For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
The prices of Calcium Hydroxide have demonstrated mixed market sentiments in the US market. At the start of the first quarter, the demand from the downstream paper and construction industries did not improve much, pressuring the market fundamentals of Calcium Hydroxide in the domestic region. The cost support from input energy materials was also limited as WTI Crude Oil prices remained on the lower edge throughout the first quarter. Furthermore, the market transactions were relatively slower than expected. The bankruptcy of two major banks based in the USA has further seeded the financial sector worries, impacting the economic conditions in the USA. Overall, the inventory of Calcium Hydroxide was sufficient, and the freight charges were relatively low, as reported by market participants in late Q1.
APAC
Throughout the first quarter of 2023, the prices of Calcium Hydroxide have remained on the upper end. The spring festival holidays have caused production activities to halt in January, leading to limited availability of the finished goods for the downstream paper and construction industries. However, after the rollback of COVID restrictions, manufacturing activities were boosted, and the purchasing manager index has escalated above 50 points. The release of inventories has expanded with active procurement from domestic paper and other end-use industries. However, the external demand from European countries remained modest, and exports remained lackluster. No supply-chain constraints were observed as logistics were restored. Consequently, Calcium Hydroxide FOB Qingdao prices were settled at USD 140 per ton in March
Europe
At the start of Q1, the prices of Calcium Hydroxide inched higher as the high energy costs challenged the production costs of Calcium Hydroxide across the German market. The manufacturers have opted for production cuts to avoid stockpiling the product. The build-up of high-cost inventories amid the limited procurement from the downstream paper and construction industries has curtailed the profit margins of the manufacturing firms. Furthermore, the interest rate hikes and tight monetary condition to combat the spiraling inflation has further imposed risks to the price realizations of Calcium Hydroxide. In addition, the increased wage demand has further fumed the tight labor conditions in the domestic region. Therefore, considering the aforementioned reasons, Calcium Hydroxide FD Hamburg prices were settled at USD 525 per ton at Q1-end.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
In the US market, the tight monetary policies to contain the rising interest rates have affected the market sentiments of manufacturing firms. The volatile energy costs and a downturn in procurement from the end-use industries have led to fluctuations in Calcium Hydroxide prices in the fourth quarter of 2022. The market participants have reported that most of the downstream purchases were based on a need-on-demand basis. The price pressures have been eased, and the US economy has shown signs of slowing growth rates and easing inflation. Furthermore, industrial production also fell in December, and the freight charges have also been observed to be lower. The supply pressure has been eased, and the Calcium Hydroxide market remained in negative territory.
APAC
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the prices of Calcium Hydroxide have demonstrated mixed market sentiments. Sluggish procurement from the construction and paper and pulp industries has hampered the market growth of Calcium Hydroxide in the first half. The impact of stringent Covid restrictions and the low demand season have weighed on market sentiments, and manufacturing activities have remained on the lower end. The market participants have reported that the decline in freight charges and ease in raw material costs has supported the southward trend of Calcium Hydroxide in China. However, manufacturing activities have gained momentum after the covid easing restrictions, and Calcium Hydroxide prices improved in December. Prices of Calcium Hydroxide FOB Qingdao were settled at USD 130 per ton at the Q4 end.
Europe
Elevated production costs brought on by limited supplies of natural gas have impacted the pricing dynamics of Calcium Hydroxide. The market transactions have operated at low levels as the inflationary pressures have impacted the downstream demand. The rise in TTF natural gas has led to production cuts across the nation. On the demand side, the offtakes from the downstream construction and other end-use industries were relatively weak and did not contribute much to the market growth of Calcium Hydroxide. However, the prices of natural gas started to fall in the second half of 2022, but it was high enough to pressure the profit margins of manufacturing firms. The ChemAnalyst database shows that the prices of Calcium Hydroxide FD Hamburg hovered around USD 485 per ton in December.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
In the third Quarter of 2022, Calcium Hydroxide prices have demonstrated mixed market sentiments. The reduced demand from the downstream construction and paper and pulp industries has pressured the manufacturers' market fundamentals of Calcium Hydroxide. In September, the manufacturing activities in the US market has subdued due to deterred purchasing power of the terminal consumer. Furthermore, the fluctuating energy values have further prompted the manufacturing costs of Calcium Hydroxide to remain volatile. Moreover, the port congestion at US Gulf Coast has imbalanced the supply fundamentals and led to a shortage of the material. To combat the raging inflation, the US Federal Reserve has hiked the interest rates witnessing the economic slowdown in the North-Americal region.
