For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• In June 2025, the Magnesium Powder Spot Price for Magnesium Oxide CFR Texas surged by 12.12% to USD 370/MT, driven by aggressive domestic procurement from animal feed and food additive sectors amid tight stock positions.
• The Magnesium Powder Price Forecast for Q3 suggests continued pricing strength for Magnesium Oxide as livestock feed consumption remains firm. Magnesium Stearate, however, may face pressure due to subdued pharmaceutical offtake.
• The Magnesium Powder Production Cost Trend remained neutral, with no reported supply-side disruptions or cost spikes at source countries. Freight volatility had a limited but visible impact on prices.
• May’s Price Index for Magnesium Oxide rose by 2.17%, supported by consistent demand and proactive sourcing diversification by U.S. buyers avoiding Chinese-origin supply.
• Magnesium Stearate CFR Texas saw price softness in June, with a Price Index decrease of 0.67% to USD 2240/MT, reflecting tepid demand from the pharma and personal care sectors.
• Magnesium Powder Demand Outlook stayed positive for Magnesium Oxide, supported by functional food production cycles and nutraceutical blend applications entering peak formulation phases.
• Inventories of Magnesium Oxide were low by mid-June, forcing importers to accept higher supplier offers. In contrast, Magnesium Stearate remained well-stocked, limiting price support.
• Inland logistics in the U.S. functioned efficiently with minimal disruptions, though overseas freight rate volatility marginally inflated Magnesium Oxide prices due to higher volumes.
• Why did the price change in July 2025? In July 2025, the price increase for Magnesium Oxide was a direct consequence of low inventories and strong consumption; Magnesium Powder Spot Prices rose due to sustained demand and not cost escalation.
South America
• The Magnesium Powder Spot Price in Brazil increased sharply in June 2025, with the Price Index for Magnesium Oxide Powder (FOB Salvador) surging by 7.53% to USD 500/MT, attributed to peak-season demand from livestock feed, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.
• The Magnesium Powder Price Forecast for Q3 indicates continued upward momentum, given the firm buying interest and constrained inventories, especially if livestock procurement trends persist into the next quarter.
• The Magnesium Powder Production Cost Trend remained stable throughout Q2, with no significant raw material or energy-related disruptions. This confirms that pricing strength was demand-driven, not cost-led.
• In May 2025, the Price Index rose modestly by 1.09%, as suppliers responded to resilient export demand, particularly amid global sourcing shifts due to tariff uncertainties affecting other origins.
• April saw a Price Index uptick of 1.10%, reflecting consistent procurement from food and nutraceutical manufacturers. Export volumes held steady, with no disruption in production or logistics.
• Magnesium Powder Demand Outlook was robust, especially from feed-grade and fortified food applications. Importers accelerated Q2 purchases to cover forward demand amid tightening stock availability.
• Inventory levels declined sharply in June, pressuring suppliers to lift prices. Export terminals were drained by continuous overseas orders, further validating the bullish market momentum.
• Port and inland logistics remained seamless during the quarter, enabling Brazil to capitalize on uninterrupted shipping schedules and reinforcing its reliability as a magnesium powder supplier.
• Why did the price change in July 2025? For July 2025, the price increase was primarily demand-induced, not due to production or freight constraints. Seasonal feed sector activity and depleted stocks pushed the Magnesium Powder Spot Price significantly higher.
Asia-Pacific
• June 2025 saw a sharp rise in the Magnesium Powder Spot Price for Feed Grade Magnesium Oxide FOB Qingdao by 19.05% to USD 250/MT, propelled by active procurement from both domestic and export livestock sectors.
• The Price Index for Food Grade Magnesium Oxide also increased moderately by 3.17% to USD 1950/MT, reflecting steady demand from food and nutraceutical industries.
• The Magnesium Powder Production Cost Trend remained steady with no environmental curbs or raw material bottlenecks reported, ensuring continuous plant operations and balanced production.
