For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In North America, the Fused Silica Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting subdued demand from semiconductor and specialty optics sectors.
• Fused Silica Spot Price movements remained soft, with limited volatility due to cautious procurement behavior and elevated inventories across major distributors.
• The Fused Silica Price Forecast for Q4 2025 signals mild upside potential, especially in solar panel and aerospace applications, as seasonal demand and project-based buying may lift spot activity.
• The Fused Silica Production Cost Trend remained stable, supported by consistent quartz feedstock availability, and normalized energy inputs. No major disruptions were reported across North American smelting and refining facilities.
• The Fused Silica Demand Outlook remains mixed. While semiconductors, optics, and telecom sectors showed restrained activity, solar, aerospace, and foundry applications maintained steady consumption.
• The Fused Silica Price Index reflects cautious restocking behavior and soft momentum in electronics, offset by resilience in high-temperature and precision engineering segments.
• Inventory levels across North American markets remained elevated, limiting bulk-buying activity, and supporting disciplined pricing strategies.
• Regulatory compliance and purity standards in optics and semiconductor manufacturing continue to favor high-grade fused silica, sustaining long-term demand.
Why did the price of Fused Silica change in September 2025 in North America?
• Demand from semiconductor and optical component manufacturers remained weak, contributing to a modest decline in the Fused Silica Price Index.
• Feedstock costs for high-purity quartz remained stable, while energy inputs normalized, easing production cost pressures.
• Buyers delayed restocking amid economic caution and high inventory levels, softening spot prices across key North American markets.
APAC
• In China, the Fused Silica Price Index fell by 2.87% quarter-over-quarter, driven by subdued demand.
• The average Fused Silica price for the quarter was approximately USD 585.67/MT, reflecting subdued inquiries.
• Fused Silica Spot Price remained near FOB Shanghai, keeping the Price Index range-bound amid transactions.
• Fused Silica Price Forecast indicates modest downside through September, with stabilization anticipated towards the year-end.
• Fused Silica Production Cost Trend stayed muted as quartz feedstock and energy costs remained stable.
• Fused Silica Demand Outlook is cautious, with automotive and electronics restocking slow, restraining spot buying.
• Inventory pressured offers as steady output and muted exports weighed on Fused Silica Price Index.
• Major producers maintained regular operations; disciplined run-rates limited volatility, supporting market balance for Fused Silica
Why did the price of Fused Silica change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Ample domestic production and stable quartz feedstock availability reduced urgency, keeping prices from rising significantly.
• Energy and freight costs remained contained, preventing cost-push inflation despite port delays due to weather.
• Downstream buyers adopted just-in-time procurement, restraining spot buying and softening short-term demand for fused silica.
Europe
• In Europe, the Fused Silica Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting subdued demand from semiconductor and optical component sectors.
• Fused Silica Spot Price movements remained soft, with limited volatility due to cautious procurement behavior and balanced inventories across European distributors.
• The Fused Silica Price Forecast for Q4 2025 signals mild upside risk, especially in solar and aerospace applications, as seasonal demand and project-based buying may lift spot activity.
• The Fused Silica Production Cost Trend remained stable, supported by consistent quartz feedstock availability, and normalized energy inputs. No major disruptions were reported across European smelting and refining facilities.
• The Fused Silica Demand Outlook remains mixed. While semiconductors, optics, and telecom sectors showed restrained activity, solar, aerospace, and foundry applications maintained steady consumption.
• The Fused Silica Price Index reflects cautious restocking behavior and soft momentum in electronics, offset by resilience in high-temperature and precision engineering segments.
• Inventory levels across Western Europe remained elevated, limiting bulk-buying activity, and supporting disciplined pricing strategies.
• Regulatory compliance and purity standards in optics and semiconductor manufacturing continue to favor high-grade fused silica, sustaining long-term demand.
