For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
The weak demand from the downstream food additive sector and the construction sector has worsened the market growth of Calcium Carbonate in the first two months of 2023 in the US market. The ample inventories in the US market, coupled with declining freight charges, have led to further reductions in the market values of Calcium Carbonate. The prices of WTI crude oil has been tumbled amid excess inventories and limited demand. High inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, and weak consumer sentiments have faltered the demand recovery. Furthermore, the fears of a financial crisis brought on by the failure of two banks have weighed on the production activities across the US market in late Q1.
APAC
In the domestic region of China, the prices of Calcium Carbonate have demonstrated mixed market sentiments. With the rollback of COVID restriction in early Q1, manufacturing activities have gathered pace, and as a result, the prices of Calcium Carbonate remained on the upper end in the first two months of 2023. The spring festival holidays have led to nationwide production cuts amid limited workforce availability. However, the downstream construction sector demand did not improve much as the overseas market has grappled with high inflationary pressures and weak economic conditions. In addition, the freight charges were also relatively low across Asia’s major trade route, inflicting the pricing dynamics of Calcium Carbonate to remain bearish. Consequently, Calcium Carbonate (GCC) IndlGrade FOB Shanghai prices were settled at USD 155 per ton at the Q1-end.
Europe
In the German market, the prices of Calcium Carbonate have witnessed a volatile market trend. The accumulation of high-cost inventories has prompted the manufacturers to price revision in early Q1. The prices of energy materials have been declining, alleviating the pressure on the manufacturing costs of Calcium Carbonate. Furthermore, the sluggish procurement from the downstream construction sector has deteriorated the market sentiments, and as a result, the prices of Calcium Carbonate have fallen to a low level. High inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, and weak purchasing power are all these factors that have contributed to the downshift observed in the price realizations of Calcium Carbonate. Therefore, considering the aforementioned reasons, Calcium Carbonate Industrial Grade CFR Hamburg prices were accessed at USD 395 per ton at the end of the first quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
Calcium Carbonate prices have demonstrated mixed sentiments in the US market. The prices dropped in October and then improved at a slower pace owing to weak demand fundamentals. In the second half of Q4, The cost support from energy materials was limited in the region. The market players have informed us that the demand from the downstream food additive sector was moderate. The operating rate was stable, and there was sufficient availability of the product to cater to downstream inquiries. Furthermore, the drop in freight charges across the international market and increased container rates have resulted in an overcapacity situation, supporting the decline in the market value of Calcium Carbonate in December. Therefore, Calcium Carbonate Food Grade FOB US Gulf prices were observed to be hovering around USD 774 per ton at the end of the fourth quarter.
APAC
The prices of Calcium Carbonate have plummeted in the Chinese domestic market. The resurgence of COVID cases and global economic slowdown has weighed over the price value chain of Calcium Carbonate throughout the fourth quarter of 2022. As per the National bureau of statistics, manufacturing activities were also on the lower end in November. The manufacturing firms structured their production following their sales and demand. The limited procurement from the downstream construction and other end-use industries has prompted the manufacturers to slash their offers to maintain market balance. The ChemAnalyst database has shown that Calcium Carbonate (PCC) Indl Grade FOB Shanghai prices were settled at USD 160 per ton in December.
Europe
In the German market, the price of Calcium Carbonate has remained on the upper edge in the fourth quarter of 2022. The limited supplies of natural gas have impacted the production costs of Calcium Carbonate. The market players have increased their offers to maintain their profit margins. However, the raging inflation has slowed down the construction sector and weakened consumer sentiments. On the demand side, the offtakes from the end-use industries were slower than expected. In December, Although natural gas prices decreased, they were still high enough for manufacturers to maintain their profit margins. In addition, a lack of skilled workforce and high electricity costs has also impacted the price realizations of Calcium Carbonate. Consequently, Calcium Carbonate Industrial Grade CFR Hamburg prices were assessed at USD 410 per ton at Q4-end.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
The Calcium Carbonate prices demonstrated mixed sentiments in the USA during the third quarter of 2022. The price trend has shown steady market growth in early Q3. In the US market, the growing recession fear has impeded the market growth of significant energy materials. Additionally, the market sources have informed that the accelerated supply of Calcium Carbonate has been enough to fulfill the inquiries from the downstream cement manufacturers. However, the demand outlook from the terminal sector was observed to be slower than expected, owing to the fluctuating market value of input materials. Furthermore, towards the end of the third quarter, the downstream consumers were observed to be cautious about buying with such a dull market outlook in the domestic market. Consequently, Calcium Carbonate Food Grade FOB US Gulf prices were settled at USD 820 per ton on September 30, 2022.
