For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In Q1 2024, the US Calcium Formate market, with Calcium Carbonate as a feedstock, was influenced by various factors, shaping its pricing dynamics. Initially, the market witnessed a surge in prices during the first two months, driven by limited supply and robust demand, fostering a bullish market environment. However, the trend reversed in the last month of the quarter, with prices experiencing a decline.
January 2024 saw a price increase due to global supply chain disruptions, notably in materials like Calcium Carbonate, intensifying market dynamics and potentially posing inventory challenges for manufacturers. February sustained the upward trend as demand surged from food and pharmaceutical industries, resulting in tightened supplies and elevated prices. However, March witnessed a decline in prices for food-grade Calcium Carbonate in the USA due to seasonal shifts and increased production.
Despite this temporary dip, the overall quarterly trend remained upward, reflecting persistent supply chain challenges. Prices concluded the quarter at USD 782/MT, indicating a quarterly incline despite fluctuations. Throughout the quarter, challenges in procurement and logistics underscored the fragility of the supply chain, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving market dynamics.
APAC
The first quarter of 2024 has been characterized by decreasing prices for calcium formate in the APAC region. Several factors have contributed to this trend. In general, the market has been influenced by sluggish demand and oversupply, leading to a downward pressure on prices. Additionally, the impact of the Lunar New Year holiday in China has resulted in reduced trading activities and limited procurement, further dampening market conditions.
China, in particular, has experienced significant price changes for calcium formate. The overall trend has been negative, with prices declining by 21% compared to the same quarter last year. The quarter-on-quarter price change for Q1 2024 recorded a decrease of 23%. Moreover, there has been a notable price difference between the first and second half of the quarter, with prices falling by 8%. The latest quarter-ending price for calcium formate in China stands at USD 460/MT FOB-Qingdao. This reflects the prevailing bearish sentiment and the overall decreasing pricing environment in the region.
Overall, the pricing environment for calcium formate in the APAC region during Q1 2024 has been negative, with prices declining consistently. The market has been impacted by factors such as sluggish demand, oversupply, and the influence of the Lunar New Year holiday.
Europe
In Q1 2024, the European Calcium Formate market, with Calcium Carbonate as a feedstock, faced diverse influences shaping its pricing dynamics. Overall, the market encountered downward price pressure due to surplus supply and reduced demand, fostering a bearish environment. The economic slowdown significantly impacted prices, particularly in construction, a primary application for Calcium Carbonate, resulting in surplus supply and potential price declines. However, stabilizing energy costs, notably in natural gas utilized in Calcium Carbonate production, alleviated expenses and mitigated supply constraints. Trade disruptions stemming from political tensions or logistical challenges also adversely affected Calcium Carbonate import/export dynamics.
Examining pricing trends in Belgium reveals notable fluctuations. Prices decreased by 4% compared to the previous quarter in 2024. While the first half witnessed a slight increase, the latter half experienced a decline. Quarter-ending prices in Belgium settled at USD 655/MT of Calcium Carbonate Industrial Grade FD Antwerp, reflecting an overall negative pricing environment characterized by a downward trend.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
In North America, Calcium Formate prices exhibited a comparable trend to Europe, witnessing a modest decline of 5-10% in Q4. The key drivers influencing this movement include seasonality, with reduced construction activity during winter months leading to lower demand for calcium formate. Increased competition among producers acted as a mitigating factor, preventing substantial price increases. Additionally, stable raw material costs, akin to the European market, contributed to controlling production costs.
Regional variations were observed, with prices slightly higher in the Northeast and Midwest compared to the South and West. The overall dynamics in Q4 reflect the impact of seasonal factors on demand, the competitive landscape among producers, and the stability of feedstock costs, all contributing to the moderate decline in prices across North America.
Europe
In Q4, Calcium Formate prices in the European market experienced a slight decline of 5-10% compared to Q3, following significant increases earlier in the year driven by rising raw material costs and supply chain disruptions. Weakening demand from the construction and leather industries exerted downward pressure on prices, while stable raw material costs, particularly for acetic acid, provided some relief to producers. Ample supply, with sufficient inventory levels across the region, also contributed to the price decline. Regional variations were observed, with prices generally remaining higher in Western and Central Europe compared to Eastern European markets. The overall market dynamics in Q4 were characterized by a delicate balance between weakening demand, stabilized raw material costs, and ample supply, influencing the downward trajectory of prices.
