For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In United States, the Zircon Sand Price Index trended upward quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by rising production costs.
• Zircon Sand production costs rose, with PPI increasing 2.6% year-over-year in August 2025, indicating higher input expenses.
• Industrial electricity costs strengthened in August 2025, adding to Zircon Sand production expenses across the value chain.
• US natural gas prices experienced a significant year-on-year uptick in Q3 2025, impacting Zircon Sand feedstock costs.
• Zircon Sand demand outlook was mixed; industrial production grew only 0.1% year-over-year in September 2025, suggesting weak activity.
• Consumer confidence declined to 94.2 in September 2025, softening Zircon Sand demand in consumer-driven sectors like ceramics.
• Strong retail sales, up 5.42% year-over-year in September 2025, supported Zircon Sand demand in consumer applications.
• Residential Construction Spending surged in August 2025, positively influencing Zircon Sand demand in related uses.
• The domestic supply chain for zirconium, derived from zircon, showed potential for a single point of failure in 2025.
Why did the price of Zircon Sand change in September 2025 in North America?
• Rising input costs, evidenced by a 2.6% PPI increase year-over-year in August 2025.
• Strengthening industrial electricity costs and higher natural gas prices in Q3 2025.
• Mixed demand signals from stagnant industrial production and declining consumer confidence.
Europe
• In Germany, the Zircon Sand Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by contracting industrial activity.
• Zircon Sand production costs rose in Q3 2025 due to elevated energy prices and increasing environmental compliance expenses.
• Demand for Zircon Sand weakened as industrial production declined by 1.0% in September 2025.
• The Manufacturing Index contracted in Q3 2025, signaling reduced demand for raw materials like Zircon Sand.
• Wholesale electricity prices strengthened in Q3 2025, contributing to higher Zircon Sand manufacturing expenses.
• Producer prices decreased by 1.7% in September 2025, partially offsetting Zircon Sand production cost pressures.
• Retail sales increased by 0.2% in September 2025, offering slight indirect support for Zircon Sand in consumer goods.
• Construction output declined in Q3 2025, reducing demand for Zircon Sand in related applications.
• The Consumer Price Index rose 2.4% in September 2025, indicating broader inflationary pressures on operational costs.
Why did the price of Zircon Sand change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Industrial production declined by 1.0% in September 2025, reducing Zircon Sand demand.
• Producer prices decreased by 1.7% in September 2025, easing Zircon Sand production cost pressures.
• Elevated energy costs and rising CO2 emission prices increased Zircon Sand manufacturing expenses in Q3 2025.
APAC
• In China, the Zircon Sand Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by weak industrial demand and contracting manufacturing.
• The Producer Price Index decreased by 2.3% year-over-year in September 2025, reflecting broad weak industrial demand for Zircon Sand.
• The Manufacturing Index was contracting in September 2025, directly impacting new orders and overall industrial production.
• Zircon Sand production costs declined as diesel fuel costs weakened from August to September 2025.
• Consumer confidence at 89.6, 5.2% unemployment, and 0.3% CPI decrease dampened ceramics demand in September 2025.
• Industrial production expanded by 6.5% year-over-year in September 2025, providing some support for Zircon Sand in refractories.
• Retail sales increased by 3.0% year-over-year in September 2025, offering moderate support to the Zircon Sand ceramics segment.
• Raw material inventories declined through August 2025, and China's imports of Zircon Sand also decreased in Q3.
Why did the price of Zircon Sand change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Weak industrial demand, evidenced by a 2.3% year-over-year decrease in the Producer Price Index.
• Contracting Manufacturing Index in September 2025 reduced new orders and overall industrial output.
• Lower consumer confidence at 89.6 and a 0.3% CPI decrease dampened ceramics demand.
