Calcium Carbonate Price Trend and Forecast

Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Calcium Carbonate in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Calcium Carbonate Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

Asia

The calcium carbonate market in the APAC region witnessed a notable escalation in prices due to several factors. The shutdowns of major raw material-producing units in China provinces led to a reduced supply of raw materials and, eventually, lower rates of production. This thus led to the disruption of the market's supply-demand balance and favoring the stabilization of calcium carbonate prices after rough last quarters. Additionally, the Chinese Lunar New Year further worsened the situation by causing a sudden slowdown in the overall momentum of the market and disrupting the supply of the product in the region.

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Despite the reduction in the operational rates, the downstream demand of the commodity inclined slowly throughout the quarter in both China and India, leading to an uptrend in calcium carbonate price trend. However, as compared to China, the movement of calcium carbonate prices in India was minimal. The average spot prices (CIF) merely moved from an average of 189 USD/MT to 190 USD/MT in the first quarter of 2024, indicating a balance of supply and demand of the commodity in the region.

Europe

The calcium carbonate in European countries experienced a sudden surge in its prices, buoyed by economic recoveries and strategic investments driving demand across sectors. The industry witnessed notable transformations, including the rise in the number of production plants and domestic production rates, responding to escalating demand for calcium carbonate.

European markets are also showing signs of recovery, with increased infrastructure spending and a rise in consumer confidence, especially in the construction industries, supported by the boost in the momentum of calcium carbonate prices. The stabilization of energy prices further enhanced the industrial outlook of the region, leading to increased production and consumption of calcium carbonate across various sectors.

North America

The calcium carbonate market showcased suitable growth in its prices during the first quarter of 2024, supported by the robust performance of the USA's construction sector. Further, the expanding applications of calcium carbonate across sectors like plastics, paper, and pharmaceuticals also contributed to the positive outlook of the market.

At the beginning of the quarter, the distributors and manufacturers of the region started to replenish their inventories at the beginning of the quarter, which helped in maintaining the balance between the supply and demand sector in the later stages. However, global economic uncertainties and supply chain challenges, including geopolitical tensions and raw material shortages, increased the challenges of the traders.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Calcium Carbonate is estimated to take on a slow and gradual path as the recovery of the global market from economic recession and fluctuations  in demand from the downstream industries might take a while.

Calcium Carbonate Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Asia

A smooth falling trend in the prices of calcium carbonate was observed in the fourth quarter of 2023. In India, the market registered a decline from around 197 USD/MT (CIF) in October’23 to 185 USD/MT in December’23.

The primary cause of this depreciation in calcium carbonate prices was attributed to the significant reduction in the cost of raw materials and the poor functioning of the industrial sector. The consumers presented some reasonable demand for the product, but excessive availability of the material leading to destocking practices put a question mark on the growth of calcium carbonate prices.

Europe

The decline in calcium carbonate prices in the European countries was not as steep as observed in the Asian region. However, the trajectory of the prices was still not entirely in the green zone. Throughout the fourth quarter, the calcium carbonate price trend struggled with the weak momentum of the end-user industries and remained under the pressure of rising inventories along with rates of interest and inflation.

North America

In the first phase of the fourth quarter, the calcium carbonate prices tottered towards the lower end of the spectra due to feeble trading activities and a substantial decline in the export rates. Also, lowering production costs due to the fall in crude oil and natural gas prices adversely affected the functioning of the calcium carbonate market in the fourth quarter of 2023. But during the end phase, a slight positive movement in the price trend was seen, which could be attributed to the readmittance of consumer confidence in this sector.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Calcium Carbonate are expected to base its trajectory on the effectiveness of the supply chains and demand from the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Calcium Carbonate Price Trend for the July-September of 2023

Asia

The calcium carbonate regional prices followed a bearish trajectory throughout the third quarter of 2023. During this phase, the poor performance of the construction sector and declining cost of fuel prices caused the prices of calcium carbonate to experience a downfall. Further, deacceleration in the cost of freight and weak trading sentiments also contributed significantly to the downfall of the calcium carbonate price trend. This is evident in the price figures of India, where the prices fell from approximately 215 USD/MT in July to 205 USD/MT (CIF, India) in September.

Europe

The European countries wrestled with the poor demand and excessive influx of calcium carbonate in the region. The downstream paints and coatings sector projected slower rates of purchase of calcium carbonate as the region seemed to struggle with the feeble condition of the economy. Further, the adverse weather conditions, fall in freight charges, and overall slow movement of the domestic sector aided in the southwards movement of the calcium carbonate price trend.

North America

The calcium carbonate market lacked support from the downstream paints and coatings industries and upstream chemicals sectors, resulting in the fall of the calcium carbonate price trend. Further, the strong level of inventories and fluctuating costs of crude oil also had a significant share in keeping the prices of calcium carbonate in the negative zone. In the end months of the quarter, the supply chains also got disrupted due to the uneven trend in weather, additionally weakening the calcium carbonate market conditions.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Calcium Carbonate are expected to take a bearish trend as the global sentiments of the concerned market look weak.

