For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In North America, Natural Steatite experienced a challenging first quarter of 2025, with supply chain dynamics and economic factors significantly influencing market sentiment. While steady U.S. manufacturing activity offered some support, logistical disruptions, inventory buildup, and shifting consumer preferences shaped the commodity’s performance across the region.
In the USA, Natural Steatite prices declined consistently throughout the quarter, ending at USD 677/mt CFR Houston. When compared to last quarter of 2024, QoQ prices decreased by 5.7% in Q1 2025. At the start of the quarter, a brief price rise occurred, driven by recovering manufacturing activity and rising demand from downstream sectors such as cosmetics and lubricants. However, by mid-quarter, prices started to fall as demand weakened and importers, anticipating potential tariffs, had overstocked inventories.
By the end of the quarter, subdued demand across key industries including beauty, ceramics, and lubricants—combined with global supply stability and domestic oversupply, created a buyer’s market. Despite consistent imports, weakened consumption led to further price declines.
Europe
In Q1 2025, Europe’s Natural Steatite market navigated through fluctuating conditions, marked by extreme weather and port congestion early in the quarter, followed by stable supply and easing freight costs. Despite initial disruptions, downstream demand particularly from the beauty and personal care industry remained relatively firm across the continent. The European market continued emphasizing digital-physical retail integration and innovation in premium beauty products, providing some demand stability despite economic headwinds. In Germany, Natural Steatite prices showed a continuous decline throughout the quarter. At the start, prices briefly increased due to severe weather-related supply chain disruptions and strong demand from the beauty sector. However, as the quarter progressed, stable supply conditions and lower freight rates, coupled with weakened demand from key industries like construction and manufacturing, led to a sharp price correction. By the end of the quarter, the price stood at USD 460/mt CFR Hamburg. When compared to Q4 2024, the QoQ price decreased 3.4% in Q1 2025, reflecting subdued industrial demand and economic uncertainties across Germany’s core sectors.
APAC
In the APAC region, the natural steatite market remained under pressure throughout Q1 2025, primarily driven by shifting supply-demand dynamics. Regional trends were largely influenced by China’s role as a major supplier and the downstream consumption patterns in industrialized economies like Japan. In Japan, natural steatite prices saw a continuous decline over the quarter, closing at USD 500/mt CFR Osaka, with a 2.7% decrease QoQ compared to Q4 2024. At the start of the quarter, prices rose due to constrained supply from China during the Lunar New Year and severe winter conditions impacting mining and transport. Simultaneously, festive season demand—especially from the beauty and personal care industry—added upward pressure. However, by mid-quarter, prices began declining as inventories built up and domestic demand softened amid weak manufacturing and global economic uncertainties. Toward the end of the quarter, ample supply from China and South Korea, paired with sluggish demand from ceramics, construction, and cosmetics sectors, resulted in a steep drop in prices. Persistent economic headwinds and cautious procurement approaches further defined Japan’s natural steatite market landscape this quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the natural steatite market in North America experienced a 1.6% quarter-on-quarter price increase, reflecting mixed regional dynamics. While supply chains faced disruptions due to global freight cost escalations and logistical bottlenecks, stable mining operations and consistent imports supported the overall market balance. End-use sectors, including agriculture, construction, and personal care, continued to drive demand, contributing to the price resilience across the region.
In the United States, the quarter began with supply challenges stemming from shipping delays and increased freight costs, particularly from Asia. However, domestic mining activity and improved extraction technologies ensured a steady supply. Demand growth was observed in the paint, coatings, and paper industries, supported by robust agricultural activity and favorable growing conditions, leading to record corn and soybean yields. The construction sector showed modest expansion, with job growth and early signs of housing recovery, while the personal care sector reported strong seasonal demand, particularly through e-commerce.
