For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the Magnesium Alloy Ingot market in North America experienced predominantly stable pricing dynamics, influenced by a confluence of market factors. The quarter has been marked by a balanced supply-demand scenario, bolstered by consistent production levels and moderate economic activities. Although the global industrial metal landscape faced sporadic disruptions, such as intermittent plant shutdowns at key facilities, the Magnesium Alloy Ingot market remained largely insulated. Contributing to the stable pricing was the absence of significant supply constraints, with ample stock availability and relatively smooth logistics maintaining equilibrium.
In the USA, the Magnesium Alloy Ingot (AZ91D) market exhibited noticeable price changes, reflecting underlying trends and seasonal patterns. Despite a sequential decline of 7% from the previous quarter, the pricing environment stabilized over the quarter, ending with a negligible overall price variation. This stability was largely attributed to balanced market activities and the absence of extreme economic fluctuations. Additionally, moderate to high demand from the automotive sector played a crucial role in sustaining prices, despite the broader manufacturing sector showing signs of deceleration.
The quarter recorded a stable sentiment, with the pricing environment being neither significantly positive nor negative. The latest quarter-ending price for Magnesium Alloy Ingot (AZ91D) CFR HOUSTON in the USA stood at USD 3307/MT, highlighting a consistent market outlook amidst a backdrop of stable supply-demand fundamentals and moderate economic activities.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the APAC region experienced a declining trend in Magnesium Alloy Ingot prices, influenced by several key factors. Market prices were pressured by weak demand fundamentals, driven by high ocean freight costs that deterred overseas buyers and sluggish economic conditions domestically. The supply side remained stable but witnessed fluctuations due to rotational maintenance and production adjustments in response to squeezed profit margins and rising raw material costs. Notably, the quarter saw increased production levels post-maintenance, although this did not translate into sustained demand recovery.
China, a significant player in the Magnesium Alloy Ingot market, observed pronounced price changes. The country's magnesium alloy production increased year-over-year due to improved downstream processing activities and full-capacity operations at large manufacturers. However, demand challenges persisted as high aluminum prices and economic uncertainties dampened market sentiment. Seasonal factors, including the impact of the monsoon season and fluctuations in mining activities, further influenced price trends.
Compared to the previous quarter, prices decreased by 1%, reflecting a consistent bearish sentiment.
Overall, the pricing environment in Q2 2024 was negative, culminating in a quarter-ending price of USD 3268/MT for Magnesium Alloy Ingot (AZ91D) FOB Tianjin in China. The combination of stable supply, low demand, and economic uncertainties created a challenging market landscape, with significant price declines characterizing the quarter.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European market for Magnesium Alloy Ingot experienced a significant downturn, reflecting a negative pricing environment. Multiple factors contributed to this decline, including rising inflation, regulatory changes, and fluctuating energy costs. The enactment of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) impacted supply dynamics by setting production and recycling benchmarks, which, despite their intention to secure material availability, created uncertainties and disruptions in the market. Additionally, rising alloy surcharges and volatile energy prices further exacerbated the situation, leading to higher production costs and decreased profitability.
In Netherlands, the most significant price adjustments were observed, underscoring a pronounced declining trend. The Dutch market faced a challenging quarter with historical high-interest rates by the European Central Bank, which restrained demand across sectors. This period also saw disruptions such as Thyssenkrupp's reduction of production capacity, which added to supply chain strains. Despite initial optimistic expectations, the lack of significant manufacturing and construction activity, coupled with low automotive sector performance, contributed to the negative sentiment.
Overall, the pricing context for Magnesium Alloy Ingot in Q2 2024 was adverse, with the environment reflecting heightened economic pressures and supply chain disruptions. The quarter ended with a price of USD 2994/MT CFR Rotterdam, marking a decline of 12% from the previous quarter. The persistent negative sentiment was evident as market participants navigated through a complex landscape of regulatory changes, economic challenges, and fluctuating demand, ultimately driving prices downward.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
The North American market for Magnesium Alloy Ingot in Q1 2024 has experienced a mixed pricing environment. Overall, prices have been stable, with some fluctuations observed throughout the quarter. Various factors have influenced market prices during this period. In the broader North American region, factors such as ample supply and stable demand have contributed to the stable pricing environment. Despite stable demand, the construction market has been bearish, primarily due to winter dullness and low domestic and international demand.
