For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Price Index for Calcium Powder in the U.S. saw a steady decline across Q2, falling from USD 621/MT in April to USD 601/MT by June, reflecting subdued buying sentiment and oversupply conditions.
• In April, the calcium powder spot price weakened as domestic inventories surged due to soft overseas demand and aggressive domestic destocking across food processing, animal nutrition, and construction sectors.
• Export volumes dropped in April amid trade disruptions, tariff uncertainty, and a weaker U.S. dollar, which shifted buyer interest away from imported material, further weakening the product demand outlook.
• Rising import costs in April added to buyer hesitation, while sellers adopted aggressive pricing to manage excess stock and sustain cash flow.
• In May, the Calcium Powder price index continued to slide as domestic supply remained stable and demand remained weak, with buyers cautious due to shifts in trade policy and recent stockpiling ahead of the Chinese Labor Day period.
• U.S. manufacturers kept output stable through May, but the lack of new foreign and domestic orders kept pressure on prices; this stability in supply showed no impact on altering the weak product price forecast.
• By June, the calcium powder spot price saw a further reduction as export demand fell and macroeconomic uncertainty discouraged long-term procurement, especially in food, nutraceutical, and pharma industries.
• Despite steady operating costs and no significant surplus, buyers favored short-cycle purchasing in June, reflecting a muted product demand outlook and reinforcing the conservative tone of the market.
• Market participants remained hesitant to replenish inventories amid rising inflation signals and tariff threats, contributing to a declining price index through the end of Q2.
• In July 2025, Calcium Powder prices are likely to continue declining due to ongoing trade policy uncertainty with China and persistent inflation across consumer goods, both of which are limiting bulk purchases and delaying long-term commitments in procurement.
APAC
• In April 2025, the Calcium Powder Spot Price averaged USD 1969/MT, with the Price Index falling by 3.05% due to oversupply and weak international demand. Manufacturers ramped up production ahead of summer maintenance, which led to stockpiles and price reductions through supplier discounting.
• The Calcium Powder demand outlook in April was bearish, as downstream sectors like agriculture, food processing, and construction reduced offtake. U.S. buyers withheld purchases after new tariffs took effect on April 2, compounding the weak global appetite.
• By May 2025, the Calcium Powder Price Index stood at USD 1879/MT, declining another 4.57%, though prices showed a slight mid-month uptick. This was supported by stable domestic demand, particularly from the food and nutraceutical sectors, and shorter-term buyer commitments.
• Despite subdued global interest, domestic buyers helped stabilize the May market with seasonal purchasing aligned to routine production cycles. However, most preferred short contracts due to market volatility, keeping the product price forecast cautious.
• Production levels in May remained steady, and while output was sufficient, suppliers managed turnover tightly to avoid further accumulation. This reflected a defensive product production cost trend, aimed at preserving margins through controlled output.
• In June 2025, the Calcium Powder Spot Price declined to USD 1790/MT, marking a further 4.74% drop in the Price Index. The fall was triggered by contracting export orders and increased inventories, prompting deeper discounts to stimulate buying.
• Export interest in June was minimal as global buyers avoided bulk deals. Weakness in sectors like nutraceuticals and food processing intensified the downturn, weakening the overall product demand outlook.
• June also saw scaled-back production as suppliers tried to balance excess inventory. Despite stable logistics, the imbalance between supply and demand pushed prices lower.
• Market sentiment through Q2 was defined by cautious procurement strategies and short lead-time buying. With excess supply and low replenishment rates, sellers increasingly prioritized liquidity over price stability.
• In July 2025, the Calcium Powder Price Index is expected to decrease further, as downstream buyers continue low-inventory strategies and end-of-month order stagnation leads many suppliers to lower offers further.
Europe
• In April 2025, the Price Index for imported Calcium Powder in Europe witnessed a noticeable decline due to reduced procurement activity and excess inventory held over from Q1. European buyers reacted cautiously to global trade uncertainties and shifting import costs.
• Weak sentiment across key sectors like food additives, nutraceuticals, and industrial formulations led to slower contract renewals in April. This contributed to a soft product demand outlook and encouraged spot market negotiations at discounted levels.
• Calcium Powder Imports from China remained stable in volume, but customs-cleared inventory piled up at European ports. As a result, buyers delayed fresh orders and focused on depleting existing stock, pushing the product price forecast downward.