By the end of the quarter, the price of natural steatite CFR Houston stood at USD 741/MT. Despite regulatory uncertainties in the personal care sector and varying activity levels in downstream industries, the market-maintained stability, underpinned by balanced supply and steady demand from key sectors.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Natural Steatite prices in Europe showed a quarterly increase of 3.5%, driven by constrained supply and steady demand from key industries. The region faced ongoing challenges, including logistical disruptions, port congestion, and elevated energy costs, which added to operational pressures. While geopolitical tensions and shipping constraints affected global supply, consistent production from major exporters like China and India ensured no significant shortages. Demand remained stable across traditional applications, with growth observed in renewable energy systems and electric vehicle infrastructure offsetting weaknesses in other sectors. In the UK, the Natural Steatite market experienced tight supply conditions, exacerbated by reduced imports and rising spot rates on Asia-Europe trade routes. Energy costs further strained manufacturing, while geopolitical factors impacted shipping schedules. Demand patterns varied, with the automotive sector showing growth, supported by a 6.5% rise in vehicle sales, and commercial construction projects maintaining robust activity. However, residential construction slowed due to higher interest rates, and the personal care industry faced subdued consumer sentiment amid scrutiny over talc-related health concerns. By the end of the quarter, Natural Steatite prices in the UK stood at USD 442/MT CFR Immingham, reflecting a market adapting to both regional and global challenges.
APAC
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Natural Steatite market in the APAC region experienced a mixed trajectory, with demand influenced by varied sectoral performance. Increased production and technological advancements in mining ensured a steady supply, supported by diversified global networks. However, rising regulatory compliance costs and logistical challenges, including elevated intra-Asia trade costs, impacted overall market dynamics. Demand remained strong in China, driven by robust construction activity and fiscal stimulus measures, while Southeast Asia saw consistent growth in industrial applications despite consumer price sensitivity. In Japan, the Natural Steatite market faced supply chain concerns due to stricter export controls from China and fluctuating shipping costs, though supply stabilized towards the quarter's end. Domestic production benefited from efficient logistics and consistent raw material availability, ensuring steady output for ceramics, refractories, and cosmetics. While ceramics and cosmetics demand held firm, industrial applications, particularly refractories, faced pressure due to inconsistent steel production. Vehicle sales declined, reflecting subdued activity in the automotive sector. Despite these challenges, Natural Steatite prices in Japan rose by 3.5% from the previous quarter, ending at USD 550/MT CFR Osaka. This price increase underscores the market's resilience and the sustained demand for steatite across diverse applications in the region.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the context of North America's Natural Steatite market in Q3 2024, prices experienced a notable uptrend driven by a confluence of factors. Supply stability, coupled with increased demand, played a pivotal role in shaping the pricing dynamics. The quarter witnessed steady supply chains and consistent production levels, bolstered by efficient inventory management practices. Demand surged across various sectors, with the construction industry and manufacturing showing resilience and growth. The fertilizer sector's expansion and positive trends in commercial construction projects further fueled demand for Natural Steatite. While global economic uncertainties persisted, the North American market remained robust, reflecting a bullish sentiment.
Transitioning to the USA, which saw the most significant price changes, the market exhibited a clear positive trend. Seasonal influences, such as hot and humid weather affecting mining operations, were complemented by increased demand from key industries.
The quarter saw a notable 2% price increase between the first and second half, culminating in a closing price of USD 756/MT Natural Steatite CFR Houston. Despite challenges like freight disruptions, the market managed to maintain an upward trajectory, showcasing a positive pricing environment.
APAC
In the third quarter of 2024, the Asia-Pacific region experienced a significant surge in Natural Steatite prices, indicative of a vibrant and fluctuating market landscape. This period was characterized by a confluence of factors contributing to the price increase. Supply-side limitations, primarily due to interruptions in mining activities coupled with unfavorable meteorological conditions, were pivotal in the escalation of prices. Simultaneously, a strong demand emanating from key industrial domains, notably construction and manufacturing, provided additional upward pressure on the pricing trajectory. In the midst of these developments, the region benefited from consistent intra-Asia shipping rates, which played a crucial role in curbing potential cost volatilities, thereby aiding in maintaining a degree of price stability. Japan, in particular, observed substantial price changes, marked by a 2% increase from the previous quarter. The market displayed a positive sentiment, navigating through economic challenges and seasonal variations. Notably, the price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a 2% uptick, indicating sustained growth momentum. The quarter-ending price of USD 536/MT of Natural Steatite CFR Osaka in Japan signifies a strengthening pricing environment, underscoring a bullish trend in the market.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2024, the European market experienced a notable increase in Natural Steatite prices, reflecting a positive pricing environment. This period saw several contributing factors that significantly influenced market dynamics. Among these were the supply challenges stemming from disruptions in African sources, which contrasted with a stable supply within Europe itself. Concurrently, demand levels remained robust, propelled by a revitalized construction sector and sustained growth within the automotive industry. Despite this, the market faced headwinds in the form of adverse weather conditions and prevailing economic uncertainties, which introduced challenges to demand across specific sectors. The United Kingdom, in particular, felt the most pronounced price fluctuations, attributed to an uptick in car production and exports, which in turn affected the demand for Natural Steatite. Over the quarter, a modest 1% change from the preceding quarter was recorded, suggesting slight volatility. More notably, a 2% price disparity was observed between the first and second halves of the quarter, indicative of a generally positive market trajectory. As the quarter came to a close, the price for Natural Steatite in the UK was quoted at USD 432/MT CFR Immingham, mirroring the broader trend of escalating prices across the region.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the North American Natural Steatite market experienced a notable downturn, primarily driven by a confluence of economic and sector-specific factors. The quarter was marked by a significant reduction in industrial activity, high production costs, and supply chain complexities. Elevated borrowing rates and sluggish manufacturing outputs further amplified the adverse pricing environment.
