For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Natural Steatite Price Index rose by 9.2% quarter-over-quarter due to supply constraints.
• The average Natural Steatite price for the quarter was approximately USD 759.67/MT, reflecting higher landed costs.
• Tighter import availability lifted the Natural Steatite Spot Price, prompting competition for scarce CFR cargoes now.
• Elevated freight and bunker costs shifted the Natural Steatite Production Cost Trend, raising landed cost pressure.
• End-user resilience supported the Natural Steatite Demand Outlook, with plastics, ceramics and coatings sustaining offtake levels.
• Inventory drawdowns at Gulf Coast warehouses tightened balances and supported the Natural Steatite Price Index momentum.
• Buyers paid premiums for prompt cargoes, reinforcing the short-term Natural Steatite Price Forecast and market tightness.
• Operational constraints at Houston ports amplified logistics costs, sustaining higher landed prices despite freight stabilization.
Why did the price of Natural Steatite change in September 2025 in North America?
• Monsoon mining disruptions in South Asia reduced export volumes, constraining inbound supply to US Gulf.
• Houston congestion and higher bunker costs raised landed costs, forcing buyers to accept CFR premiums.
• Robust industrial demand from plastics, ceramics and coatings absorbed supply shortfalls, preventing domestic demand destruction.
APAC
• In Japan, the Natural Steatite Price Index rose by 10.12% quarter-over-quarter, from tighter imports and higher freight.
• The average Natural Steatite price for the quarter was approximately USD 580.33/MT CFR Osaka landed basis.
• Domestic consumption kept the Natural Steatite Spot Price supported despite supply-side bottlenecks and elevated logistics expenses.
• Rising freight and fuel increased the Natural Steatite Production Cost Trend, compressing importer margins and pressuring costs.
• Natural Steatite Demand Outlook remains resilient across electronics, ceramics, cosmetics, supporting sustained offtake into the near term.
• Short-term Natural Steatite Price Forecast indicates modest month-to-month gains driven by seasonal restocking and constrained supply.
• Inventory tightness and steady export demand strengthened the Natural Steatite Price Index, limiting downside risk for importers.
• Major supplier disruptions in China and Korea tightened flows, prompting buyers to prioritize quality, maintain schedules.
Why did the price of Natural Steatite change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Logistical congestion and weather-related disruptions in major exporters reduced available Natural Steatite shipments to Japan in September.
• Rising intra-Asia freight rates and higher bunker costs increased landed costs, pushing the Price Index upward.
• Stable industrial demand from electronics, ceramics and cosmetics absorbed supply reductions, preventing significant downward price pressure.
Europe
• In Germany, the Natural Steatite Price Index rose by 5.9% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting supply constraints, resilient demand.
• The average Natural Steatite price for the quarter was approximately USD 501.00/MT, CFR Hamburg reported basis.
• Tight port congestion and lower inventories pushed the Natural Steatite Spot Price higher, tightening physical availability.
• Natural Steatite Price Forecast points to near-term upside given persistent supply disruptions and steady industrial consumption.
• Rising freight, insurance and fuel expenses elevated the Natural Steatite Production Cost Trend, pressuring importers' margins.
• Natural Steatite Demand Outlook remains firm as ceramics, automotive and coatings sectors sustain ongoing material consumption.
• Declining port inventories and export demand supported the Natural Steatite Price Index amid constrained inbound supply.
• Importers are drawing down inventories, prioritising critical production needs amid elevated landed costs and delays.
Why did the price of Natural Steatite change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Supply constrictions from monsoon-impacted exporters and declared force majeure curtailed inbound volumes to European ports.
• Port congestion, longer voyages and higher insurance increased landed costs, pressuring import availability, buyer pricing.
• Robust industrial demand from ceramics and automotive sectors absorbed reduced volumes, preventing immediate demand destruction.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Natural Steatite Price Index in Q2 2025 saw a 2.8% quarter on quarter decrease compared to Q1 2025.
• Production costs remained relatively stable throughout the quarter. Energy and coke prices eased slightly, and logistics costs dipped due to shorter transit times (11–12 days to Houston), providing marginal cost relief.
• Demand stayed solid across cosmetics, construction, electronics, ceramics, plastics, paints, and industrial lubricants, with various sectors showing modest growth in Q2. Steady uptake helped absorb much of the supply.
• After modest upticks in early to mid quarter (driven by seasonal demand and supply disruptions from Canada), the index declined by the end as inventory built up and industrial offtake softened.
• Inventories & Supply Chains: By the end of the quarter, inventories remained elevated, import flows (including Canada, China, and beyond) stayed robust, and logistics remained stable, all reinforcing downward pressure.
Why did the Natural Steatite price change in July 2025 in North America?
As of July, mid-month, there’s no significant change reported in the Natural Steatite Price Index—no clear upward or downward move post Q2. Unlike graphite, no new tariffs or duties have been announced that would spur pre-buying or supply disruptions. Thus, prices appear to have remained relatively flat going into July 2025.
Europe
• Natural Steatite Price Index Decreased by approximately 1% quarter-on-quarter compared to Q1 2025.
• Natural Steatite Production Cost Trend: Input costs, especially for energy, freight, and regulatory compliance—were mildly elevated due to logistical bottlenecks at Hamburg/Bremerhaven, but no major cost spikes occurred, keeping overall costs relatively range-bound.