• In May 2025, the Price Index showed limited movement as European buyers opted for short-term contracts rather than engaging in bulk procurement. This defensive stance reflected persistent caution around fluctuating freight costs and weaker consumption.
• Consumption in sectors like pharmaceuticals and health supplements remained consistent but not strong enough to reverse bearish market sentiment. Thus, May’s product demand outlook remained lukewarm.
• Importers adjusted their ordering strategy in May to manage margin risk, avoiding large-volume imports from China due to uncertain resale potential. This conservative approach led to reduced shipment frequency.
• By June 2025, the Price Index for calcium powder in Europe declined again, impacted by further slowdown in Chinese export activity and hesitant European demand. Some contracts were postponed or downsized amid ongoing macroeconomic concerns.
• Buyers across Western and Central Europe scaled back restocking as unsold inventory levels rose. Meanwhile, logistics and port operations remained unaffected, indicating that the price softness was driven entirely by sluggish demand and overstocking.
• Importers focused on spot market deals rather than long-term supply agreements. With no near-term uptick in consumption, suppliers became more flexible with offers to stimulate trade, reflecting a downtrend in the product price forecast.
• In July 2025, the Calcium Powder Price Index is expected to decrease further, as month-end order stagnation continued and European buyers avoided committing to forward contracts, anticipating additional downward revisions from suppliers due to ample Chinese export availability.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the U.S. calcium powder market exhibited a fluctuating trend. January saw a continued downtrend driven by weak demand from pharmaceuticals and food sectors, with cautious buyer sentiment and ample supply pressuring prices lower.
However, February brought modest recovery, supported by sustained growth in manufacturing activity, strong new orders, and elevated energy costs that raised operational expenses. These factors pushed prices slightly upward across both Calcium Citrate and Calcium Carbonate grades. Market sentiment turned cautiously optimistic as demand stabilized, particularly from food fortification and dietary supplement sectors.
March began with relative price stability due to firm import costs under ongoing U.S. tariffs and steady export activity. However, by mid-to-late March, market participants became more conservative amid global trade uncertainties and evolving demand patterns. Buyers delayed procurement, and suppliers responded with price reductions to maintain competitiveness. By quarter-end, prices declined again as economic caution and recalibrated procurement strategies prevailed.
Overall, Q1 reflected a market navigating between demand recovery and economic uncertainty, resulting in a soft rise through February followed by a downward correction in late March.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2025, Calcium powder prices in China showed a mixed trend, beginning with persistent declines in January due to weak domestic and international demand. Economic disinflation and cautious consumer behavior led to subdued activity across key downstream industries like pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and food manufacturing. Both Calcium Citrate and Calcium Carbonate grades saw steady price drops through January as suppliers adjusted pricing to manage inventory amid limited market appetite.
February marked a temporary reversal, with prices rising moderately due to strong pre-Lunar New Year demand, seasonal production slowdowns, and tariff-related export acceleration following U.S. executive orders. Tight supply conditions and forward buying supported the upward movement during this period.
By March, the market saw stabilization followed by renewed price softness. Early March recorded minor gains amid balanced supply-demand conditions and improved logistical efficiency. However, the latter part of the month experienced sharper declines as buyers grew cautious and delayed purchases, anticipating further reductions. Overall, the quarter ended with weakened sentiment, abundant availability, and lowered prices highlighting ongoing challenges in sustaining demand momentum.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European calcium powder market displayed a fluctuating trend, with demand and cautious market sentiment influencing pricing. January saw a decline in prices due to weak demand from sectors like food processing and dietary supplements, along with slower manufacturing growth. Economic caution led to limited purchasing interest, causing suppliers to reduce prices to manage excess inventory.
February brought a modest recovery, supported by steady demand from food fortification industries. Although demand remained somewhat subdued, rising energy costs put upward pressure on prices, though the market remained cautious amid ongoing economic uncertainties and inflation concerns.
By March, the market became more conservative. Slower demand from non-food sectors and global trade uncertainties led to hesitancy among buyers, who delayed procurement. As a result, suppliers adjusted their pricing strategies to stay competitive, leading to price reductions. By the end of the quarter, the market had softened, with prices reflecting a balance between cost pressures and weak demand, indicating ongoing challenges in sustaining a stable recovery. Economic uncertainty and slow growth kept market sentiment subdued.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Calcium powder prices in the USA exhibited significant volatility, shaped by shifting economic and logistical dynamics. In October, prices rose as Federal Reserve rate cuts boosted consumer confidence, driving up demand. This increase was further exacerbated by supply chain disruptions, including prolonged port congestion, labor strikes, and fears of potential tariff hikes under President-elect Donald Trump, leading to a tighter supply-demand balance and higher prices.
