed prices higher, despite subdued demand from downstream acetylene and PVC sectors. Seasonal slowdowns, holiday-related disruptions, and a decline in construction activity further restrained market momentum. February saw continued price support from rising input costs and regulatory constraints. However, sluggish procurement from construction-linked sectors, weak industrial output, and cautious buyer sentiment limited any significant uplift in demand. By March, while prices initially stabilized due to mixed feedstock cost trends—high coke and softening lime—downstream consumption remained weak amid stagnating Eurozone construction and industrial contraction. Strikes and congestion at Hamburg port disrupted export logistics, though domestic supply remained steady. With EU27 manufacturing facing high production costs, overcapacity, and subdued new orders, the calcium carbide market remained cost-driven, not demand-led. Unless there is a revival in downstream consumption, particularly from the construction sector, the sustainability of this price trend remains uncertain.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
Throughout Q4 2024, the calcium carbide market in North America experienced mixed trends, with prices slightly increasing in October before declining in both November and December. In the USA, the market saw the most significant price changes, with October's rise driven by increased demand from the downstream PVC and acetylene industries, supported by a modest recovery in construction activity and improved operational rates among manufacturers.
However, November marked the start of a decline as subdued housing starts, high mortgage rates, and reduced export opportunities weakened demand for calcium carbide. The acetylene sector also faced challenges from sluggish industrial activity, further dampening procurement volumes.
By December, prices continued their downward trajectory, with manufacturers adopting aggressive destocking strategies to manage high inventory levels. Weak demand from PVC and acetylene applications, combined with rising energy costs due to the winter season, added to the bearish market sentiment. Ending the quarter, the price for calcium carbide in the USA was recorded at USD 1,311/MT FOB USGC, reflecting ongoing supply-demand imbalances and weak downstream activity.
APAC
Throughout Q4 2024, the calcium carbide market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region experienced mixed trends. In China, the market saw the most significant price changes, with slight increases in October and November followed by a decline in December. October's price rise was driven by improved demand from the downstream polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sector and stable operating rates at production facilities. November maintained this upward momentum, supported by consistent PVC production and steady feedstock coke costs. However, in December, calcium carbide prices fell due to weakened demand from the PVC market, which faced ongoing challenges from slow real estate development and limited infrastructure projects. Seasonal slowdowns in the construction activity and oversupply pressures led manufacturers to intensify destocking efforts, offering discounts to clear excess inventories. The combination of muted downstream procurement and minimal cost support from feedstocks contributed to the bearish market sentiment. Ending the quarter, the price for calcium carbide in China was recorded at USD 387/MT FOB Qingdao, reflecting oversupply and weak demand conditions.
Europe
Throughout Q4 2024, the calcium carbide market in Europe showed varying trends, with prices increasing in October but declining in November and December. In Germany, the market saw the most significant price changes, driven initially by improved demand from the downstream PVC, acetylene industries in October. The price rise was supported by steady supply levels and improved trading volumes, with producers attempting to recover margins. However, November marked the beginning of a downturn as weak demand from downstream manufacturers and the construction sector, coupled with accumulating inventories, pressured prices downward. Subdued procurement activity, stable feedstock coke costs, and bearish market sentiment further contributed to the decline. By December, prices stabilized, reflecting ample supply and cautious buying behaviors as downstream industries grappled with seasonal slowdowns and persistent economic challenges. High interest rates and elevated construction costs dampened activity in the Eurozone’s construction sector, further limiting calcium carbide demand. Ending the quarter, the price for calcium carbide in Germany was recorded at USD 1,185/MT FD Hamburg, highlighting the market's struggle with oversupply and tepid demand.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Calcium carbide prices in the North America maintained an upward trend throughout Q3 2024, supported by strong demand from downstream industries such as PVC. Compared to Q3 2023, prices saw a notable 20% increase in USA, underscoring robust market conditions. Additionally, the market experienced an 8.3% rise from the prior quarter, driven by high feedstock costs and increased export activity. US calcium carbide prices remained resilient, bolstered by disruptions like the shutdown of Orbia's PVC plant in Altamira, Mexico, and logistical challenges in Asia, strengthening American exporters' position in markets such as Africa and Asia.
Bullish market sentiment prevailed due to limited export availability and expectations of further price increases, driven by strong domestic demand and strategic moves by US exporters to fill global supply gaps. Rising freight rates and tight vessel availability also reduced the competitiveness of Asian PVC, enhancing the traction of US exports in key regions.
Ending the quarter, the price for calcium carbide in the USA was recorded at USD 1570/MT, FOB USGC, reflecting an overall positive pricing environment.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the Calcium Carbide market in the APAC region witnessed decreasing prices, reflecting a challenging quarter for the industry. The 11.6% change from the same quarter last year indicated a downward trend, with a 1.8% change from the previous quarter highlighting stability amid ongoing market pressures. Overall trading sentiment remained pessimistic, with traders facing sluggish demand and limited procurement activities.
Factors influencing these price declines included weak demand from downstream sectors, such as PVC, and high inventory levels, exerting downward pressure on prices. Seasonal factors, like heavy rainfall impacting construction activities, further dampened demand, contributing to the negative sentiment in the market. Japan, experiencing the most significant price changes, saw a significant shift between the first and second half of the quarter, emphasizing the deteriorating pricing environment.
The correlation between operational dynamics in the PVC sector and calcium carbide prices remained evident, with the latest quarter-ending price standing at USD 423/MT CFR Tokyo, indicating a continuation of the decreasing trend in the market.
Europe
Throughout Q3 2024, the European Calcium Carbide market experienced stable pricing, following increases from previous quarters. The quarter was marked by consistent market conditions, with Germany seeing the most notable fluctuations. Market prices were influenced by several factors, including stable raw material costs, steady demand from downstream sectors like PVC, and high natural gas prices driving production costs.
Compared to the same quarter in 2023, the European market showed a 15% increase, while prices rose by 2.8% from Q2 2024, reflecting a positive market trend. There was no significant price variation between the first and second half of the quarter, indicating sustained price stability. Additionally, robust export demand further kept the prices healthy, supporting the overall market trend.
Germany, a key market in the region, displayed resilience in calcium carbide pricing, closing the quarter at USD 1,235/MT FD Hamburg. This stability reflects strong market sentiment, supported by balanced demand and supply dynamics. The sustained equilibrium in pricing highlights the consistent nature of the calcium carbide market throughout the quarter.
FAQs
• What is the current price of Calcium Carbide?
Prices vary by region: Europe and North America have seen moderate gains due to rising energy and feedstock costs, while Asia remains steady as weak PVC demand offsets balanced supply and stable input prices.
• Who are the top Calcium Carbide producers globally?
Key producers include Inner Mongolia ChinaCoal Mengda New Energy, Beiyuan Chemical, Xinjiang Tianye, AlzChem, and Denka, which dominate production and distribution across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
• What is the Calcium Carbide Price Forecast for August 2025?
Prices are expected to hold firm in Europe and North America on cost support and precautionary stockpiling, while Asia will likely remain flat due to weak PVC-driven demand and sufficient supply.
