For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Throughout Q1 2025, the calcium formate market in North America displayed a mixed trend. January 2025 witnessed price declines due to weak downstream demand, high inventories, and weather-related disruptions in construction, which reduced consumption in the downstream such as cement and concrete. Competitive import prices from Asia further weakened the market, keeping sentiment bearish in the market.
In February, prices began to recover marginally as cold weather abated, and new construction inquiries improved slightly. While overall demand remained subdued, lower logistics costs and gradually depleting inventories supported a moderate price uptick. High interest rates and extended project timelines continued to weigh on broader procurement sentiment.
March saw further improvement in pricing, bolstered by stable domestic supply and slightly stronger data from the construction sector. However, weaker forward indicators such as falling building permits and completions, along with subdued public infrastructure spending, limited the extent of gains. Buyers remained cautious, prioritizing short-term procurement amid broader macroeconomic uncertainty and steady supply conditions.
APAC
Throughout Q1 2025, the calcium formate market in APAC experienced a fluctuating trajectory, starting with consecutive monthly price declines in January and February before a modest recovery in March. In January, prices softened due to limited downstream demand from the cement and concrete sectors during the construction off-season. Cold weather in northern China and widespread site shutdowns in the south constrained market activity, while high cement inventories and sluggish trading further weighed on sentiment. February continued the downtrend, as the Lunar New Year holidays stalled market operations, leaving ample calcium formate supply amid weak demand. Muted consumption and expanding production capacities across the region-maintained pressure on pricing. However, in March, prices edged higher as feedstock formic acid costs strengthened. Still, demand recovery remained slow, with only partial restarts in southern construction projects and funding challenges delaying progress in northern regions. Export sentiment also stayed subdued, reflecting weak international appetite. Despite improved supply management, cautious procurement and inconsistent downstream performance defined the quarter’s close, with only a slight upward correction in market pricing.
Europe
Throughout Q1 2025, the calcium formate market in Europe followed a mixed trajectory, beginning with declines in January before firming through February and March. In January, prices trended lower amid weak demand from the cement and concrete sectors, particularly as winter weather curtailed construction activity across northern and central Europe. Elevated energy costs and high inventory levels further pressured market sentiment, with manufacturers reducing output to manage stockpiles. February saw a shift, with prices gradually firming on the back of steady restocking by distributors and seasonal preparations for infrastructure work. Although construction activity remained muted, early signs of recovery in the Eurozone’s housing and commercial segments helped stabilize procurement. By March, prices edged higher again as tighter domestic supply met growing demand from the ready-mix concrete industry, especially in southern Europe where projects resumed with improving weather. However, the overall market remained cautious, constrained by ongoing softness in civil engineering and industrial construction across major economies like Germany and France. Market participants largely adopted short-term procurement strategies amid lingering economic uncertainty.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, calcium formate prices in North America exhibited fluctuating trends, shaped by feedstock costs, seasonal demand shifts, and downstream cement and concrete market dynamics. In the United States, prices experienced a slight increase in October, supported by steady demand from concrete and construction applications. The construction industry maintained consistent procurement levels for renovation projects, particularly those focused on energy-efficient upgrades and infrastructure maintenance. Additionally, tight inventories and stable feedstock formic acid prices contributed to the marginal price uptick during the month.
In November, prices declined moderately as demand softened across key downstream industries, including cement and concrete. The completion of peak construction activities and a slowdown in new projects, driven by high interest rates and reduced housing starts, weighed on market sentiment. Manufacturers reported elevated inventory levels, prompting cautious production strategies and discounting efforts to clear excess stock.
By December, calcium formate prices saw a slight recovery, driven by pre-holiday procurement for essential projects and maintenance activities. However, seasonal slowdowns and limited construction activity during the winter tempered the overall market recovery. Buyers prioritized immediate needs, avoiding bulk purchases amid cautious market sentiment.