• Natural Steatite Demand Outlook: Demand remained steady, supported by robust cosmetics consumption across Europe (notably strong L’Oréal sales) and signs of stabilization in Germany’s construction sector, even though housing remained weak
• Constrained supply due to environmental curbs in China, labor and logistical disruptions in India, plus port congestion in Germany balanced with steady demand from cosmetics and construction, leading to modest price decline
Why did the Natural Steatite price change in July 2025 in Europe?
Based on the latest available data, European Natural Steatite prices ticked slightly higher in July. This uptick stemmed from renewed strength in cosmetics and construction demand combined with fresh logistical constraints—particularly port delays in Northern Europe.
APAC
• Natural Steatite Price Index fell by about 1.5% quarter on quarter, driven by steady supply from China and South Korea exceeding subdued regional demand
• Natural Steatite Production Cost Trend remained relatively stable throughout the quarter, as energy and logistics costs showed minor fluctuations without significantly impacting landed costs
• Natural Steatite Demand Outlook varied across key sectors: In Japan, cosmetics and construction maintained firm offtake early in the quarter, though overall industrial demand eased by quarter end, Electronics and ceramics sectors remained steady but not strong enough to absorb oversupply.
• Natural Steatite Price Forecast for the medium term suggests continued downward pressure unless there’s a pickup in downstream activity or a notable reduction in exports from dominant suppliers like China
Why did the Natural Steatite price change in July 2025 in APAC?
The Natural Steatite Price Index in Asia saw a modest uptick, reversing some of the Q2 decline. This was largely due to a slight tightening in China’s domestic output and signs of increased downstream restocking in Japan. A recent report on China’s talc and steatite market showed demand stabilizing, with projections of “increasing consumption” through the decade. This prompted buyers to accelerate purchases, pushing the prices higher.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
• The Natural Steatite Price Index in North American market fell consistently during the first quarter of 2025, settling at USD 677/MT CFR Houston, reflecting a 5.7% decrease QoQ compared to Q4 2024.
• Why did the price of Natural Steatite change in April 2025?
Prices decreased initially in April 2025 due to weakening demand from downstream industries and surplus inventories built up earlier in anticipation of potential tariffs.
• Early in the quarter, prices temporarily increased due to stronger Natural Steatite Demand Outlook from sectors such as cosmetics and lubricants, alongside a manufacturing rebound.
• Mid- to late quarter saw a consistent price drop, driven by import oversupply, inventory stockpiling, and softening industrial consumption.
• The Natural Steatite Spot Price declined as demand fell in end-use markets including beauty, ceramics, and industrial lubricants.
• Supply chains remained functional, and imports continued, but were met with limited domestic offtake.
• The Natural Steatite Production Cost Trend remained stable, but market oversaturation diminished any potential cost-led support.
• The Natural Steatite Price Forecast points to continued softness unless downstream demand picks up or import volumes are curtailed.
Europe
• The Natural Steatite Price Index in Europe ended Q1 2025 at USD 460/MT CFR Hamburg, marking a 3.4% decrease QoQ compared to Q4 2024.
• Why did the price of Natural Steatite change in April 2025?
Natural Steatite prices decreased in early April due to balanced supply, easing freight costs, and weakening demand from the construction and manufacturing sectors.
• Initial price spikes occurred due to extreme winter weather and port disruptions, which temporarily tightened supply.
• By mid-quarter, Natural Steatite Spot Price saw a sharp correction as conditions normalized and freight expenses declined.
• The Natural Steatite Demand Outlook remained relatively firm in the beauty and personal care segment, driven by digital-physical retail strategies and premium product trends.
• However, industrial demand dropped, especially in Germany, impacting overall pricing.
• Imports and domestic supply stabilized across the region, while demand failed to rebound meaningfully.
• The Natural Steatite Production Cost Trend was influenced slightly by energy and logistics fluctuations, but generally trended neutral.
• The Natural Steatite Price Forecast anticipates range-bound prices unless macroeconomic sentiment improves in core industrial markets.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• The Natural Steatite Price Index in APAC (focused on Japan) closed Q1 2025 at USD 500/MT CFR Osaka, showing a 2.7% QoQ decrease from Q4 2024.
• Why did the price of Natural Steatite change in April 2025?
Prices decreased in the early weeks of April, as inventories rose and demand from ceramics, construction, and beauty sectors remained weak.
• Early quarter pricing increased briefly due to supply disruptions in China during the Lunar New Year and severe weather affecting logistics.
• Festive-driven demand from the beauty and personal care industry provided some early support, but this proved short-lived.
• By mid- to late-quarter, Natural Steatite Spot Price declined as Chinese and South Korean supply increased, overwhelming soft regional demand.
• The Natural Steatite Demand Outlook in Japan remained weak amid cautious procurement strategies and global economic headwinds.
• End-use industries such as construction, ceramics, and cosmetics were slow to restock, limiting price recovery potential.
• The Natural Steatite Production Cost Trend remained stable, though not enough to counter the oversupply situation.
• The Natural Steatite Price Forecast projects continued downward pressure unless there’s a pickup in industrial activity or reduced exports from key suppliers like China.
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.