Focusing on the USA, the Natural Steatite market saw the most pronounced price changes. The overall trend for the quarter was decidedly negative, influenced by diminishing manufacturing activity, particularly in the automotive and construction sectors. Seasonality also played a role, as the typically lower demand in spring months was further weakened by economic headwinds. Prices exhibited a downward trajectory, with the percentage change from the same quarter last year reflecting a significant decline. Compared to the previous quarter, prices dropped by 1%, indicating a persistent downward trend.
Concluding Q2 2024, the price of Natural Steatite CFR Houston in the USA stood at USD 761/MT. This quarter's pricing environment has been unequivocally negative, driven by a combination of operational disruptions, subdued demand, and broad economic challenges.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the Natural Steatite market in Europe experienced a notable decline in prices, influenced by a combination of economic, regulatory, and supply chain factors. The quarter was marked by persistent inflationary pressures, regulatory shifts, and fluctuating energy costs, all of which played pivotal roles in shaping the pricing landscape. The implementation of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) aimed to secure and diversify the supply of strategic raw materials, yet the market remained heavily reliant on imports, especially from China, Türkiye, and South Africa. Rising alloy surcharges due to increased nickel and molybdenum prices also factored into the overall market dynamics. Despite regulatory efforts and an interest rate cut by the European Central Bank intended to stabilize the market, these measures were insufficient to offset the broader downward trend.
In Germany, the Natural Steatite market experienced the most significant price changes. The quarter was characterized by a negative pricing environment, exacerbated by fluctuating energy prices and rising costs in CO2 emissions. The demand from vital sectors like automotive showed improvement, yet it was not enough to counterbalance the supply-side constraints and economic challenges. The seasonality effects and the correlation in price changes reflected a steady decline, with the percentage change from the previous quarter touching 1% on the negative scale. Disruptions such as Thyssenkrupp's production capacity reduction at its Duisburg site further strained the supply chain.
Conclusively, the quarter ended with Natural Steatite prices at USD 484/MT CFR Hamburg, underscoring a persistently negative pricing sentiment throughout the period. This downward trend highlighted the difficulty in achieving market equilibrium amid ongoing economic and regulatory challenges.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the APAC region witnessed a notable decline in Natural Steatite prices, driven by several influential factors. The market experienced a softening demand from key industries, exacerbated by seasonal fluctuations and significant supply chain disruptions. Noteworthy were the operational challenges faced by major producers, leading to intermittent plant shutdowns. The resulting supply excess further pressured prices downward. Additionally, the general economic downturn across the region dampened industrial activities, contributing to reduced consumption of Natural Steatite.
Focusing on Japan, which experienced the most significant price changes, the trend was markedly negative. The overall market sentiment was heavily impacted by persistent supply constraints and subdued demand from the automotive and construction sectors. The correlation in price changes reflects a consistent downward trajectory throughout the quarter, influenced by the broader economic malaise and specific industry downturns. The seasonality factor played a crucial role as well, with typically lower industrial output during this period further compounding the price decline.
Comparing the first and second quarters, there was a consistent decrease in prices with changes of 1% negatively, indicative of a sustained bearish market environment. The latest quarter-ending price for Natural Steatite CFR Osaka in Japan stood at USD 517/MT, underscoring the prevailing negative pricing sentiment. Overall, the pricing environment for Natural Steatite during this quarter has been decidedly negative, influenced by a confluence of diminished demand, supply chain disruptions, and broader economic challenges.