Specifically in the USA, the pricing situation for Magnesium Alloy Ingot has seen some changes. Prices started the quarter on a bearish note, with a decline of 1% in February. This decline can be attributed to a combination of factors including high inflation, which put pressure on consumers, and a lack of significant growth in automotive sales. Looking at the overall trend, prices have remained stable with marginal fluctuations expected. However, it is anticipated that prices will ease down in March due to a decline in domestic demand. Despite the bearish start.
In terms of seasonality, the impact of winter storms has started to fade, which has contributed to a more stable supply situation. Additionally, the inflationary pressure on consumers has increased slightly from January to February, further influencing pricing. In conclusion, the pricing environment for Magnesium Alloy Ingot in the North American region during Q1 2024 has been overall stable, with some bearish tendencies. Factors such as supply stability, stable demand, and inflationary pressure have influenced market prices. The latest quarter-ending price for Magnesium Alloy Ingot (AZ91D) CFR Houston in the USA is USD 3540/MT.
APAC
The pricing environment for Magnesium Alloy Ingot in the APAC region during Q1 2024 has been largely negative, with prices experiencing significant fluctuations. Various factors have influenced market prices, including low demand from domestic and international buyers, challenges in procuring raw materials, and high inventory levels. These factors have led to a balanced supply situation, with stable supplies of the product. China has seen the maximum price changes for Magnesium Alloy Ingot. The domestic market in China has been impacted by low demand from downstream industries, resulting in decreased prices. Additionally, the country's key sectors, such as construction and automotive, have shown signs of deterioration, further affecting pricing dynamics. The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for China remained below 50, indicating a dull demand environment. Looking at the overall trends and seasonality, prices have sustained a downtrend during Q1 2024. Overall, the pricing environment for Magnesium Alloy Ingot in the APAC region has been negative, reflecting the challenges faced by the industry due to low demand and supply chain disruptions.
Europe
The pricing environment for Magnesium Alloy Ingot in the European region during Q1 2024 has been decline. Factors such as the struggling economy and low economic activities have influenced market prices. The producer prices index in the region has been consistently declining, driven by lower energy prices. In the Netherlands, the pricing situation for Magnesium Alloy Ingot has also been bearish. Supply has remained stable, with ample product availability to meet both domestic and international demand. The automotive market has shown improvement, with increased new car registrations, but the downstream construction sector has remained dull, impacting pricing dynamics. Looking at overall trends and seasonality, there has been a decline in prices compared to the previous quarter in 2024. However, the latest quarter-ending price for Magnesium Alloy Ingot (AZ91D) CFR Rotterdam in the Netherlands is USD 3380/MT. In summary, the pricing environment for Magnesium Alloy Ingot in the European region during Q1 2024 has been largely negative, with stable supply and demand dynamics. Factors such as the struggling economy and low economic activities have influenced market prices, but there have been positive developments in the export market. Overall, prices have shown a marginal decline, but there is potential for a positive price revision in the coming months.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
In the intricate tapestry of Q4 2023, the Magnesium Alloy Ingot market in North America unfolded with distinctive nuances. Notably, no reported plant shutdowns underscored the sector's resilience and unwavering operational continuity. A closer inspection of the USA, the pivotal player in pricing dynamics, unveiled three paramount factors steering the market's course.
Analysing trend, seasonality, and correlation patterns provided profound insights into the underlying fabric of pricing dynamics, transcending superficial interpretations. Over the past year, Magnesium Alloy Ingot (AZ91D) CFR HOUSTON in the USA demonstrated a sluggish pricing trajectory, indicating a market characterized by minimal year-on-year fluctuations.