Asia Pacific
In Q4, Asia Pacific exhibited a distinct pricing trend, maintaining relative stability with minimal fluctuations, unlike Europe and North America. The key drivers influencing this stability include strong demand sustained by continued growth in the construction and chemical industries within the region. The limited regional production of calcium formate, relying on imports from other regions, acted as a factor preventing substantial price decreases. Volatile feedstock costs, while generally stable, saw some fluctuations in the region. The overall market dynamics in Asia Pacific during Q4 underscore the interplay of factors such as sustained demand, dependency on imports for calcium formate, and occasional fluctuations in raw material costs. These elements contributed to the stability observed in prices, setting Asia Pacific apart from the fluctuating trends seen in other global markets during the same period.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
In the second quarter of 2023, the pricing dynamics for Calcium Formate experienced mixed sentiments as the prices declined initially and then rebounded in Q3 due to subdued to moderate demand from various sectors, including textiles, building and construction, and leather tanning. The prices of the key feedstock components, such as calcium hydroxide, carbon monoxide, and formic acid, also showed a proportionate decrease, affecting the overall production costs of calcium formate. The Calcium Formate market was characterized by weakened demand, as several customers, who typically made large-volume purchases, were less active in the market. Supply Management (ISM) revealed positive developments in U.S. manufacturing in September. This included an increase in production and a rebound in employment levels, marking the third consecutive month of improvement. This data has further reinforced economists' confidence that economic growth gained momentum in the third quarter, despite the presence of higher interest rates. Additionally, the Commerce Department confirmed robust construction spending, driven by increased activity in both residential and industrial construction.
Asia-Pacific
In the third quarter of 2023, Calcium formate prices stabilized at the end of Q3 of 2023. In the country, the domestic production of Calcium formate continued to proceed at a slow pace, and there was reduced demand from end-use manufacturing units. Notably, there has been a significant increase in the volume of goods leaving the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan, bound for various destinations in the United States. Shipping companies are actively managing the available shipping space in the market, resulting in a substantial increase in shipping costs for two consecutive cycles. According to the Ningbo Shipping Exchange, the NCFI sub-line index, which encompasses both the US West Coast and US East Coast routes, reached its highest point. In the Chinese market, Calcium formate prices remained steady compared to the previous week due to sluggish demand. The week-long "Golden Week" festival in the country resulted in reduced market inquiries for the product. The downstream construction activities and the operations of mixing plants are operating at an average level. These factors are compounded by weak demand and an ongoing market decline. Furthermore, with the onset of colder weather and reduced daily consumption at downstream ports, the potential for a significant increase in thermal coal prices is limited, as there is a stable long-term supply.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2023, Calcium Formate prices moved southwards on account of slow demand from the construction, leather tanning, and textile industries. In the European market, the production and sales of calcium formate remained sluggish due to a decrease in the supply of key raw materials, calcium hydroxide, and formic acid. This slowdown was primarily a result of reduced demand from the construction, paints, and coatings sectors within the region, which, in turn, had a proportional impact on the overall calcium formate market conditions. The construction industry encountered challenges such as higher interest rates imposed by the European Central Bank (ECB) and escalating construction expenses, leading to a reduced demand for new construction and painting projects across Europe. Consequently, this had an impact on calcium formate prices. The costs of raw materials declined significantly, reflecting the increased inflation rates during higher oil and naphtha prices. Conversely, the prices at which calcium formate was sold increased at a slower pace compared to previous quarters, indicating limited pricing flexibility in the domestic market.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
Calcium Formate price dynamics declined throughout the second quarter of 2023 on account of weak demand from the textile, building, construction, and leather tanning industries. Feedstock (Calcium hydroxide, carbon monoxide, and formic acid) prices remained at a slower pace, proportionally impacting the overall production cost of calcium formate. The Calcium Formate market was plagued by repressed requests, as a few customers have previously usually liked to take part in massive volumes prior. The interest in Calcium Formate from the downstream pharma and material businesses tumbled, and the buys were generally on the need-to premise, restricting the net revenue and deals of the critical makers. Calcium Formate interest in the US was feeble to get going from the downstream additive and purifying business sector. The US federation kept the interest rate inclined in the market to increase the industrial output rate amidst the retarding price dynamics of calcium formate in the US market. Besides, the dollar rate settled amid the undermining monetary weakness in the North American market.