Asia-Pacific
The Calcium Hydroxide prices have demonstrated a downward trajectory in the domestic region of China. The decline in new orders from downstream construction and paper and pulp industries has impeded the market growth of Calcium Hydroxide. The manufacturing activities have been crippled due to power rationing brought on by intensive heat waves in mid-Q3. In September, The market players reported that downstream paper mills were shut down for maintenance, which has delayed the sales and production pressure from upstream Calcium Hydroxide. In addition, the rising exchange value of the US dollar has pressured the trade activities of Calcium Hydroxide among manufacturers. The demand from the downstream construction sector was also inadequate to raise the quotations. Thus, Calcium Hydroxide FOB Qingdao prices averaged USD 155 per ton at the end of the third quarter.
Europe
The Calcium Hydroxide prices remained on an uptrend in the domestic market of Germany throughout the third quarter of 2022. The burgeoning energy costs brought on by macroeconomic challenges have pressured downstream construction industries' manufacturing capacities. The energy-intensive paper and pulp sector have undergone production cuts witnessing the curtailed supply of Natural Gas in the region. The inflation reached 10% in September and weakened the demand fundamentals of the terminal consumers. In the mid-Q3, the low water levels in River Rhine disrupted trade activities across the European region. The rapid build-up of inventories has imposed a downside risk to the fresh production of Calcium Hydroxide in the area. The high energy costs have curtailed the profit margins of the market players. Thus, Calcium Hydroxide FD Hamburg prices were settled at USD 470 per ton at Q3-end.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
Calcium Hydroxide prices witnessed bullish sentiments in the second quarter of 2022 in the North American Region. The active demand from the downstream construction and automation sectors has sparked market sentiments toward Calcium Hydroxide in the regional market. Additionally, the impact of global supply chain shortages brought by Russia's invasion of Ukraine has impeded trade activities and has substantially escalated natural gas prices, further inflicting the manufacturing costs of Calcium Hydroxide. Furthermore, the workforce shortages and improvement in demand from water treatment plants have also prompted enough cost pressure on the price realizations of Calcium Hydroxide and a positive market outlook in Q2.
APAC
During the second quarter of 2022, the price of Calcium Hydroxide demonstrated mixed sentiments in the Asia-Pacific Region. In India, prices surged at the start of Q2 amid solid demand from the downstream paper and pulp industries. The global shortages of significant input materials, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the lockdown in Shanghai, which has almost stretched the supply chains, have fueled the market growth of Calcium Hydroxide in the domestic region. However, the prices declined in the second half of Q2 due to uncertainties in terminal demand, dwindling the market sentiments toward Calcium Hydroxide. Furthermore, in China, the downward pressure from the construction sector and squeezed supply chain have prompted the price trends of Calcium Hydroxide to follow a bearish trend.
Europe
In Germany, the price trends of Calcium Hydroxide have observed mixed sentiments in the domestic market. The prices surged in the first half amid high input costs, but subdued demand from the downstream construction sector provoked bearish market sentiments for Calcium Hydroxide in mid-Q2. Furthermore, in June, the exorbitant energy prices, robust demand, and healthy market sentiments from construction, pulp and paper, and several other key industries have a cumulative effect on the price trends of Calcium Hydroxide in the regional market of Germany. The reduction in gas supplies from Russia after the sanctions imposed by the US and EU nations amidst its invasion of Ukraine has exerted enough pressure on the manufacturing costs of Calcium Hydroxide. Also, the supply side concerns released by Russia's invasion of Ukraine have resulted in limited availability of upstream Calcium Oxide, propelling the Calcium Hydroxide prices.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
In North America, Calcium Hydroxide showcased an increasing market dynamic due to ongoing conflict between Eastern European nations. Moreover, the sanctions imposed on Russia by western countries have caused crude oil prices to soar; as a result, crude oil prices touched the three-digit mark. However, the demand from the downstream water treatment and pulp and paper industry remained firm, keeping the offtakes of Calcium Hydroxide on the higher side during the first quarter of 2022. Calcium Hydroxide prices in North America surged by nearly 4% in the USA across the quarter.