• The Magnesium Powder Price Forecast leans bullish for Feed Grade amid tight stocks, while Food Grade is expected to remain rangebound. Magnesium Stearate may soften further due to lack of sectoral triggers.
• Magnesium Stearate FOB Shenzhen eased by 0.70%, with the Price Index falling slightly to USD 2120/MT, mirroring weaker demand from personal care and pharma buyers.
• Magnesium Powder Demand Outlook was firm for Feed Grade applications as poultry and cattle operations ramped up. Nutraceutical and food-grade demand remained stable but lacked aggressive procurement.
• Inventories of Feed Grade Magnesium Oxide were tight by end-June, while Food Grade stocks were sufficient. Stearate had a stock surplus due to cautious sectoral buying.
• China’s export logistics via Qingdao and Shenzhen operated without hindrance, helping maintain reliable lead times despite volatile demand across segments.
• Why did the price change in July 2025? For July 2025, Feed Grade prices rose due to acute inventory pressure and high demand, not because of cost escalation or supply shocks. This underpins the upward movement in Magnesium Powder Spot Price.
Europe
• Europe likely saw a moderate rise in Magnesium Powder Spot Prices in Q2 2025, particularly for feed and food-grade applications, tracking strong import dependency on Brazil and China during the livestock and supplement season.
• The Magnesium Powder Price Forecast for Q3 remains bullish for feed-grade types as buyers seek to replenish lean Q2 stocks ahead of seasonal demand in late summer.
• Magnesium Powder Production Cost Trend was relatively stable across European converters; however, high freight charges and weaker Euro added upward pricing pressure on imported material.
• Inventory tightening, particularly for Feed Grade Magnesium Oxide sourced from Brazil and China, prompted importers to accept higher Q2 pricing despite moderate internal production.
• Food and nutraceutical processors continued regular procurement, supporting a steady Price Index for Magnesium Oxide Powder across Germany, Spain, and France, likely ranging between USD 420–470/MT CIF.
• Stearate demand from the EU’s pharmaceutical sector was subdued through the quarter, aligning with global trends, which kept Magnesium Powder Spot Prices for this grade under check.
• Inland logistics across Western Europe operated without interruption, though port congestion at key entry points like Rotterdam marginally delayed delivery cycles in late May.
• The Magnesium Powder Demand Outlook remained healthy for Q2, especially for magnesium-based health supplement manufacturing and livestock blends across Southern Europe.
• Why did the price change in July 2025? In July 2025, Magnesium Powder Spot Prices in Europe likely increased, led by imported feed-grade cost pressures, low inventory carryover, and elevated seasonal demand—not by production cost hikes.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In the first quarter of 2025, North America showed mixed pricing trends for Magnesium Powder products. Magnesium Oxide Powder in the North American market recorded an average quarterly decline of 5.63 percent compared to the previous quarter. This drop could be tied to cautious procurement and a well-managed inventory flow across buyers.
Demand from pharmaceutical and food sectors appeared steady but not aggressive, leading to subdued pricing pressure. On the other hand, Magnesium Stearate prices in the USA surged by 11.68 percent. This upward movement reflects a rise in inquiries from the personal care and nutraceutical sectors. The region also saw a seasonal shift from winter to spring, which may have encouraged forward buying in anticipation of upcoming production cycles.
While tariffs remained in place, they had little visible influence on the price movement this quarter. Overall, the region experienced a balanced market sentiment, with buyers taking strategic positions based on sector-specific needs. The divergence in trends among variants indicates that downstream consumption patterns were product-specific and not uniformly aligned.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific witnessed varied pricing movements for Magnesium Powder derivatives during the first quarter of 2025. Prices for Magnesium Oxide (Food Grade) in APAC market saw an average quarterly drop of 1.77 percent, while the Feed Grade variant dropped by 1.22 percent. This decline was moderate and may reflect stable raw material costs, such as acetic acid, and conservative purchasing behaviour.