Why did the price of Fused Silica change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Demand from semiconductor and optical component manufacturers remained weak, contributing to a modest decline in the Fused Silica Price Index.
• Feedstock costs for high-purity quartz remained stable, while energy inputs normalized, easing production cost pressures.
• Buyers delayed restocking amid economic caution and high inventory levels, softening spot prices across key European markets.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Fused silica prices in North America decreased slightly QoQ in Q2 2025, as broader downstream softness and steady supply weighed on market momentum.
• Supply-side conditions remained ample and reliable, with energy and feedstock costs holding steady and production operating without major disruptions.
Import flows and domestic output ensured consistent availability, offsetting sporadic maintenance downtime at specialty glass plants, and preventing material tightness.
• Downstream demand from key segments—including semiconductor manufacturing, automotive glass, and specialty optics—remained subdued, with many buyers delaying restocking amid investment caution.
• Despite support initiatives such as the federally funded CHIPS Act enabling capacity expansion for high purity fused silica, broad market sentiment remained conservative through Q2.
• Overall, North America’s fused silica market exhibited a weak to stable price environment in Q2, characterized by oversupply and restrained demand across key end-use industries.
Why did the Fused Silica Price Index change in July 2025 in North America?
• Pricing remained broadly stable at the start of July, as downstream sectors showed no pickup and supply was ample.
• Mid-July saw modest downside, driven by sustained lack of demand, especially from semiconductor fabs and optical glass producers, which restricted any pricing support.
• No significant cost-push emerged, with feedstock and energy expenses remaining stable; producers and traders continued cautious output planning and modest discounting to maintain volumes rather than margins.
• Overall, the North American fused silica market stayed range-bound with a slight downward bias, reflecting persistent market softness and stable supply rather than structural imbalance.
Europe
• Fused Silica prices in Europe declined quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, primarily driven by sluggish demand from the semiconductor, automotive, and construction sectors, which kept market sentiment weak despite stable supply conditions.
• Supply remained ample as domestic producers operated at normal run rates, and import volumes from Asia continued flowing steadily, contributing to a well-stocked market environment with no significant production or logistical disruptions during the quarter.
• The European logistics network functioned smoothly, though minor inland transport bottlenecks in regions like Northern Europe caused occasional delays; however, these did not translate into material shortages or supply disruptions.
• Downstream demand from semiconductor fabrication and specialty glass industries remained subdued, with buyers adopting conservative purchasing strategies amid global economic uncertainties, delayed project pipelines, and inventory control efforts.
• Overall, Europe’s Fused Silica market remained oversupplied relative to weak demand fundamentals, resulting in a stable-to-soft price trajectory through Q2, with producers focusing on volume-based sales strategies to maintain throughput.
Why did the Fused Silica Price Index change in July 2025 in Europe?
• Fused Silica prices in early July remained largely stable, as market participants continued to execute only essential procurement while inventory levels remained sufficient across the supply chain.
• A slight downward correction emerged mid-July, as excess availability from Asian imports pressured local sellers to offer competitive discounts, especially amid weak downstream orders from semiconductor and automotive sectors.
• Despite elevated production costs linked to EU environmental compliance, domestic producers refrained from aggressive price hikes due to lacklustre demand, opting instead for controlled inventory releases to balance throughput.
• With no major recovery triggers on the demand side and supply remaining uninterrupted, the European Fused Silica market maintained a narrow trading range, with marginal price softening reflecting cautious buying sentiment rather than supply-side stress.
APAC
• Fused Silica prices in APAC declined marginally by 0.6% QoQ in Q2 2025, as a cautious demand environment and balanced supply dynamics kept trading within a narrow range.
• Supply dynamics were consistently steady, with no major disruptions in raw material availability or production operations. Chinese producers adjusted furnace run rates prudently to avoid inventory oversupply, while logistical channels remained functional despite sporadic regional disruptions.