Asia Pacific
During the first quarter of 2022, Calcium Hydroxide prices witnessed soaring market sentiments owing to increased feedstock costs due to the exiting volatility in the energy market and surging coal prices. Besides, the persistent demand from the key industries, primarily the pulps and paper industry and water treatment industry, kept the prices of Calcium Hydroxide bullish. With the increasing metals prices, the Calcium Hydroxide prices in India increased more than 5% during the first quarter. Additionally, the congestion at the ports in China exceeded more than 400%, creating port traffic. As a ripple effect, the prices of Calcium Hydroxide for FOB Qingdao and CFR Kolkata were assessed at USD 240 per tonne and USD 233 per tonne, respectively.
Europe
In Europe, Calcium Hydroxide prices showcased a slightly increasing trend owing to rising feedstock Calcium Oxide prices and soaring crude and energy prices amid ongoing hostility between Russia and Ukraine. France primarily imports nearly 7% of global Calcium Hydroxide primarily from the United Kingdom, Spain, and Belgium. As the UK is already grappling with surplus charges on its crude oil and natural gas, the UK reduced its export to France. The sanctions on Russia from the Western nations resulted in port congestion and higher freight charges, even in France. The demand for Calcium Hydroxide remained stable. As a ripple effect, the price of Calcium Hydroxide for FD Marseilles (France) settled at USD 340/MT during the first quarter of 2022.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
In the Q4 of 2021, the market sentiments for Calcium Hydroxide in the North American region remained suppressed throughout the quarter, amidst the improvement in the supply outlook in the domestic market. These market sentiments were caused by the improved production rates at the manufacturing facilities in the USA post-hurricane season. Whereas, the cost support from the upstream further suppressed the production cost of Calcium Hydroxide in the US domestic market. As a ripple effect, the offers for Calcium Hydroxide have observed a persistent downtrend throughout the fourth quarter of 2021.
Asia Pacific
During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Asia Calcium Hydroxide market eased after soaring to an all-time high. The high charges and limited availability of freight vessels in the region imposed excess cost support in the exported volumes and delayed deliveries against the robust demand from the downstream sector. Whereas, the persistent efforts made by the Chinese authorities to curb the power rationing improved the operational loads in the Chinese domestic market. Whereas in India, the imports were delayed amidst the delayed deliveries amidst the restricted availability of freight vessels, although their offers were eased in the second half of the quarter. Therefore, the CFR Kolkata was assessed at USD 92 per tonne, in December.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2021, the sentiments for Calcium Hydroxide in the European market remained strengthened throughout the fourth quarter of 2021. This market movement for Calcium Hydroxide was attributed to the ongoing energy crisis in Europe that led to the curtailed production rates at the production facilities coupled with the hindered import from the overseas market. In response, the prices for mining metals and chemicals were reduced in international prices. Therefore, the prices for Calcium Hydroxide remained buoyed in the first half and eased in the second half of the fourth quarter of 2021 against the strengthened demand from the downstream industry.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
The overall market outlook of Calcium Hydroxide strengthened in the North American region during the third quarter of 2021. In terms of demand, a hike was observed from the downstream construction industry. Tight supply, low availability of raw materials, and high energy cost largely affected the pricing trend in the domestic market during Q3. Leading American producer, Lhoist warned in September that it was going to increase the cost of its lime products from November 2021 due to surging gas prices. Hence Calcium Hydroxide prices are likely to stay firm throughout Q4 2021.
Asia
In the Asia Pacific region, the prices of Calcium Hydroxide witnessed a significant rise in the 3rd quarter of 2021. In the Indian market, the prices rose effectively during the month of July, supported by improved offtakes from the downstream sectors. Calcium Hydroxide 90% prices shot up from USD 59.74/MT to USD 73/MT from July to September. Post decline in pandemic cases in India, the demand for Calcium Hydroxide improved significantly in comparison with the previous quarter from the domestic market.
Europe
Calcium Hydroxide prices have risen effectively in the European region during the third quarter of 2021 on the back of the consistent demand from the downstream industries. Surging energy rates, soaring freight charges, and high production cost have affected the margins across the region in Q3 2021. Wholesale gas prices recorded all-time highs in September, pushing warnings that factories could be forced to shut down over winter or switch to more polluting fuels. Disrupted trade activities across Asia and Europe further compelled the prices of Calcium Hydroxide to rush upward in the domestic market in this quarter.