Demand from the food and pharmaceutical industries appeared reserved, likely due to sufficient stock levels maintained in the previous quarter. Meanwhile, Magnesium Stearate noted a strong price rise of 7.87 percent. The increase can be attributed to active consumption in nutraceutical and personal care applications.
The first quarter also included the Chinese Lunar New Year, which typically causes temporary disruptions and anticipatory buying ahead of factory shutdowns. This seasonal dynamic often impacts the broader APAC market. Overall, the region’s pricing remained mostly stable, with specific upward shifts driven by product type and downstream pull. Smooth logistics and consistent raw material supply also helped maintain equilibrium across markets.
Europe
Europe’s pricing for Magnesium Powder products during Q1 2025 appeared relatively stable, with some product-wise variation inferred from global patterns. Magnesium Stearate likely observed mild upward movement and was in line with trends seen in Asia Pacific and North America. This may have stemmed from steady demand in personal care and supplement sectors. Magnesium Oxide prices in the region appeared to have followed a largely stable trajectory, with minor downward adjustments likely influenced by balanced procurement and steady demand.
A combination of moderate procurement, balanced inventory levels and stable raw material costs have contributed to this calm price behaviour. European buyers appeared to be managing their stocks efficiently, avoiding excessive restocking during the quarter. Downstream industries such as food and pharmaceuticals did not show any signs of sharp demand increase, which also prevented any strong upward push in prices.
Regional supply chains functioned smoothly without any major logistical issues. The market operated in a quiet and structured manner with no extraordinary events pushing volatility. Overall, the quarter closed with a calm pricing environment, guided by typical sectoral demand and steady supply conditions.
South America
In South America, pricing of Magnesium Powder in Brazil reflected marginal movement. Magnesium Oxide Powder recorded a mild quarterly decline of 0.36 percent compared to the previous quarter. This slight drop suggests stable availability and a generally subdued demand scenario.
Procurement remained planned and moderate, possibly due to earlier stock cover by local buyers. Demand from food and beverage processors, as well as pharmaceutical companies, was steady but not aggressive. Market participants avoided overbuying and continued to procure as per routine cycles. No major raw material cost swings were noted, which helped keep input cost pressures limited.
Logistics in the region also ran without disruption, aiding stable delivery timelines. While broader Latin American economic sentiment remained cautious, it did not severely impact Magnesium Powder trade in Brazil. The quiet price correction seemed more like a routine adjustment rather than a signal of any supply or demand imbalance. Overall, South America showed a controlled and steady market tone with limited fluctuations in the first quarter of 2025.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
During the entire fourth quarter of 2024, the U.S. Magnesium Powder for both the grades oxide and stearate market exhibited an upward trend with a steady drop witnessed in the last two months influenced by a mix of supply chain disruptions, seasonal demand shifts, and global factors.
October saw a continued rise in import prices, driven by increased demand for excipients in food and pharmaceutical tablet formulations, combined with higher shipping costs from Asia. U.S. port challenges, particularly in New York, labor strikes, and delays exacerbated logistics issues, further raising costs. Strategic stockpiling and robust export activity, alongside rising feedstock costs for Stearic acid, also added to the price pressure. Additionally, global disruptions in Ukraine, the Middle East, and crude oil prices intensified these price hikes.
In November, import prices trended downward due to increased imports from China, driven by competitive production costs and a weaker yuan, which made Chinese exports more cost-effective. High domestic inventories, lower-than-expected demand from the pharmaceutical and food sectors, and improved logistics contributed to price pressures. However, market sentiment remained cautious as fluctuations in crude oil prices continued to influence production costs.
By December, the market showed a persistent decline in import prices, driven by weak demand from key downstream sectors, including preservatives. Elevated buyer inventories and subdued trading activity, along with increased competition from Chinese imports, contributed to a bearish market outlook for Magnesium Stearate.