APAC
In Q4 2024, calcium formate prices in APAC exhibited a mixed trend, driven by fluctuating demand and persistent supply-demand imbalances across key markets. In October, prices declined due to weak cost support from feedstock formic acid and limited procurement activity from downstream industries like cement and concrete. China's ongoing real estate slump significantly impacted demand, with a sharp decline in housing sales and reduced construction activity weighing heavily on the market. Despite a slight rise in concrete demand in northeastern China, overall market sentiment remained bearish, as abundant supply and high inventories pressured prices downward.
In November, calcium formate prices experienced a slight recovery, supported by stable feedstock prices and temporary supply chain disruptions caused by earlier typhoons, which shifted export volumes and tightened supply. A modest rebound in sales by leading Chinese developers provided temporary optimism, though broader economic uncertainties persisted. By December, prices declined again as seasonal factors, including reduced construction activity in northern regions due to cold weather, further weakened demand. Stable feedstock prices offered limited cost relief, while manufacturers reduced production rates to manage oversupply.
Europe
In Q3 2024, calcium formate prices in Europe declined as weak demand from downstream industries, particularly the construction sector, weighed heavily on the market. Despite adequate supply and stable feedstock formic acid prices, bearish sentiment persisted due to subdued procurement activity across key applications like concrete, cement. The European construction sector continued to face significant challenges, including high borrowing costs, escalating material expenses, and delays in project execution. New project activity remained low, with seasonal slowdowns during the summer months exacerbating the downturn. The renovation and maintenance segments offered limited support, driven by energy-efficient upgrade initiatives, but these gains were insufficient to offset the broader decline in demand. Manufacturers maintained moderate production rates to manage inventories, but logistical constraints and rising energy costs added operational pressures. Elevated inventories across suppliers reflected cautious purchasing behavior from end-users, who limited procurement to immediate needs. With minimal pricing power and constrained downstream demand, the calcium formate market struggled to stabilize in the European market.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Calcium formate pricing in North America during Q3 2024 saw a notable uptrend, especially in the USA market. Several key factors converged to drive this price increase. A resurgence in demand from downstream industries, particularly cement and concrete, played a significant role in fueling the need for calcium formate. This demand was further supported by the industry's shift toward sustainable practices, increasing reliance on this chemical compound. Additionally, supply chain disruptions due to multiple disruptions from hurricanes and rising freight costs constrained availability, exerting further pressure on prices.
In the USA, substantial price fluctuations were evident, reflecting the impact of these intense market forces. The quarter witnessed an increase from the previous quarter, indicating a positive trajectory for pricing. Although there was a slight decline compared to the same quarter in 2023, the market demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The second half of the quarter experienced only a marginal price difference from the first half, signaling stability amidst broader market fluctuations.
By the end of Q3, calcium formate prices in the U.S. remained significantly elevated, underscoring the robust pricing environment and the strength of the North American market.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the calcium formate market in the APAC region experienced a mixed trend, ultimately seeing a significant price decline on a quarterly basis. Several factors contributed to this downward trajectory. Weak demand from key downstream sectors such as cement and concrete played a crucial role in driving prices down. Seasonal factors, including heavy rainfall, further dampened construction activities, negatively impacting demand from these industries. Additionally, limited cost support from feedstocks eroded market confidence, as global demand remained sluggish. New capacity additions during the quarter exacerbated the oversupply, further pressuring prices. In China, the most pronounced price fluctuations were observed, with the market seeing an 18% drop compared to the same quarter last year and a 4.6% decline from Q2 2024. The bearish sentiment prevailed as the market continued to grapple with oversupply and declining prices. By the end of the quarter, the spot price of calcium formate in China stood at USD 480/MT FOB Qingdao, highlighting the challenging market conditions.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European calcium formate market faced a steady decline in prices due to several influencing factors. Subdued demand from key downstream sectors, particularly in cement and concrete due to slowdown in the construction activities, significantly impacted market dynamics. Challenges within the feedstock market, combined with excess calcium formate inventories, further pressured prices downward. Limited bidding activity and cautious trading behavior reflected the overall market uncertainties and a restrained purchasing approach among buyers. Germany saw the most notable price fluctuations during this period, facing significant changes compared to the same quarter in 2023. Despite a slight price increase from Q2 2024, the overall trend remained negative as weak demand and ample supplies created a bearish environment. Price analysis between the first and second halves of the quarter revealed a slight decline, indicating the market's ongoing struggle to recover. By the end of Q3, the calcium formate market in Europe remained on a downward trajectory, highlighting persistent challenges in supply-demand balance. This consistent price decline reflects the tough market conditions faced across the region during the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the US Calcium Formate market followed the mixed trend using Calcium Carbonate as a feedstock, experienced various influences shaping its pricing dynamics. Initially, the market saw a price surge during the first two months due to limited supply and strong demand, creating a bullish environment. However, this trend reversed in the last month of the quarter, leading to a price decline.