By November, the market transitioned as prices began to decline. Weakened demand, fueled by inflationary pressures and elevated interest rates, coupled with a stronger U.S. dollar making imports more cost-effective, helped ease pricing. The resolution of the ILA strike reduced logistical challenges, while healthy inventory levels enabled suppliers to lower prices, benefiting consumers and further tempering the market. In December, the downward trend continued as waning consumer confidence, a seasonal drop in demand, and proactive inventory buildup ahead of potential January strikes and the Chinese Lunar New Year suppressed prices. Inflation concerns and tariff uncertainty drove cautious purchasing behavior, while ample supply and competitive pricing strategies intensified downward pressure.
Overall, Q4 2024 was characterized by sharp price fluctuations, with an initial surge driven by supply chain disruptions and robust demand, followed by a decline as inflationary concerns, improved supply chain conditions, and softer demand took precedence.
Asia Pacific
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Calcium powder market in China exhibited a fluctuating trend influenced by a combination of domestic and international factors. In October, prices climbed as China's recovering manufacturing sector gained momentum, fueled by government stimulus measures, a surge in domestic and export orders, and heightened demand during the Golden Week holiday. Additionally, the yuan's depreciation enhanced export competitiveness, further supporting the price increase. By November, the market shifted downward, with prices declining due to slowing domestic demand, elevated inventory levels, and weakened international demand amid global economic uncertainties. Improved seaweed harvesting led to an increased raw material supply, further applying downward pressure on prices. The downward trend persisted into December, driven by China’s disinflation, muted consumer demand, and reduced orders from the USA and Europe during the holiday season, which resulted in oversupply. To clear excess inventory, suppliers implemented aggressive price reductions, intensifying the decline. Overall, the Calcium powder market in Q4 2024 experienced an initial price surge driven by robust demand and favorable export conditions, followed by a sharp downturn due to weakening demand, ample supply, and economic uncertainties.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Calcium powder prices in Europe experienced notable fluctuations, shaped by various economic and market influences. In October, prices rose due to improved business sentiment, fueled by optimism around economic recovery and the European Central Bank’s third interest rate cut to 3.25%. This monetary easing boosted spending and investment, while supply chain disruptions at Hamburg’s ports and proactive inventory stockpiling added upward pressure on prices.
However, November brought a reversal as prices declined, driven by weaker demand from key end-use sectors and easing inflationary pressures. A sharp drop in consumer spending, coupled with a 1.9% reduction in energy costs, lowered production expenses, enabling suppliers to reduce prices to stay competitive and align with softened market conditions. By December, the downward trend persisted, primarily due to subdued demand, cautious purchasing behavior amid lingering inflation concerns, and higher import costs resulting from the euro's depreciation. Elevated inventory levels and year-end clearance efforts further pressured prices. Additionally, severe winter weather caused logistical delays, curbing consumer activity and exacerbating the market slowdown.
Overall, Q4 2024 was marked by a transition from initial optimism to cautious economic sentiment, resulting in a volatile pricing environment and an overall downward trend for Calcium powder prices in Europe.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, the North American Calcium powder market experienced a volatile pricing trajectory, shaped by various factors impacting different sectors. The USA, in particular, saw the most pronounced price fluctuations, resulting in an unstable pricing environment throughout the quarter.
At the start of the quarter, prices declined, driven by a combination of factors exerting downward pressure on the market. A key influence was the inflation rate, which had previously surged beyond 9% but began to cool significantly as the quarter progressed. This reduction in inflation helped lower overall business costs, enabling companies to pass these savings on to consumers through reduced Calcium powder prices. However, as the quarter approached its conclusion in September, prices began to rise again. This upward trend was fueled by a mix of economic and logistical factors. Consumer confidence improved, spurred by better perceptions of the economy and easing inflation concerns, despite lingering uncertainties in the labor market. This renewed optimism triggered heightened demand for Calcium powder, adding upward pressure on prices.