Asia Pacific
During the entire fourth quarter of 2024, the Magnesium Powder food grade oxide and stearate market in China experienced a notable downward trend, particularly in China across the Apac region with a modest rise at the beginning of the quarter While feed grade continued to remain on the southerly side. In October, prices surged due to severe supply constraints and strong demand. A typhoon disrupted shipping operations, causing delays and increasing freight costs, while downstream pharmaceutical, chemical, and excipient sectors ramped up procurement ahead of seasonal production requirements. The market's pressure intensified due to a limited supply of feed stearic acid, further straining availability. Additionally, the depreciation of the Chinese yuan against the U.S. dollar raised import costs, benefiting traders through improved margins but limiting product availability. Major producers faced reduced stock levels, impacting both domestic and international markets.
By November, however, export prices began to decline as demand from key sectors like pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial applications slowed. Despite high feedstock costs, suppliers focused on competitive pricing to counteract diminished foreign orders, leading to aggressive destocking measures that exacerbated the oversupply situation. This oversupply combined with weak downstream absorption capacity drove prices down further. This trend continued until the final weeks of December marking an overall muted trading dynamic for all the grades. This oversupply situation contributed to a pessimistic market outlook, highlighting the need for strategic actions like production cuts or demand stimulation efforts.
Europe
Throughout Q4 2024, Germany's Magnesium Powder market, including both oxide and stearate grades, showed a fluctuating trend, with prices initially increasing before experiencing a decline toward the end of the quarter. October saw rising import prices, driven by growing demand in the food and pharmaceutical industries, coupled with elevated shipping costs from Asia. Additionally, logistical issues in major German ports, including delays and disruptions, contributed to higher overall expenses. Strategic stockpiling and export activity, alongside rising feedstock costs, further intensified the upward price pressures. However, geopolitical factors, such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine and fluctuations in crude oil prices, added further strain to the market. In November, import prices began to decrease as imports from China drops. The end of the quarter saw continued price drops due to low demand from key sectors, including pharmaceuticals and food additives, excess inventory, and increased competition from Chinese exports, leading to a bearish market outlook for Magnesium oxide and stearate grade in Germany as suppliers continued to focus on clearing their inventories at lower prices across the region. Overall, the market trended on the southerly side during the entire quarter with market transactions being weak as quarter ends.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America:
In Q3 2024, the North American Magnesium Powder market maintained a significant upward trajectory for both the oxide and stearate grades, reflecting an overall balanced pricing environment.
Various factors influenced market prices, including steady demand from key industries like construction and pharmaceuticals, consistent manufacturing activities, and moderate supply levels for both grades. The market was characterized by resilience, with no significant disruptions or plant shutdowns affecting pricing dynamics. Broader challenges in the shipping industry, including escalating freight rates, container shortages, and extended lead times, collectively impacted market trading sentiments, resulting in an overall upward trend for both grades throughout the quarter. However, prices witnessed a steady drop in the magnesium oxide grade in the middle of the quarter, while downstream inquiries from the end-users' excipient sector continued to remain strong concerning the stearate grade.
As a result, the overall trend indicated a stable pricing landscape, with minimal fluctuations recorded. Compared to the previous quarter of the same year, the USA witnessed a rise of nearly 4% and 6%, respectively, with quarter-ending prices settling at USD 351/MT for Magnesium Oxide Powder CFR Texas and USD 2160/MT for Magnesium Stearate, underscoring an upward pricing environment.