The inflationary environment added to the complexities, affecting overall market sentiment and consumer purchasing power. Despite a generally stable economic backdrop with moderate growth in the manufacturing sector, the Calcium Formate market faced challenges due to a slower rate of expansion and declining orders in both manufacturing and services sectors.
In the USA, where the most significant price changes occurred, the overall trends reflected a bearish market sentiment. The arrival of the monsoon season, a key seasonal factor, contributed to the muted demand from the construction sector, further influencing the negative price trajectory. The connection between these seasonal trends and broader economic pressures was evident in the price movements throughout the quarter.
APAC
In Q2 2024, Calcium Formate pricing in the APAC region experienced considerable fluctuations, reflecting a complex interplay of market dynamics. The quarter was marked by several influential factors, including robust demand from downstream sectors such as cement and concrete, which were integral in propelling prices upward. Elevated production costs, driven by increasing coal prices and intensified geopolitical tensions, further contributed to the upward pressure on Calcium Formate prices. Additionally, logistical disruptions and higher freight rates exacerbated supply chain challenges, resulting in tighter market conditions. Despite these factors, the overall sentiment remained cautiously optimistic, as demand consistently outpaced supply.
Focusing on China, which observed the most significant price variations, the market saw pronounced trends influenced by seasonality and broader economic conditions. The quarter's performance was notably impacted by a 1% increase from the previous quarter, reflecting a sustained upward momentum. This period also recorded a 2% price rise between the first and second half of the quarter, indicating a gradual but steady increase in market confidence and demand. However, when compared to the same quarter last year, prices were down by 18%, highlighting the long-term volatility and recovery challenges within the market.
China's Calcium Formate market remained highly responsive to seasonal demand shifts and broader economic indicators. The latest quarter-ending price stood at USD 490/MT FOB-Qingdao, underscoring the market's resilience despite ongoing challenges. This pricing environment, though marked by volatility, ultimately reflected a stable to positive sentiment, driven primarily by strong demand fundamentals and a recovering global economy. The consistent increase in prices throughout the quarter indicates a robust market with underlying growth potential, despite facing external pressures and historical declines.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European Calcium Formate market, relying on Calcium Carbonate as a feedstock, encountered various factors influencing its pricing dynamics. Overall, the market faced downward price pressure due to excess supply and diminished demand, creating a bearish environment. The economic slowdown significantly impacted prices, particularly in the construction sector, a major application for Calcium Carbonate, leading to surplus supply and potential price drops. However, stabilizing energy costs, especially in natural gas used for Calcium Carbonate production, helped reduce expenses and eased supply constraints. Trade disruptions due to political tensions or logistical issues also negatively affected Calcium Carbonate import/export dynamics.
The strong construction sector, driven by increasing home sales and government-backed infrastructure projects, has substantially boosted demand. Seasonal factors, like favorable summer conditions, have further intensified construction activities, strengthening the positive pricing trend.