Asia-Pacific
In the second quarter of 2023, Calcium formate prices declined throughout Q2 on account of slow demand. Adequate supplies and low exchange exercises in the market likewise impacted the net revenue and deals among the significant creation units. Restricted cargoes and supply restrictions during the second quarter had exchanged with less expensive and debatable rates among the undertakings in the anxiety toward additional oversupplies. The downstream acquirements stay consistent, with providers buying the cargoes on a prompt premise. In terms of supply, the market basics stay impacted, with supply surpassing interest. It was noticed that obliged exchange elements kept restricted measures of Calcium Formate from leaving Qingdao's ports for different areas. The deflationary tension alongside declined requests from cement additive substance and tanning area represented the general market elements of the item in the Chinese market. Functional rates in the nation stayed moderate, with adequate store accessibility to finish the regional demand.
Europe
In the second quarter of 2023, Calcium Formate prices moved southwards on account of slow demand from the construction, leather tanning, and textile industries. The additional lift to expansion had obliged the European National Bank (ECB) into extreme financial fixing while at the same time harming clients' genuine buying power and firms' effectiveness. Eurozone government getting costs rose on the news as money-related allies bet on additional essential ECB rate increments. With skewed interest charges and higher product costs, the overall turn of events and covering areas were impacted. Working with supply bottlenecks, the high wealth of orders, and the fall in energy costs supported the went on with recuperation of industry. The calcium formate market remained on the lower end as a declining additive, and leather ventures' interest brought about powerless expense support. The feedstock formic acid, calcium hydroxide, and other chemicals market were likewise feeble on top of negative energy values and high inventories among the essential makers.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
In Q1 2023, the Calcium Formate market remains affected by the influence of adequate product inventories and lackluster demand from the downstream construction industries. Since Calcium Formate stocks were sufficiently available in the region, trading in the US slumped as weak market fundamentals and lower overseas trading adversely affected the market. As a result of limited purchasing of new stock, as well as decreasing feedstock Calcium carbonate, the price trend has continued to fall throughout the quarter. A fall in interest rates and a lack of buying appetite largely repressed the downstream industries with the revision in the price trend. In line with the requirements of the buyers, the end-user industry worked their plants cautiously as per the requirement of the end user.
Asia Pacific
This quarter, the demand fundamentals slumped in the Asia Pacific market with low purchasing activities and high product inventories. The calcium Formate market declined marginally, tracking softer trading and low purchasing activities. No firmer offers and bids were offered for the domestic and overseas markets, which resulted in a feeble price trend. In China, the price of Calcium Formate during Feb 2023 declined to USD 534/ton FOB Qingdao. The demand for Calcium Formate from the downstream construction industry continues to stay low, with no major turn in fortune even after the Lunar New Year holiday. Production rate among the major Calcium Formate production unit declined in fear of oversupplies.
Europe
Prompted by weak product demand and limited trading activities, the price of Calcium Formate declined this quarter with weak market fundamentals and lower bidding from Germany to the European and Asian markets. Demand for Calcium Formate from the downstream construction market fell as the market was already well supplied with the product availability. The rising supply of Calcium Formate with relaxation in demand for the fresh stock prompted in price decline in the European region. The assessment partially considered the lack of demand for March 2023 shipment cargoes to the overseas market. No firm indications were traded for cargoes arriving in this quarter amid adequate product supply.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
In Q4 2022, the price of Calcium Formate in the US showcased a downward trend due to feeble market purchasing and limited product demand in the region. The demand for Calcium Formate from the downstream construction industry also slumped, which further supported the declining price trend. The price trends of Calcium Formate in the US domestic market remained on the lower side due to the bearish market sentiments, sufficient product availability, and limited exports to the South American region. Rising production rates among enterprises and oversupplies of products restricted the demand for new stock. The spot prices in the region declined throughout the quarter, and suppliers were purchasing the product on a need-to basis.
Asia Pacific region
This quarter, the price trend of Calcium Formate declined in the succeeding months due to a bearish market outlook and weak price dynamics. With limited exports of Calcium Formate from China to the Asian region, regional prices slumped this quarter. Major manufacturing units have cut their production rate to avoid stockpiling. The number of bids registered for Calcium Formate also declined due to declining demand forcing the producers to give discounts on their offers to clear their inventories. Prices show a downward trajectory with higher production run rates and high energy complexes. In Oct, the need for Calcium Formate from the downstream construction industry remains hampered, leaving ample space for further decline.