For the Quarter Ending June 2021
North America
Calcium Hydroxide prices fluctuated in a narrow range this quarter, due to tepid demand and ample availability. Despite of tight supply activities in USA in effect of freezing weather of February 2021, prices of Calcium Hydroxide remained stable. Besides, demand remained effectively low from downstream users, due to which prices fluctuated in a narrow range. Therefore, FOB prices were assessed around USD 185/MT during the time period for 99% grade. However, CFR prices demonstrated more fluctuations than FOB, due to the global rise in freight and logistics costs, where a rise by around 3.8% was observed in CFR prices of Calcium Hydroxide within the quarter.
Asia
Overall Asian market experienced dull sentiments throughout the quarter, as the demand remained infirm with significant inventories level. In China, major players reported seasonal restocking after Chinese Lunar holidays, however buyers restrained to procure stocks amidst surplus inventories. In the meantime, Indian market was devastatingly hit by the second wave of pandemic, due to which the demand from downstream industries slumped demand in May casing a fall in its prices. Later, prices started climbing up in effect of decline in new cases and ease in movement restrictions in major states of India, and eventually prices reached USD 217.2/MT during June in India for 99% grade Calcium Hydroxide.
Europe
In Europe, the demand for Calcium Hydroxide was mainly driven by construction sector. During this quarter, regional prices of Calcium Hydroxide rose effectively, backed by several factors like rising production costs, freight and other logistical operations. In addition, ease in movement restrictions after fall in new pandemic cases and successful vaccination drives, bolstered the market sentiments and enhanced the overall demand for the product across the region.
For the Quarter Ending March 2021
North America
Calcium Hydroxide market witnessed a firm demand from domestic construction and paper manufacturing industry during Q1 2021. As the supply fundamentals were already low from Q4 2020 to Q1 2021, the halted supply which occurred as a repercussion of the devastating winter storm in February further exacerbated this crisis. These conditions supported the prices and made the FOB Texas prices to rise by 9.09%, making them settle at USD 180 per MT during March.
Asia
Market fundamentals of Calcium Hydroxide across Asia varied country wise, during Q1 2021. While China faced low to moderate demand with ample stock availability, India faced consistently firm demand and fair availability of cargoes. Average prices of Calcium Hydroxide in China dwindled from USD 165.75/MT to USD 163/MT from January to March 2021. Though the prices marginally revived during Chinese lunar year due to shortage but afterwards came down and ended up to lower than January. Meanwhile in Indian market, average CFR prices for 99% Calcium Hydroxide rose by 6.22% in a consistent manner, in effect of high demand from construction and pulp & paper sector.
Europe
Europe faced lower availability of raw materials amidst high demand from pulp & paper and construction sector throughout the quarter. Trade route congestion across Asia and Europe and record high freight and container costs, exerted a further upward push to the prices of Calcium Hydroxide in European market. Unprecedented shortage of feedstock also impacted the downstream sectors like pulp and paper where manufacturing cost surged every week which led to a price rise on finished products.
For the Quarter Ending December 2020
North America
Demand for Calcium Hydroxide remained firm during Q4 2020. A major manufacturer of Calcium Hydroxide in the US revealed robust sales of derivative Calcium Carbonate during final quarter, and significant revenue growth on QoQ basis. The consumption of Calcium Hydroxide improved within the quarter as demand for its derivative chemicals rose amidst active restocking heard by the regional suppliers. Demand from the agriculture, paper and construction sector was seen improving month over month throughout the quarter.
Asia
In fair optimism of festive season, demand for Calcium Hydroxide increased in the Asian market during Q4 2020. In Indian market, supply was sufficient to satisfy the demand, although the export remained low due to COVID restrictions and the Ex-depot prices fairly rose to around USD 146.7 per tonne in December. Meanwhile during November, Indian chemicals manufacturer Meghmani Finechem limited announced expansion of its Calcium Hydroxide plant from 294,000 tonne/year to 400,000 tonne/year in India. This plant expansion was planned in effect of annual high demand for Calcium Hydroxide from different downstream sectors. The news of continuation of Antidumping Duty over Calcium Hydroxide exports from China and South Korea to India capped the traded volumes.
Europe
In Q4 2020, the European market experienced an overall downtrend due to dampened industrial and domestic activities due to another wave of COVID 19 infections despite vaccine related optimism hitting the sales towards the end of the year. Demand for Calcium Hydroxide from the construction sector remained significantly low on y-o-y basis although market players report improved sales compared to prior quarter. Demand from the pulp and paper sector also acquired growth due to rise in paper manufacturing.