• Export flows showed modest gains, particularly to Vietnam, and Thailand, where downstream industries began selective restocking. However, weak demand from India, due to seasonal monsoon impacts, curtailed broader regional offtake, preventing a stronger export-driven price recovery.
• Downstream demand remained directionally neutral, with semiconductor orders providing critical support amidst sluggish auto production and refractory sector contraction. Buyers prioritized just-in-time procurement strategies, reflecting ongoing global macroeconomic uncertainty and sector-specific margin pressures.
• Overall market sentiment stayed cautious, with producers and buyers aligned on volume expectations and price stability. Given the absence of significant supply shocks or demand surges, the fused silica market maintained a rangebound trajectory, with limited near-term price fluctuation risks.
Why did the Fused Silica Price Index change in July 2025 in APAC?
• Fused silica prices in early July remained stable, as both producers and buyers maintained a cautious approach, with downstream sectors like semiconductors and automotive showing restrained procurement activity.
• Subdued downstream demand in automotive and electronics sectors restrained market momentum, despite stable semiconductor procurement.
• Domestic manufacturers in China maintained steady production, aligning supply with real-time demand to prevent inventory build-up.
• Export demand remained tepid, with seasonal monsoon disruptions in India dampening regional offtake volumes.
• Balanced supply chains and a cautious buyer stance ensured no major pricing triggers emerged, anchoring the market in a stable-to-soft trend.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, fused silica prices in the North American region recorded a quarter-on-quarter decline compared to Q4 2024. At the start of the quarter, prices dipped as semiconductor capital expenditure cooled following year-end budget cycles and key glass, and specialty chemical plants underwent seasonal maintenance. Steady domestic quartz production and uninterrupted import flows ensured ample supply, while cautious procurement by chip fabricators and automotive glass manufacturers muted early-quarter demand.
Mid-quarter, the downtrend deepened amid rising inventories and softer inquiries. The manufacturers operated at conservative utilization rates despite healthy AI and data-centre expansions, and automotive glazing applications remained restrained by slow vehicle production. Although freight costs fell modestly, this failed to trigger significant restocking. Downstream electronics and specialty optics users continued to defer bulk purchases amid macroeconomic and trade policy uncertainty.
By quarter-end, prices saw a further marginal decrease. Feedstock quartz costs and energy prices held steady, but persistent oversupply and subdued semiconductor, automotive, and glass demand drove the overall Q1 decline. Unless capital investment rebounds or downstream activity picks up, the fused silica market is likely to remain under pressure in Q2.
APAC
In Q1 2025, fused silica prices in the APAC region recorded a quarter-on-quarter decline of 2.3% compared to Q4 2024. Early in the quarter, prices saw a marginal decrease as semiconductor sector investments slowed and seasonal factors like the Lunar New Year reduced operational activity. Despite steady supply, subdued demand and weak transaction volumes weighed on market sentiment. U.S. export controls further pressured Chinese demand, while easing global prices and cautious procurement added to the bearish tone. As the quarter progressed, prices continued to decline amid weak market inquiries and limited transactions. Although supply remained stable, demand from semiconductors and automotive sectors fluctuated. Government support briefly lifted semiconductor-related activity, but the effect was short-lived due to sluggish EV sales and geopolitical uncertainty. Market confidence remained low, with most participants adopting a cautious outlook post-holiday. By quarter-end, prices saw another marginal dip. Supply was consistent across major hubs, backed by stable energy costs and resumed furnace operations. However, downstream demand remained weak as global market challenges and U.S. policy uncertainties persisted. This imbalance ultimately drove the quarter-on-quarter price decline. China registered the most significant decline, with the quarter-end price settling at USD 603/MT FOB Shanghai.