Europe
In Q4 2022, the price of Calcium Formate showcased a weak price trend and feeble trading dynamics. Stockpiling Calcium Formate inventory and oversupplies reduced European Calcium Formate cost. Germany's sentiment highlighted feeble demand and imbalanced sentiment. The feeble interest in Calcium Formate increased the product inventories. Downstream construction enterprises were operated moderately with sufficient stock and deterred demand from the end user. Slow market offtakes and limited product demand forced producers to decrease the cost. Spot and contract discussions have remained on the lower side, with declining production costs among the enterprises. Local producers of Calcium Formate in Germany had also reduced the prices for the domestic market with weak market sentiments.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
In Q3 2022, the market of Calcium Formate ended on a mixed note, where prices declined in the first two consecutive months with a declining feedstock Calcium Carbide market. The subdued demand from the downstream construction sector and the substantial availability of products in the market have contracted the profit margins of the market players. However, in Sept, the prices gained a stance prompted by the potential impact of downtime due to the onset of the hurricane season in North America, which concerned the market players. Vessel traffic was halted. Port Tampa Bay and Seaport Manatee, which handles large quantities of several chemicals, have disrupted operations.
Asia Pacific
In the Asia Pacific market, the price of Calcium Formate declined in the succeeding months of the third quarter, with supply exceeding the demand. In China, the cost of Calcium Formate in Sept fell to USD 1123/ton FOB Qingdao. The market for Calcium Formate from downstream construction and adhesive industries is affected by sufficient supplies and limited demand from end users. Purchasers are hesitant to make enormous buys, and the overall slack market furnishes buyers with leverage to push for lower costs. The Ex-factory prices of feedstock Calcium Carbide in the Northwest region also fell with low purchasing esteem and weak market sentiments.
Europe
With rising energy and utility costs in the regional market, the Calcium Formate market faced a Northward trend in succeeding months. Upstream Natural Gas costs rose, surging the manufacturing costs of feedstock Calcium Carbide. Low water levels due to extreme heat waves and blockage by a damaged freighter have pressured the supply flow in the regional market. Escalating energy prices and the deteriorating economic outlook prompted the downstream market players to postpone or cancel orders, dampening the demand fundamentals of Calcium Formate. High purchasing activities and higher bidding for the new stocks resulted in a revision in the price trend for overseas suppliers.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
In Q2 2022, the price of Calcium Formate slipped in each succeeding month due to weak feedstock Calcium carbide. The domestic US market for Calcium Formate was deterred and faced certain uncertainties. The substantial spike highly impacts the US market in global crude oil and derivatives prices, exacerbated by the significant uncertainty resulting from Russia’s war on Ukraine. The declined demand from the buyers and the limited import offers amidst limited demand have forced the prices to plunge in the US market slightly. The curtailing shipping activities and higher freight charges resulted in declining market dynamics. Also, the slowdown in the US economy has negatively impacted the buying sentiments of the terminal sector.
Asia Pacific
In the Asia Pacific region, the price of Calcium Formate remains tepid in Q2 2022 with stable operating downstream ventures and moderate demand. In June, the cost of Calcium Formate in India was USD 1526/ton Ex-Mumbai. Formic Acid prices decreased due to weak market sentiments and low purchasing activity in the feedstock. Sluggish demand for products was prompted by deterred trading environment and oscillations in energy values. Weaker crude oil futures have dampened naphtha and energy values. High inventories among the Indian ports and reduced imports in the region from China forced the downstream manufacturing units to revise their price dynamics.
Europe
In Q2 2022, the costs of Calcium Formate were on the upper end with further improved demand and a sound downstream market. Some Calcium Formate makers had considered overcharges due to higher energy costs and lack of container availability. Because of raw material shortage, the tight Calcium Formate market confronted massive pushback from the purchasers. Significant Calcium Formate makers had kept costs flooded in the face of oscillating feedstock Calcium and power cost with further improved exports. The rising international strain between Russia-Ukraine likewise upheld the motions in cost elements. Downstream demand improved from past quarters with more purchaser interest and productively performing businesses.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
The Calcium Formate market was seen to be on the upper end as arising construction and paper production additionally supported the market with supply limitations in the domestic market of US. Feedstock Formaldehyde and Calcium hydroxide market was additionally strong on top of bullish energy values and low inventories among the essential makers. In this quarter, the cost of Calcium formate surged by 2% compared with previous quarter. Accelerating Natural Gas and crude oil costs because of ongoing conflict among Russia and Ukraine kept the costs on upper end. The demand for new stock were increased with utilization of existing inventories among the enterprises. In US, the price of Calcium Formate in US during March were observed to be USD 1180/ton CFR Louisiana.