Calcium Carbonate Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

Calcium Carbonate prices exhibited mixed price patterns in the Asian market in H1 2023. Stable supply-demand dynamics were observed. An almost flattened price curve was observed with marginal fluctuations. Prices in the Indian domestic market started at an average price of around 233 USD/MT (CIF, India) and closed the second quarter at about 235 USD/MT (CIF, India) in June 2023. Hence, owing to an almost stagnant behavior, the Calcium Carbonate market remained afloat in Asia.

Europe

Q1 started with the poor performance of Calcium Carbonate in the European markets. Due to limited offtakes from downstream sectors, inventories were filled with supplies from 2022. The prices fell further as the freight normalized and upstream costs declined. So, the profit margins were reduced substantially. Q2 saw some movement as suppliers put in efforts to vacate the stocks. Little dips in economic inflation across the region promoted the long-stuck construction sector. But overall, low swinging price trend for calcium carbonate were observed with muted market sentiments.

North America

American market outlook for Calcium Carbonate was also very mixed during the said period. As the interest rates shot up, the construction sector took a hit, and demands declined, leading to a fall in calcium carbonate prices in the first quarter. Demands picked up a little in the second quarter, but the upstream costs declined considerably as the energy and transportation charges fell, and unsold stocks were also piling up. So, the market remained riddled with all these factors, and oscillated cost behavior was observed.

Analyst Insight

According to the Procurement Resource, the Calcium Carbonate market is expected to continue fluctuating as the inventories are overflowing, and demands are not picking up. Suppliers will try to vacate the existing stockpiles, so further declining trend can be witnessed.

Calcium Carbonate Price Trend for the Second Half of 2022

Asia

Asia-Pacific recorded an oscillating price trend for calcium carbonate in the said period. The relaxed prices of upstream Coke and sufficient inventories kept the prices at bay. The offtakes from the construction sector were also limited. In China, the price of calcium carbonate went from 4000 RMB/MT in July to 1100 RMB/MT in  September 2022. With the Chinese government introducing of power rationing norms to tackle the heatwaves and energy crisis caused the country’s production rates to fall deeply impacting the prices.

The Indian domestic market mimicked the same pricing fundamentals where the calcium carbonate price trend kept towards the lower end of the scale in the said period. The prices went from 249 USD/MT (CIF India) in July’22 to around 228 USD/MT ( CIF India) (approx..) in December’22.

Europe

Calcium carbonate prices stood firm in the European region owing to the stable demand from the construction sector. Despite the rising prices of feedstock, the manufacturers did not raise their quotations as it was viable for the fragile market ecosystem. Hence, owing to the stable offtakes the prices remained somewhat unchanged.

North America

The prices in the US domestic market declined as speculations about the looming recession grasped the entire market. With the central banks raising the interest rates and the reduced inquiries from the construction sector, the market dynamics shifted.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the prices of calcium carbonate are expected to increase in the coming months provided factors like high inflationary prices, weak purchasing capacity, and high interest rates are kept in check.

For the Second Quarter of 2022

Asia

The price trend for calcium carbonate recorded an oscillating pattern due to changes in demand expectations from the construction sector. The zero-tolerance covid-regulations in China have severely hampered international trade, which has lowered the calcium carbonate market value. Additionally, downstream cement prices have declined as a result of the slowdown in construction activity.

Due to robust downstream demand, calcium carbonate price quotations in India surged at the start of Q2. But as the quarter came to a close, increased energy costs and a labour shortage lowered the market value of calcium carbonate. The typical cost of Calcium Carbonate Industrial Grade (PCC) Ex-Vadodara in June 2022 was 18050 INR/MT.

Europe

Prices of calcium carbonate rose in the second quarter along with the cost of key raw materials related to energy. The supply disruption brought on by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine seriously damaged Germany's economic activity.

In April, the market experienced high demand from the construction sector, which increased the price of calcium carbonate in the core European economy. However, as Q2 came to a conclusion, concerns about inflation and the rise in raw material prices made it difficult to predict the terminal demand for the downstream construction industry.

North America

Calcium carbonate prices skyrocketed in the first half of the second quarter owing to the strong downstream demand. The industrial sectors' decreased ability to function due to a lack of domestic labour, scarcity of truck drivers and raised logistics further impacted the domestic prices. Towards the end of the said period, the prices stabilized due to the decreased market sentiment.

For the First Quarter of 2022

Asia

The domestic calcium carbonate prices in China increased from 331.27 USD/MT in mid-January to 332.02 USD/MT by the final week of the month.

Europe

In Switzerland, a leading calcium carbonate producer, Omya International announced an increase in the price of the chemical as a result of increase in input costs such as raw materials, energy, packaging, transportation, chemicals, etc. Inflation in various countries and supply chain volatility are also major factors which drove up the calcium carbonate prices.