The subtle percentage adjustment of -1.7% from the preceding quarter mirrored the market's adaptive equilibrium amidst shifting forces. Delving further into the intricacies, discernible pricing disparities between the initial and latter halves of the quarter came to light. Culminating this exploration is the quarter-ending price of Magnesium Alloy Ingot (AZ91D) USD 3566/MT CFR HOUSTON in the USA, this encapsulates the nuanced interplay of factors shaping the North American Magnesium Alloy Ingot market in the conclusive quarter of 2023.
APAC
Amidst the nuanced landscape of Q4 2023, the Magnesium Alloy Ingot sector in the APAC region witnessed a confluence of forces shaping its trajectory. Significantly, no plant shutdowns were reported, underscoring the sector's deteriorating operational continuity. A microscopic lens on China, the focal point of pricing dynamics, revealed three pivotal influencers steering the market. Intricate analyses of trend, seasonality, and correlation patterns provided a nuanced understanding of the pricing narrative, transcending mere statistical interpretations. Over the past year, Magnesium Alloy Ingot (AZ91D) FOB Tianjin in China exhibited oscillating price trend, reflecting a market exhibiting year-on-year fluctuations. In a testament to market dynamics, a subtle percentage adjustment of -2% from the preceding quarter highlighted the sector's adaptive equilibrium. Further granularity unravelled divergent pricing patterns in the initial and latter halves of the quarter. Culminating this exploration is the quarter-ending price of Magnesium Alloy Ingot (AZ91D) FOB Tianjin in China, standing at USD 3453/MT. This encapsulates the intricate interplay of forces steering the APAC Magnesium Alloy Ingot market in the conclusive quarter of 2023.
Europe
In the intricate mosaic of Q4 2023, the Magnesium Alloy Ingot market in Europe revealed a compelling narrative shaped by nuanced dynamics. The absence of reported plant shutdowns underscored the sector's robust operational continuity. Focusing on the Netherlands, a singular force influencing pricing, three pivotal factors emerged, weaving a tapestry of market intricacies. A meticulous examination of trend, seasonality, and correlation patterns elucidated underlying pricing dynamics, surpassing surface-level interpretations. Over the preceding year, Magnesium Alloy Ingot (AZ91D) CFR Rotterdam in the Netherlands displayed a resilient pricing trajectory, reflecting a market characterized by minimal year-on-year oscillations. A subtle percentage adjustment of -2% from the previous quarter mirrored the market's adaptive equilibrium amidst shifting forces. Further exploration brought to light discernible pricing disparities between the initial and latter halves of the quarter. Culminating this journey is the quarter-ending price of Magnesium Alloy Ingot (AZ91D) CFR Rotterdam in the Netherlands, standing at USD 3577/MT. This encapsulates the nuanced interplay of factors shaping the European Magnesium Alloy Ingot market in the conclusive quarter of 2023.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
In July, Magnesium Alloy Ingot prices surged due to dwindling inventory and decreasing inflation rates. The US government hiked interest rates by 0.25% to combat inflation and hit a 2.0% year-end target. A burgeoning US renewable energy sector drove up demand for Magnesium Alloy Ingots, resulting in bullish market conditions and increased orders. Supply shortages emerged as extraction rates from Australian and South African mines abroad dropped, and raw material mining slowed. Local inventories dipped as consumption rose, but economic stability prevailed in the spot market. The lower-end automotive sector experienced heightened demand, driven by surging electric car sales. Market sentiment improved, spurring significant buyer orders. The green energy sector also contributed to the growing demand for magnesium alloy ingots. In the US spot market, Magnesium Alloy Ingot prices rose due to high demand and limited supply. Overseas production, including China, decreased due to equipment adjustments. Magnesium supply remained low in the US spot market due to rising raw magnesium prices, leading to reduced production in local factories. The auto parts industry saw increased demand, particularly in the thriving auto sector in August, driven by government policies and agreements that boosted transaction rates and prompted large orders in the US spot market.
