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.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the Calcium Powder market in North America exhibited a consistent decline in prices, reflecting a broader bearish trend driven by several influential factors. The primary catalyst for the descending price trajectory was the persistently weak demand from end-user sectors, despite a robust supply maintained by market participants. This imbalance was exacerbated by a cautious consumer sentiment, largely stemming from ongoing economic uncertainties and elevated interest rates imposed by monetary authorities to combat inflation. Additionally, logistical challenges and geopolitical tensions further contributed to the ample supply and sluggish demand dynamics, pushing prices downward.
Focusing on the USA, the market experienced the most significant price fluctuations. The overall trend was characterized by a steady decrease, with seasonal demand variations and economic conditions playing pivotal roles. The pricing environment remained negative, with a marked -9% decrease compared to the same quarter last year and a -5% decline from the previous quarter in 2024. The quarter concluded with Calcium Carbonate USP Grade FOB US Gulf priced at USD 680/MT.
The consistent decline in prices throughout the quarter signifies a negative pricing environment, driven by subdued market sentiments and economic factors that overshadow any potential stabilization. The cumulative impact of these elements underscores the challenging landscape for Calcium Powder in North America, particularly within the USA, where price changes were most pronounced.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the pricing environment for Calcium Powder in the APAC region has been characterized by a consistent decline for both grades i.e., Calcium carbonate and Calcium citrate, driven predominantly by a confluence of factors. The market experienced subdued demand from end-users, both domestically and internationally, as consumer restraint and geopolitical uncertainties continued to weigh heavily on purchasing behavior. The ample supply conditions, coupled with rising shipping costs exacerbated by the Red Sea crisis, further pressured prices downward. Factors such as inflation stabilization and eased producer price declines provided some relief but were insufficient to counterbalance the overarching trend of weak market sentiments.
Focusing specifically on China, where the most significant price fluctuations occurred, the market undertook a marked decrease in pricing. Seasonality played a role, but broader economic factors were more influential. Despite efforts to stimulate the economy, demand from downstream sectors remained tepid, leading to an oversupply that further depressed prices. From the same quarter last year, prices fell by -8%, reflecting long-term challenges in demand recovery. Moreover, the decline from the previous quarter in 2024 stood at -5%, indicative of persistent economic headwinds.
The latest quarter-ending price of USD 2160/MT for Calcium Citrate USP Grade FOB Shanghai encapsulates the negative pricing trajectory. Overall, the quarter has seen a negative pricing environment, driven by weak demand, ample supply, and logistical challenges, all of which contributed to the pervasive downward pressure on Calcium Powder prices in the APAC region.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the Calcium Powder market in Europe encountered a significant downturn, influenced by several key factors. The period saw a sharp decline in demand from major sectors, including dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, despite improvements in supply chain conditions. The influx of Calcium Powder from major Asian exporters heightened competitive pricing pressures. Furthermore, the easing of global trade disruptions and lower freight costs contributed to downward price adjustments.
Economic factors also played a role in this trend. While there was a modest recovery in inflation and an uptick in consumer confidence, these factors were not enough to counterbalance the overall downward movement in prices. In Germany, which experienced the most pronounced price volatility, the Calcium Powder market underwent notable shifts. Seasonal factors, such as reduced consumption during the warmer months and high inventory levels, further intensified the price drop.
Overall, the pricing environment in Q2 2024 was marked by a predominantly negative sentiment. An oversupply of Calcium Powder and stabilizing trade conditions overshadowed any minor improvements in demand. This combination of factors created a challenging market landscape, characterized by persistent downward pressure on prices throughout the quarter.
