For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In Q1 2024, the North American Melamine paper market experienced an overall increase in prices. Several factors influenced this upward trend, including strong demand from downstream industries, particularly in the construction sector. The surge in construction activity, driven by robust job growth and increased spending, led to heightened demand for Melamine paper in downstream such as furniture, laminate and wood adhesives. Further the surge in the feedstock Melamine contributed the overall price.
Within the North American region, the USA witnessed the most significant price changes. The market saw a significant increase in prices compared to the previous quarter in 2024. These price fluctuations were largely driven by the strong demand from the construction industry and the high feedstock Melamine price. This price reflects the overall increasing sentiment in the market, with prices consistently on the rise throughout the quarter.
Overall, the pricing environment for Melamine in the North American region during Q1 2024 has been positive, with strong demand and stable supply contributing to the upward trend in prices.
APAC
Melamine Paper pricing in the APAC region for Q1 2024 has been influenced by several significant factors. Overall, the market has experienced a positive trend, with prices showing stability or slight increases in most countries. The demand for Melamine Paper has been moderate, driven primarily by the construction and furniture manufacturing industries.
In India, the pricing trend has been positive, with prices increasing in January and February before a slight decrease in March. The consistent demand from downstream industries, such as furniture manufacturing and plywood, has contributed to the price increases. The construction boom in India, supported by government investments and regulatory reforms, has further fueled the demand for Melamine Paper. The supply of Melamine Paper in India has been moderate, with no notable disruptions reported in the supply chain. Further, the high price of feedstock Melamine has contributed to the overall high price of Melamine Paper.
In conclusion, the pricing environment for Melamine Paper in Q1 2024 has been positive in the APAC region, slightly increasing prices. In the Indian market, the quarter-ending price for Melamine paper stood at USD 3650/MT Ex-Mumbai.
Europe
In the first quarter of 2024, the Europe Melamine paper market witnessed an overall increase in prices. Various factors, such as supply chain disruptions, moderate domestic demand alongside improved exports maintaining price stability, and rises in Melamine feedstock prices, influenced these price increases. These factors fostered a bullish market sentiment, leading to an upward trend in prices.
In Germany, the largest market for Melamine paper, prices have seen significant changes. Additionally, the reliance on Asian and US imports for raw materials, coupled with delays in shipping routes, has further exacerbated supply chain uncertainties. The demand for Melamine paper in Germany has remained moderate, with some fluctuations due to disruptions in the raw material. The surge in wood prices and increased demand for softwood lumber exports to Asian market have helped support Melamine paper prices in the domestic market. Further the shutdown of several feedstock Melamine plants particularly in the exporting Asian region due to Lunar New Year holidays, disrupted the supply chain globally and caused the scarcity globally. To fill the gap Germany firms were Operating at higher run rates. The existing supply of Melamine paper proved insufficient to meet the growing demand, resulting in a decrease in inventory levels.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
The North American Melamine Paper market in Q4 2023 presented a nuanced scenario with mixed price movements. Initially, prices remained stable compared to Q3, supported by sustained demand and steady feedstock costs. However, mid-quarter fluctuations occurred due to temporary supply chain disruptions and regional demand variations. The quarter concluded with a slight decline in prices, attributed to increasing inventory levels and easing downstream demand. The balanced supply and demand dynamics were evident in sectors such as furniture, tableware, and construction, where Melamine Paper found applications in laminates, durable dishes, and limited use in countertops and wall panels.
Key drivers included moderating prices of the primary raw material, melamine resin, limiting significant cost-driven price increases for Melamine Paper. Inventory management strategies by producers and distributors influenced market dynamics, with increasing inventory levels contributing to downward price pressure toward the quarter's end. Import dynamics, especially competitive pricing from Asia, exerted additional downward pressure on domestic prices. Regionally, the Northeast and Midwest observed relatively stable to slightly higher prices due to higher demand concentration and transportation costs, while the South and West experienced more volatility, concluding the quarter slightly lower, influenced by import activity and regional demand fluctuations.
The impact on industries indicated that stable or slightly lower Melamine Paper prices benefited users in various sectors, including furniture manufacturing and tableware production, particularly those facing cost pressures. For Melamine Paper producers, the mixed price movements likely influenced profitability, contingent on production costs and hedging strategies.
Europe
The European Melamine Paper market experienced a downturn in Q4 2023, with prices declining by approximately 5-10% compared to Q3. This followed a period of notable increases earlier in the year driven by various factors. Key drivers contributing to the decline included weakened demand from crucial downstream industries like furniture, decorative panels, and tableware. This decline could be attributed to a general economic slowdown, prompting reduced demand for Melamine Paper-containing products. Additionally, downstream industries adjusted their inventories, utilizing existing stock instead of acquiring new Melamine Paper, and there was an increased adoption of alternative materials like laminates or wood veneers in some applications. Factors such as ample supply, stable production capacity, and easing feedstock costs for melamine resin played significant roles in the price decline. The competition among Melamine Paper producers within Europe also contributed to keeping prices in check. Regionally, Western and Central Europe experienced generally higher prices due to elevated transportation costs and concentrated demand, while Eastern Europe observed lower prices due to closer proximity to production facilities and less concentrated demand. The impact on industries revealed that lower Melamine Paper prices benefited users across various sectors, particularly those encountering cost pressures. However, Melamine Papers producers faced the challenge of lower prices impacting profitability, contingent on their production costs and hedging strategies.
Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific Melamine Paper market in Q4 2023 underwent a dynamic and intricate pricing scenario. Initially, prices soared due to robust regional demand and escalating melamine resin feedstock costs. However, mid-quarter fluctuations showcased divergent trends across the region. In China, prices faced a downward trajectory owing to weakening demand, high inventory levels, and government interventions. In India, prices remained relatively stable, buoyed by sustained demand and lower feedstock costs compared to China. Southeast Asia experienced volatile price movements influenced by local demand fluctuations and import dynamics. Key drivers included the persistent influence of melamine resin feedstock costs, with China encountering higher prices compared to India and Southeast Asia. Demand dynamics varied across the region, with China witnessing weakening demand in furniture and tableware sectors due to an economic slowdown. Conversely, India's continued demand from furniture, construction, and tableware industries provided some price support. Local demand fluctuations and import activity from China influenced price movements in Southeast Asia. Ample existing inventory, particularly in China, exerted downward pressure on prices. Government interventions in China aimed at curbing price hikes indirectly impacted the Melamine Paper market.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
In Q3, the North American Melamine paper market saw positive price trends, driven by rising demand from the furniture and coating sectors. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) reported growing interest in U.S. infrastructure projects due to two main factors: a substantial backlog of demand for repairing and enhancing the nation's roads, ports, dams, and civil infrastructure, and favorable external conditions creating additional opportunities. Moreover, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index (HPI) revealed a consistent upward trend in U.S. house prices, with a 0.3% monthly and 3.1% annual increase. Adjusted for inflation, the real index rose by 0.3% monthly and 2.3% annually. The construction of new homes has hit a three-year low, primarily due to rising mortgage rates, reducing housing demand. However, a rise in building permits indicates construction activity driven by a limited housing supply. Housing starts, as per the Commerce Department, experienced the most significant annual drop in a year across all housing segments.
Asia-Pacific
Melamine paper costs in the third quarter of 2023 followed the inclining trend because of a bullish demand standpoint and increased feedstock (melamine paper and urea). With the uptick in urea prices, the overall melamine paper market in China remained relatively stable compared to the preceding quarter. Market participants, recognizing the need for equipment maintenance in certain regions of China, were generally willing to accept these higher prices. However, demand from downstream sectors like furnishings and construction remained unchanged, prompting businesses to make purchases on an as-needed basis. Negotiations in the melamine paper market remained steady, with many business owners finalizing initial orders. The industry's capacity utilization rate remained below 60%, leading to a constrained supply situation. This, coupled with cost-related factors, supported the increase in melamine paper prices. Downstream industries adopted a cautious, wait-and-see approach, making purchases only when necessary. Towards the end of September, a noticeable jump in downstream demand led to inreased new orders. In response, some enterprises resumed production, contributing to an increase in market supply.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2023, melamine paper prices in the European market saw an increase due to modest demand and rising production costs. Specifically, in July 2023, melamine paper prices in Germany exhibited an upward trend because of higher feedstock (urea) prices. Manufacturers had to grapple with increased production expenses, primarily stemming from elevated upstream prices, which were compounded by economic uncertainty within the country. The convergence of economic and geopolitical instability, along with stricter financial conditions, posed challenges to overall demand. Germany's industrial sector faced ongoing difficulties as the nation confronted economic challenges. The German Economy Ministry issued a warning, attributing the negative impact on the country's economy to high energy prices and interest rates, despite a slight increase in demand. Recent official data confirmed that Germany's economy had stagnated, exacerbating the challenges amid an industrial slowdown and persistent inflation. Nevertheless, policymakers had to navigate a complex economic landscape, with elevated oil prices affecting gasoline prices, transportation costs, and the production expenses of consumer goods.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
Overall Melamine paper price dynamics in North America remained on a positive trend and account of inclined demand from furnishing and coating sector. Moreover, the production cost remained at a moderate pace as the feedstock (melamine and urea) prices remained on the positive note in the regional market. The US market continued to witness inclination in employment rate with higher frequency leading to supply shortage and fewer worker availability to complete the orders. Product oversupply and higher vacancies in the employment sector amidst the moderate demand outlook governed the overall price dynamics of Melamine in the regional market. Improvement practices in the US private region got moving on a weaker note in 2023, with the total worth of improvement set up falling by 4.1% year-on-year (YoY) in the underlying two months of this ongoing year.
Asia-Pacific
Melamine costs in the second quarter of 2023 followed the declining trend because of a sluggish demand standpoint and weak feedstock (melamine and urea). In the early quarter, the expense of raw substance urea kept on falling, and the importing prices remained on lower edge, suppliers proficiently executed early demands, downstream premium didn't improve basically, and new request situation needed, achieving a lessening in the melamine market. The market supply was moderate, the solicitation was ordinary, and the essential issue of melamine trades had declined. Towards the quarter end, urea (feedstock) crippled, with a creation limit. Downstream (coating and lamination) request was powerless, with requiring reestablishment being the essential note. Undertaking stock pressure was high, and the market natural market irregularity was obvious, achieving a lessening in the melamine market. The premium basically in the required followed up fittingly, and the overall display of the melamine market was typical. Moreover, the Indian buyers restricted themselves as the arrival of monsoon in upcoming months restricted the buyers from placing new orders compelling the suppliers to keep the prices on lower edge.
Europe
Melamine paper prices in the European market leaned all through the subsequent quarter by virtue of moderate interest and slanted creation cost. Feedstock (Melamine, Urea) costs stayed on a higher edge as the interest in urea was high in the spring season. The additional lift to extension had obliged the European Central Bank (ECB) into intense monetary fixing while simultaneously hurting customers' certifiable purchasing power and firms' efficiency. Eurozone government obtaining costs rose on the news as monetary supporters bet on further basic ECB rate increases. With slanted loan fees and higher ware costs, the general development and it were affected to cover areas. Working with supply bottlenecks, the high abundance of orders and the fall in energy costs support the continued with recovery in industry.