Europe
In Q1 2025, fused silica prices in the European region recorded a quarter-on-quarter decline compared to Q4 2024. At the start of the quarter, prices fell as semiconductor capital expenditure slowed following moderating AI and data-centre investments, while U.S. export controls and trade tensions added uncertainty. Although domestic quartz production remained firm, muted procurement from chip fabricators and specialty glass producers weighed on sentiment. As the quarter progressed, further declines occurred amid rising inventory levels at European fabs, which ran at conservative utilization rates despite calls for a second EU Chips Act. Chinese chipmakers ramped capacity, diverting surplus fused silica into Europe, yet downstream buyers in automotive glazing and electronics held off restocking amid policy uncertainty. By quarter-end, prices saw a marginal further dip. Feedstock quartz and silica sand costs remained stable, but lacklustre semiconductor demand and subdued automotive sector restocking maintained downward pressure. Without renewed chip investments or a stronger auto-sector recovery, the fused silica market is likely to remain under pressure in Q2.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the Fused Silica market in North America experienced a notable upward pricing trend, primarily driven by strong demand from the semiconductor industry. The global semiconductor market saw substantial growth, with U.S. semiconductor sales hitting a record $57.8 billion in November 2024, representing a 20.7% increase year-on-year. This surge in semiconductor sales directly boosted the demand for Fused Silica, as it is essential for semiconductor manufacturing processes.
Geopolitical factors, particularly the sanctions imposed by the U.S. on China, contributed to tightening supply conditions in the region. These sanctions disrupted the flow of critical raw materials for Fused Silica production, leading to higher production costs. As a result, suppliers in North America faced challenges in sourcing enough material to meet the growing demand, further elevating prices. The impact of these sanctions has been felt across various industries reliant on Fused Silica, particularly those in the electronics and semiconductor sectors.
Seasonal factors also played a role in the market dynamics during the quarter. As the year ended, production schedules ramped up, leading to increased demand for Fused Silica. Despite tight supply chains, the demand from the expanding semiconductor market helped stabilize consumption levels. The combined effect of geopolitical tensions, strong semiconductor sales, and seasonal production spikes has made the Fused Silica market in North America more volatile, with prices expected to remain elevated in the near term.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Fused Silica market in the APAC region witnessed a mixed price trend while remaining stable compared to Q3. Despite subdued demand from key downstream sectors such as construction, semiconductors, and refractories, the market held steady, supported by consistent domestic production and supply. Geopolitical factors, particularly ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, influenced demand, especially in the semiconductor sector, where restrictions on Chinese companies added pressure. However, the Chinese government's support for domestic tech firms like Huawei helped stabilize market conditions. Logistical challenges, including port congestion and elevated freight rates, compounded supply chain issues, but did not lead to significant disruptions in product availability. The overall market was characterized by weak export momentum, particularly in other Asian markets, which continued to dampen price movements. Domestic demand from industries like electronics and semiconductors provided some support, but it wasn't enough to push prices higher. By the end of Q4, Fused Silica prices in China remained stable, with the FOB Shanghai price quoted at USD 613/MT, showing no significant change from the previous quarter. While the short-term outlook remains cautious, the market's stability in Q4 signals a balance between supply and demand amid external challenges.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Fused Silica market in Europe faced a stable pricing trend, with prices holding steady compared to the previous quarter. The semiconductor and electronics sectors, key drivers of Fused Silica demand, experienced mixed performance. While global semiconductor sales grew, Europe saw a 6.7% decline, primarily due to ongoing supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties. This slowdown in demand from crucial industries contributed to a cautious market environment, with limited price movements. Policy support, particularly from the European Union, aimed at boosting technological self-sufficiency, provided some stability. However, geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute, added pressure on supply chains, resulting in logistical delays and higher costs. Despite these challenges, demand from the computing sector showed a slight recovery, helping to offset some of the declines. By the end of Q4, Fused Silica prices in Europe remained stable. This price stability reflects a balance between supply and demand, though market participants continue to face uncertainties stemming from geopolitical factors, weak downstream demand, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. The outlook for the sector remains cautiously optimistic, with expectations of a rebound in 2025.