Asia Pacific
Throughout Q3 2024, the APAC region experienced a stable and steadily rising pricing environment for Magnesium Powder including both the grades oxide and stearate. This trend was supported by consistent demand across various industries, strategic inventory management by suppliers, and positive market sentiment. Key contributing factors included increased production capacities, a balanced supply-demand dynamic, and robust export activities. China, a significant market for Magnesium Powder, saw the most notable price movements, influenced by fluctuations in raw material costs, ongoing logistical challenges, and rising freight costs which continued to constrain trading sentiment for Magnesium powder from the region. However, despite minor price adjustments for feed and food-grade oxide during the middle of the quarter, the overall trend remained high, reflecting the market's ability to adapt to external conditions. Overall, by the end of the quarter, the price of Magnesium Oxide (Feed Grade) in China reached USD 209/MT FOB Qingdao, Magnesium Oxide (food grade) at USD 2060/MT FOB Qingdao and Magnesium Stearate at USD 1995 / MT FOB Qingdao respectively reflecting the prevailing stability.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2024, the Magnesium Powder market in Europe experienced a notable period of rising prices, driven by a combination of global and local factors similar to those affecting other importing nations. The market faced significant supply challenges, with persistent inventory constraints and evolving global circumstances impacting pricing dynamics. Inflationary pressures further elevated costs throughout the supply chain, contributing to the upward trend in prices. Additionally, the price surge in key producing nations influenced market sentiment across Europe, resulting in a competitive price rise throughout the region. These factors collectively created an environment where exporting nations adjusted their pricing strategies to reflect increased market costs. Despite a slight decrease recorded in the previous quarter, the third quarter saw a strong rebound, with a similar pattern witnessed in other importing regions, particularly North America, when compared to the first half of the quarter. This positive momentum culminated in an upward trajectory for Magnesium Powder prices, underscoring a consistently increasing pricing environment and highlighting the robust demand and supply dynamics shaping the market.
South America
Moving forward toward the third quarter of 2024, in Q3 2024, the Magnesium Powder market in South America experienced a period of stability, with prices remaining relatively unchanged. Several factors contributed to this steady pricing environment. Strong global demand, supported by robust industrial activities, played a key role in maintaining price levels. Additionally, stable supply conditions, with no significant disruptions reported, ensured a balanced market dynamic. The overall trend in pricing was characterized by resilience and equilibrium, reflecting a mature and well-adjusted market. Brazil, a major player in the Magnesium Powder market, witnessed the most notable price changes during the quarter. Despite fluctuations in global markets, Brazil's pricing remained relatively steady, with minor adjustments in the month of August reflecting the overall stability in the region. The correlation in price changes between Brazil and the broader South American market indicated a synchronized pricing environment, highlighting the interconnected nature of the industry. As a result, the quarter ended with Magnesium Oxide Powder priced at USD 457/MT FOB Salvador in Brazil, marking a continuation of the stable pricing trend observed throughout Q3 2024. The absence of significant price fluctuations underscores the overall stability and balance in the Magnesium Powder market in South America during this period.
FAQs
1. What are the primary uses of Magnesium Powder across industries?
Magnesium Powder is widely used in metallurgical, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and aerospace sectors. In its oxide form, it is utilized in refractories, ceramics, and animal feed. In the stearate form, it serves as a lubricant and excipient in pharmaceutical formulations, while the food-grade variety supports mineral fortification and functional food production.
2. How is Magnesium Powder different in oxide and stearate forms?
Magnesium Oxide Powder is an inorganic compound used for high-temperature resistance, feed additives, and industrial formulations. Magnesium Stearate, on the other hand, is an organic salt used primarily as a lubricant in tablet manufacturing and in cosmetic and personal care products for its anti-caking and binding properties.
3. What factors influence the price of Magnesium Powder?
Prices are influenced by several factors including feedstock cost trends (like magnesite and stearic acid), seasonal demand from feed and pharma sectors, logistics efficiency, inventory levels, and regulatory dynamics in key exporting countries such as China and Brazil.
4. What is the shelf life and storage requirement for Magnesium Powder?
Magnesium Powder generally has a shelf life of 2–3 years if stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. It should be kept away from moisture, heat sources, and reactive chemicals, especially in the case of fine powder which may pose a flammability risk.
5. Is Magnesium Powder regulated differently by grade?
Yes, different grades—Feed Grade, Food Grade, Pharmaceutical Grade—are subject to specific quality standards and regulatory approvals in their respective applications. Each grade must meet purity, particle size, and contaminant thresholds as defined by agencies like USP, FCC, or EFSA, depending on the target market.