APAC
The price of Magnesium Alloy ingots in the Chinese spot market has surged due to heightened demand, chiefly fueled by the increasing sales of electric vehicles both domestically and internationally. Initiatives by the Chinese government in the third quarter to bolster automobile sales have contributed to this uptrend. Moreover, the growth of the electric vehicle sector and green energy projects has led to greater consumption of Magnesium Alloy ingots in China. Rising interest rates aimed at curbing inflation have incentivized buyers to make purchases in the Chinese market. Low inventory levels of Aluminum and Magnesium feedstock, partly due to adverse weather conditions affecting overseas mines, have caused supply to fall short of demand, resulting in inventory shortages. Supply constraints have also played a role in escalating Magnesium Alloy ingot prices, as some domestic Magnesium plants faced production disruptions due to safety concerns. The supply shortage is compounded by escalating raw material costs, prompting local mills to reduce manufacturing capacity. As the Chinese auto sector became more profitable and government policies boosted transaction rates in August, demand from the downstream auto parts industry has surged.
Europe
The price of magnesium alloy ingots in the Italian spot market has surged due to various factors. Firstly, rising interest rates have impacted the market. Furthermore, a decrease in the supply of aluminum and magnesium raw materials, driven by reduced mining rates following a push for more circulation in the EU's critical raw materials markets by the European Working Group on Materials and Products and the Wuppertal Institute, added magnesium and aluminum to the list of critical metals, resulting in low magnesium alloy inventories. Environmental concerns also slowed down bauxite mining, affecting raw material availability. The European Central Bank's 0.25% interest rate hike influenced the economic landscape and inflation persistence. Increased demand for electric cars in the Italian spot market led to rising orders from the automotive industry, but sluggish supplies of aluminum and magnesite from foreign mines, combined with declining local production by 21% in the first half of 2023, worsened the magnesium shortage. Overall, the Italian spot market saw increased demand for auto parts, supported by government policies and agreements, and this, along with rising raw magnesium prices, prompted large orders while local factories reduced production.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
The price of magnesium alloy ingot in the USA declined in the second quarter of 2023. This was due to various factors such as the declining economic condition amid rising inflation rate and debt crisis. The downfall of major banks across the USA created a debt crisis that adversely affected the Magnesium Alloy markets. Meanwhile, the ongoing trade war between the USA and China, which has disrupted supply chains, caused a decline in demand from overseas markets. The downstream automotive parts industries have been on a lower edge as vehicle sales declined amid plunging buying capacity from the buyer's side in the US spot market. Concerns about the global economic outlook have dampened demand as the buyers were shying away from placing large orders. The decline in prices has had a negative impact on the US magnesium industry. However, the industry is still expected to grow in the long term, as magnesium is a key material in several high-growth sectors, such as electric vehicles and aerospace.
APAC
The price of magnesium alloy ingot in India showed a bearish price trend in the second quarter of 2023. This was due to Weak downstream demand, particularly from the automotive and construction industries. The overseas market seemed to be dampening as the uncertain economic condition resulted in a lowering of orders from the overseas European and US markets. The inventory level remained high as the supply increased from China as new production capacity became active. The macroeconomic condition regarding the hike in the global inflation rate provoked buyers to shy away from placing large orders. The increased extraction and energy cost has been implying a downward pressure on the Magnesium Alloys market. A stronger rupee made the imported magnesium more competitive. Additionally, the declining demand from the downstream glass industry incited the mills to reduce their offer price. As a result of the price decline, the Indian magnesium industry is facing some challenges. However, there are also some opportunities, such as the potential for increased exports.
Europe
The price of magnesium alloy ingot in Germany declined in the second quarter of 2023 due to a combination of factors, including degrading economic conditions along with a rising inflation rate. In June, Germany entered a recession period as the inflation rate was consistently rising across Germany. The increase in the interest rate by the government led to a decrease in demand from the buyer's side as the uncertain economic condition provoked them to delay placing large orders as the market condition weakened—weak demand from the automotive industry as the European market continues to recover from the economic instability phase. The inventory level was on a higher edge as the supply from China increased as new production capacity came online. The strengthening of the euro made imported magnesium more competitive. The decline in prices has had a negative impact on the German magnesium industry. However, the industry is still expected to grow in the long term, as magnesium is a key material in several high-growth sectors, such as renewable energy and electronics.