In response to these evolving market conditions, companies took proactive steps to increase their inventories, anticipating a potential rise in future demand while also preparing to mitigate any supply chain disruptions. Despite the brief surge in prices, the quarter-ending price for Calcium Carbonate USP Grade on an FOB US Gulf basis settled at USD 645 per metric ton, reflecting an overall downward sentiment in the market as it grappled with these complex factors.
Asia Pacific
During the third quarter of 2024, the Calcium powder market in the APAC region experienced a mixed pricing trend, shaped by a range of influencing factors. Initially, prices declined throughout July and August, largely driven by weak consumption both within domestic markets and internationally. The Chinese market, in particular, saw a downturn early in the quarter, hindered by minimal demand from downstream sectors. Additionally, rising freight costs, caused by global maritime traffic disruptions, further dampened international demand and exerted additional pressure on pricing. However, as the quarter progressed and neared its conclusion, the market saw a rebound in prices. This recovery was fueled by strong demand from end-user industries, paired with effective inventory management strategies from manufacturers and suppliers. Global economic recovery efforts also played a vital role in driving prices higher, as businesses adapted to shifting conditions. The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, which had previously disrupted supply chains, began to show less of an impact, allowing international demand for Calcium powder to pick up, further boosting prices. China, in particular, experienced significant price fluctuations throughout the quarter, reflecting the delicate balance between supply and demand dynamics. This volatility highlighted the challenges faced by market participants as they navigated an unpredictable and rapidly shifting landscape. By the end of the quarter, the price of Calcium Citrate USP Grade on an FOB Shanghai basis stood at USD 2,080 per metric ton, signaling a more optimistic outlook for the region's pricing environment moving forward.
Europe
Throughout the third quarter of 2024, the European Calcium powder market exhibited a diverse pricing trend, influenced by a range of key factors. Early in the quarter, prices saw a decline, primarily due to weaker-than-expected demand in the German market, particularly within the food, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors. In response to this lackluster demand, market participants took a cautious approach, maintaining substantial inventory levels to meet current consumption needs in Germany while avoiding overproduction. However, as the quarter progressed toward September, the market experienced a notable shift, with prices beginning to rise. This upward trend was driven by a combination of factors, including strong demand from end-user industries and strategic inventory management practices by companies praeparing for potential disruptions. Favorable macroeconomic conditions also contributed to the recovery in prices. Compounding the situation was the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, which disrupted global maritime traffic, creating logistical bottlenecks and restricting the supply of Calcium powder. These supply constraints further intensified the upward pressure on prices as the quarter progressed. Additionally, improvements in consumer sentiment, particularly in Germany, played a critical role in revitalizing demand, fostering a more positive outlook for the market. Despite the challenges posed by logistical disruptions and fluctuating demand, companies in the sector proactively bolstered their inventories in anticipation of potential shipping delays, further supporting the upward trend in prices. This combination of factors helped stabilize the market and improve the pricing environment as the quarter came to a close.
FAQs
1. What led to the steady decline in Calcium Powder prices across the U.S. during Q2 2025?
The Price Index for Calcium Powder in the U.S. dropped from USD 621/MT in April to USD 601/MT by June. This was driven by oversupply, weak export activity, and lackluster demand across food, pharma, and construction sectors. Buyers favored short-term purchases amid inflation concerns and trade policy uncertainty, reinforcing a conservative approach to procurement.
2. Why did APAC Calcium Powder prices fall sharply despite stable domestic demand in May?
In APAC, particularly China, prices declined consistently in Q2 due to inventory build-ups from pre-summer production. While domestic demand from food and nutraceutical sectors held steady in May, global interest remained low due to tariffs and currency effects. Buyers mostly stuck to short contracts, pushing suppliers to discount heavily to clear stock.
3. How did European buyers respond to market uncertainty in Q2?
European importers reduced procurement volumes and focused on depleting existing inventory. Although consumption in pharma and health sectors remained steady, most buyers avoided long-term commitments due to fluctuating freight rates and uncertain demand outlooks. The result was a steady drop in the Price Index, especially by June.
4. What trends defined production and inventory strategies in Q2 across all major regions?
Across the U.S., APAC, and Europe, producers kept output steady early in the quarter but began scaling back by June as inventory levels rose and demand weakened. Suppliers prioritized liquidity over price control, offering discounts and shortening contract terms to stimulate short-cycle buying.