Asia Pacific
In India, the price of Calcium Formate surged in the first quarter with an expansion in downstream construction enterprises. Higher coal costs for cement production and its decreased accessibility kept the development business market flimsy, crushing benefits and expanding production expenses to fulfil the consumer's necessities. However, feedstock Methanol costs stay low because of freight movement from Russia to Northeast and Southeast Asian nations. Indian Petrochemical market outlook was under the pressure as the end of the financial year approached, with traders looking at a more exact price direction. In China, the price of Calcium Formate in March was observed to be USD 730/FOB Qingdao.
Europe
In Q1 2022, the cost of Calcium Formate increased all through the quarter. Strong market demand and insufficient item accessibility brought about such cost pattern. Europe's Petrochemical makers cut their production rates with surging pressure between Russia-Ukraine affecting the market sentiments. Surging energy cost and bullish energy values stayed the critical variables to expand the costs. The limited accessibility of feedstock because of the limited feed supply from significant suppliers and higher production cost constrained the producers to raise the offered quotations for Calcium Formate in the European domestic market. Owing to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, trade route disturbance happened in the territorial market affecting the Calcium Formate market. In this quarter, the price of Calcium formate surged by 3% compared with previous quarter. The price of Calcium formate in March was observed to be USD 1280/ton CFR Hamburg.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
North American market showcased overall firm sentiments for the product across domestic market during Q4 2021. Raw material prices kept on escalating across domestic market on the back of firm offtakes by downstream end users. Construction sector of USA showcased sturdy offtakes during this timeframe, which marginally declined during end of December due to festive holidays. Meanwhile feed additives sector maintained overall stability across domestic market, while rising raw material cost remained a matter of concern for end users. Calcium Formate heard hovering around USD 1450/MT during December in USA.
Asia
Consistent increment in production cost has been affecting price trend of several commodities in Asia since a long time. As per traders, price of Calcium Formate price was tracing steep upward trajectory on the back of production halts across regional market coupled with delayed imports. Furthermore, domestic demand fundamentals showcased overall stability in the meantime, as downstream construction and animal feed sector maintained overall stability. However, due to these consistent hike product price crossed the threshold and traders started seeking for cheaper imports. As per the analysis, disturbance in China due to high energy cost affected the overall Asian market dynamics. Calcium Formate price assessed as USD 1465/MT during November.
Europe
European market heard witnessing frequent ups and downs throughout this timeframe on the back of rising upstream values. After prolonged pandemic related restrictions in the European region, some major economies showcased a bounce back in production as well as consumption of the domestic market. However, enormous rise in natural gas cost remained a centre of attraction for global market, which pushed up prices of most of the major commodities of regional market. Feed additive and construction sector remained firm enough to channelise overall supplies of Calcium Formate in the regional market.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
The prices of Calcium Formate witnessed a significant rise across the North American region in Q3 of 2021 on the back of the consistent demand from the downstream construction industry. High energy pricing and soaring freight costs continued to deter the country's trade momentum during the third quarter. The occurrence of Hurricane Ida in September had a devastating impact on several manufacturing units which caused overall operating rates to fall in Q3 of 2021.
Asia Pacific
The resumption of industrial activities positively affected the overall domestic market in the Asia Pacific region during the third quarter. The price trend of Calcium Formate observed a steep rise during Q3 followed by the increased building and infrastructure activities across the region. Skyrocketing freight costs and limited availability of the material further affected the supply outlook during the quarter. In the Indian market, demand has remained firm from the cement manufacturers. Calcium Formate 98% (Industrial grade) prices have escalated from USD 628/MT to USD 691/MT during the third quarter.
Europe
In the European region, the demand for Calcium Formate showcased an improvement in Q3 for tile adhesives manufacturing due to the growth in the construction sector. Withdrawal of force majeure by the leading manufactures in Germany translated into an improved supply outlook in the domestic market during Q3. In terms of demand, increased demand for packaging materials has been proportional to the increase in food production during the quarter.