Asia-Pacific
In the APAC region, Calcium Carbonate prices have oscillated throughout the third quarter. In early Q3, the stable offtakes from the downstream construction sector pushed the market growth of Calcium Carbonate. The data depicted that the Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) of the world's second-largest economy has been crippled by approximately 1.2 units amid domestic market instability and global recession fears seeded by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, in mid-Q3, the decreasing value of input materials, such as Pet Coke, has provided negative cost support to the price realizations of Calcium Carbonate among the manufacturers. In India, the build-up of inventories hampered the market sentiments in late Q3. One of the leading market players, MRPL, has reduced upstream pet coke prices by INR 1,800/MT (USD 21/MT) for September, inflicting the manufacturing cost to remain downwards. Calcium Carbonate (GCC) Ex-Chennai Prices were assessed at USD 60 per ton in India at Q3-end.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2022, Calcium Carbonate prices remained buoyant in the domestic region of Germany. The prices improved by 1.6% in early Q3 compared to the costs observed in Q2 end. The manufacturing firms have been compelled to operate at standard rates due to the consistent offtakes from the downstream construction sector. However, the prices stabilized in the mid-Q3 due to firm inventory levels, acting as a buffer to negate any price increase. The unchanged price offers have provided little relief for downstream manufacturers struggling with extravagant raw material prices amid volatile economic conditions. The Eurozone PMI dropped from 49.6 points to 48.5 points in September 2022, pressuring the market sentiments of Calcium Carbonate among manufacturers. The ChemAnalyst database shows that the Calcium Carbonate Industrial Grade CFR Hamburg prices averaged USD 310 per ton in mid-Q3.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
Calcium Carbonate prices have significantly surged in the first half of the second quarter of 2022 amid solid downstream demand. The labor shortages in the domestic market have diminished the operating capacities of crucial manufacturing, provoking a constrained supply of Calcium Carbonate. In addition, the supply chain disruptions caused by truck driver shortages have severely impacted Calcium Carbonate prices. Furthermore, towards the end of Q2, the construction industry's activity severely diminished in May amid ongoing supply disruptions of significant input materials. The price realizations of pet coke have declined, and the ample availability of natural gas has undermined the manufacturing costs of Calcium Carbonate in the domestic region.
APAC
In the second quarter of 2022, the price trends of Calcium Carbonate have shown mixed sentiments in the APAC region amid fluctuations in demand outlook from the downstream construction sector. The COVID restrictions in China have severely disrupted global trade activities, deteriorating the market value of Calcium Carbonate. Furthermore, the prices of downstream cement have also declined, witnessing the slow down in construction activities. In India, the price realizations of Calcium Carbonate have surged amid downstream solid demand at the start of Q2. However, towards the quarter-end, the escalated energy costs and workforce shortages have dampened the market value of Calcium Carbonate in the domestic market. The Calcium Carbonate Indl. Grade (PCC) Ex-Vadodara prices averaged INR 18050 per ton in June 2022.
Europe
Calcium Carbonate Prices have soared in the European region amid rising costs of crucial energy raw materials. The supply turmoil unleashed by the Russia-Ukraine war has severely impacted Germany's trade activities. In April, the market observed sufficient demand from the downstream construction sector, propelling the market value of Calcium Carbonate in the major European economy. However, towards the end of Q2, the explosion in raw material costs and inflation concerns prompted uncertainties in the terminal demand from the downstream construction sector. As per the observed market scenario, the building projects have noticed a tremendous fall, supporting the augmented price trend of Calcium Carbonate.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
During the first quarter of 2022, prices of Calcium Carbonate in North America soared by more than 4% due to the increase in demand from the downstream sector amidst the ongoing geopolitical tension between Russia and Ukraine. This extended hostility two-folded its impact on the demand outlook of Calcium Carbonate. US market for Calcium Carbonate continued to struggle with logistics issues which led to the limited availability of the product in the regional market. As a ripple effect, Q1 of 2022 ended with stable demand and inadequate supply of Calcium Carbonate.
Asia Pacific
Calcium Carbonate prices increased in Asia during the first quarter of this year due to the robust demand from downstream sectors. The demand for Calcium Carbonate remained high in India as cement companies ramped up volumes to meet their year-end target. Rise in raw materials cost and strong demand for Calcium Carbonate from the construction industry led to the rise in prices of Calcium Carbonate. According to the market players, Calcium Carbonate's downstream cement costs rose by 11% monthly until the first quarter, due to the increase in construction activities. As a ripple effect, prices of Calcium Carbonate Indl. Grade (PCC) in India settled at USD 207/Tonne in Q1, 2022.
Europe
In Europe, the ongoing geopolitical turmoil between Eastern European nations soared the global raw material prices and disrupted the supply chain and logistics during the first quarter of 2022. The persistent demand for Calcium Carbonate from downstream pharma and construction industry kept the prices inflated. According to the European market players, the Omya, leading exporters of Europe, temporarily implemented a surcharge on the Calcium Carbonate products, which shifted the market dynamics of Calcium Carbonate. As a ripple effect, the Calcium Carbonate Industrial Grade price for CFR Hamburg (Germany) settled at USD 297 per tonne in Q1 2022.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Calcium Carbonate market movement remained silent in the North American region. Although, in the latter half of the quarter the offers eased slightly amidst better operational loads at the manufacturing sites after the production capabilities were restored after the impact of Hurricane Ida. The demand outlook remained stagnant, and the region witnessed a slight oversupply of Calcium Carbonate in the fourth quarter. As a ripple effect, the FOB US Gulf Calcium Carbonate USP grade offers were assessed at USD 9295 per tonne, during the quarter ending in December.
Asia Pacific
Overall, the Calcium Carbonate sentiments in the Asia Pacific market remained consolidated throughout the Q4 of 2021, owing to the adequate cost support from the demand outlook and supply hindrance in China. The imposition of dual-energy control coupled with the power rationing in China forced the suppliers to reduce the run rates at the manufacturing sites. However, the situation improved to some extent in the latter half, although the resurgence of COVID uplifted the demand in the Asian domestic market. As a ripple effect, the FOB Qingdao discussions for the Calcium Carbonate USP grade were assessed at USD 9677 per tonne, during the quarter ending in December.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Calcium Carbonate market sentiments in the European region remained buoyed amidst the supply-demand imbalance. Whereas the operational loads remained dull amidst the ongoing energy crisis in Europe led to constrained supplies of Calcium Carbonate in the domestic market. in addition, the domestic players were hesitant to inquire from the overseas market amidst the higher charges and limited availability of freight vessels. The resurgence of COVID supported the demand outlook for Calcium Carbonate in the European domestic market. Therefore, due to the supply-demand imbalance against the adequate inquiries, the Calcium Carbonate quotations staggered upwards throughout the fourth quarter of 2021.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
In North America, Calcium Carbonate market remained dampened during Q3 of 2021 backed by the limited supply of the product amidst firm demand from downstream sectors. Supply of Calcium Carbonate tightened in the North American market as an impact of the Ida hurricane which caused an abrupt supply chain imbalance in the region. In August, many manufacturers were compelled to shut their production plants ahead of the arrival of Ida hurricane as a part of the contingency plan, that directly affected the production rates and consequently pushed up the prices of Calcium Carbonate in this time frame. Calcium Carbonate FOB Gulf Coast prices stood at USD 9300 per MT in September.
Asia
In Asia, Calcium Carbonate prices witnessed an exponential rise during the third quarter of 2021. Demand for Calcium Carbonate remained firm throughout the quarter following an active rebound in industrial and construction activities. In addition, spike in the prices of raw materials also contributed to push up the pricing trend of the Calcium Carbonate. In India, as Calcium Carbonate is majorly imported from other Asian countries therefore a continuous price increment was observed due to the high freight charges and extreme shortage of shipping containers. Besides, clogging on the interoceanic trade routes led to the delays of cargoes that consequently surged Calcium Carbonate prices in India. Ex-Mumbai Calcium Carbonate Industrial grade prices were assessed at USD 208.89 per MT in September.
Europe
In Q3 2021, Calcium Carbonate values experienced a gradual rise in the European market influenced by the Asian market fundamentals. In addition, soaring freight costs and limited availability of containers also sent ripples to the prices of Calcium Carbonate. Moreover, incessantly increasing energy costs further pushed up the prices of Calcium Carbonate in the region. On the other hand, demand remained sturdy from the downstream pharmaceuticals and construction sectors during this timeframe.
For the Quarter Ending June 2021
North America
Rebound in construction sector in North America, improved the demand for Calcium Carbonate during this quarter. Rapid vaccination drive and decline in COVID cases led to the improved demand for Calcium Carbonate from this segment. However, pharma segment also witnessed firm offtakes in the meantime. Therefore, in combined effect, prices of Calcium Carbonate increased effectively in the USA, and rose from USD 509/MT to USD 520/MT from mid-April till May. Later, in June, prices started declining, due to ample stock availability amidst the stagnating demand scenario in USA.
Asia
Recovering economy of China post decline in COVID cases, improved the demand for Calcium Carbonate from domestic construction sector. Downstream cement prices rose month-on-month, under the influence of booming construction activities. Therefore, a fair rise in prices of Calcium Carbonate was observed in the country. While in the Indian market, due to second wave of pandemic, consumption from construction segment remained dull, which reduced the overall demand for Calcium Carbonate. Later, in June, prices rebounded, under optimism of recovering economic activities, as new cases started declining effectively. Therefore, in India, after a steep fall in prices, Calcium Carbonate rebounded in June and settled at USD 165.05/MT for Industrial grade.
Europe
Prices of Calcium Carbonate remained influenced by global factors like rising freight and energy costs. Therefore, a fair rise in prices of Calcium Carbonate was observed in the European region. On the demand side, construction sector of Europe witnessed boom during this timeframe, and manufacturers were worried about the rapid escalation in prices of construction related raw materials including Calcium Carbonate. In addition, a major European manufacturers Omya increased its Calcium Carbonate prices for global market during this quarter, due to rise in global freight cost, energy cost and other factors.
For the Quarter Ending March 2021
North America
Devastating winter storm across North America halted almost all the production activities in mid-February. Due to this winter storm several other activities like construction farming also got affected, while some industries like pharma had to keep working amidst increasing requirements for medicines. In line with this trend, demand for Calcium Carbonate from downstream cement sector also reduced however it witnessed improvement from pharma sector, which supported its prices. Prices for Calcium Carbonate rose from USD 485/MT (January 2021) to USD 495/MT (March 2021). In addition, Huber Engineering announced the acquisition of Nutri Granulation business from IMCD, which is a major producer of food grade Calcium Carbonate, deal is expected to be closed by 1st April.
Asia
AsianCalcium Carbonate market witnessed mixed sentiments under wavering demand supply fundamentals, which varied country by country. Where China had faced firm demand for Calcium Carbonate while maintaining ample supply to satisfy the demand, high demand supported the prices and led it go rise marginally by 1.7% during Q1 2021. On the other hand, India witnessed high demand for Calcium Carbonate from both cement and pharma sector which led to the rise in prices of construction grade Calcium Carbonate by 14.87% and pharma grade Calcium Carbonate by 14.98% during this period. Meanwhile, to rectify this price rise, Indian government reduced the import duty from 2.5% to zero from all grades of Calcium Carbonate, this decision was especially imposed to favour the steel sector of India.
Europe
Demand forCalcium Carbonate across Europe maintained its stagnant demand from downstream sectors like construction and pharma during Q1 2021. As the domestic supply was not sufficient enough to satisfy this demand, hence the prices projected an upward trend across different European countries. In Germany, FOB prices for Calcium Carbonate rose by 3.44% during Q1 2021 and settled at USD 150 per MT during March end.
For the Quarter Ending December 2020
North America
Prices of the Calcium Carbonate firmed in the quarter ending December following the rise in prices for feedstock Calcium. Thus, the prime factor supporting the rise in prices of prices of Calcium Carbonate in the Q4 of 2020 were the supply shortage of raw material. Amidst increasing focus on healthcare sector, the demand for Calcium Carbonate surged in the pharmaceutical industries which further contributed in giving a considerate push to its market fundamentals.
Asia
Calcium Carbonate’s demand in Asia surged in Q4 2020 as various countries like China and India majorly focused on the development of pharmaceutical and infrastructure following the fears of Coronavirus in 2020. With revival of the infrastructure activities in India in the festive season in November, demand from paints, coatings, and adhesives witnessed a much-needed rebound. Thus, in Q4 of 2020, the price of calcium Carbonate settled at 320 USD/MT. With increase in industrial and civil activities, demand from paper industry also revived which further contributed to surging the prices of Calcium Carbonate across Southeast Asia.
Europe
Consistent uptick in demand for Calcium Carbonate from pharmaceutical, paper, and plastic industry has kept its market sentiments rich in Europe. The increased focus on green economy in Q4 following several government initiatives requires infrastructure investment in Europe which further pushed the demand for Calcium Carbonate in the regional market. Appreciable demand for Calcium Carbonate from downstream sectors has kept its pricing firm in Europe for Q4 2020. Uptick observed in the demand from steel and glass manufacturing sector also contributed in surging prices of Calcium Carbonate.