For the Fourth Quarter of 2021

Asia

Throughout Q4 2021, the Asia Pacific market remained stable, owing to adequate cost support from the demand projection and supply constraints in China. Dual-energy management, in conjunction with China's energy constraints, prompted suppliers to reduce factory run rates. However, the situation improved slightly in the second half, despite the fact that the resuscitation of COVID bolstered demand in Asia. Due to the ripple effect, the December quarter FOB Qingdao calcium carbonate prices increased.

Europe

Despite the supply-demand mismatch, market attitudes in Europe were optimistic in the fourth quarter of 2021. Operating loads remained stable in the midst of Europe's protracted energy crisis, which harmed domestic supply. Additionally, domestic enterprises were hesitant to inquire about international opportunities due to increased freight charges and a limited availability of freight boats. COVID's reintroduction bolstered Europe's domestic market.

North America

The fourth quarter of 2021 saw a slowdown in market activity in the North American region. Although bids decreased somewhat in the second quarter as industrial facilities recovered from Hurricane Ida's effects. Demand growth remained unchanged in the fourth quarter, and the area experienced some oversupply. 

For First, Second and Third Quarters of 2021

Asia

Asian market sentiments were mixed due to country-specific demand and supply dynamics. Whereas China saw high demand while keeping an appropriate supply to fulfil demand, high demand supported prices, which climbed by a modest 1.7 % in Q1 2021. On the other hand, India's strong demand from the cement and pharmaceutical industries led in price increases of 14.87 % and 14.98 % for construction and pharmaceutical grade calcium carbonate, respectively, during this period.

Consumption in the construction sector remained low as a result of the epidemic's second wave, cutting overall demand for the compound. In June, when new cases began to fall successfully, prices recovered on the back of improved economic confidence. As a result, prices in India rebounded substantially in June. In Asia, its prices increased exponentially in the third quarter of 2021. Calcium carbonate prices (industrial grade) ex-Mumbai was projected to be 208.89 USD/MT in September and ended at 165.05 USD/MT.

Europe

Demand remained stable across Europe in Q1 2021, fueled by downstream sectors such as building and pharmaceuticals. Due to a lack of local supply to match this demand, prices in various European countries have trended upward. FOB calcium carbonate prices in Germany grew 3.44 % to 150 USD/MT in Q1 2021, as rising freight and energy costs continued to have an effect on prices.

As a result, the price of the combination increased slightly throughout the European region. Prices grew gradually in the European market in Q3 2021, influenced by Asian market dynamics. Additionally, pricing was impacted by growing freight costs and a scarcity of available containers.

North America

Mid-February saw the devastation of a winter storm that raced throughout North America, disrupting virtually all manufacturing operations. Demand for calcium carbonate declined in the downstream cement sector, but climbed in the pharmaceutical sector, boosting its pricing. Calcium carbonate prices climbed from 485 US dollars per metric tonne in January 2021 to 495 US dollars per metric tonne in February 2021.

Demand was increased in the second quarter by the rebounding North American building industry. Between mid-April and May, prices in the United States of America increased dramatically, rising from 509 USD/MT to 520 USD/MT. Prices began to plummet later that month, owing to plentiful supply in the face of stagnating demand in the United States.

North America's market remained subdued in Q3 2021, owing to the product's limited availability in the face of significant downstream demand. In North America, supplies became curtailed as a result of the Ida hurricane, which generated an abrupt supply chain imbalance. 

For the Year 2020

Asia

Calcium carbonate consumption grew dramatically in Asia in Q4 2020, as a number of countries, including China and India, emphasised pharmaceutical and infrastructural development in response to 2020 Coronavirus concerns.

With the return of infrastructure activities in India over the November festival season, demand for paints, coatings, and adhesives recovered significantly. Thus, in Q4 2020, calcium carbonate price steadied at 320 USD/MT. With the recovery of industrial and civic activity, demand from the paper industry grew, resulting in an increase in the price of calcium carbonate throughout Southeast Asia.

Europe

In Europe, market sentiment has been bolstered by sustained rise in demand from the pharmaceutical, paper, and plastics industries. The increased focus on the green economy in Q4 as a result of multiple government initiatives needed infrastructure investment in Europe, which pushed the regional market even higher. Due to high demand from downstream sectors, prices in Europe stayed constant for Q4 2020. Increased demand from the steel and glass sectors aided in the price increase as well.

North America

Calcium carbonate prices climbed in the December quarter as the price of calcium feedstock increased. Thus, the key element driving the fourth-quarter 2020 price increase was a raw material supply limitation. As a result of the increased focus on healthcare, demand in the pharmaceutical business expanded dramatically, further boosting market fundamentals.

Latin America

In 2020, Mexico's total commercial exchange (which includes both imports and exports) was US$5.53 million. Mexico (US$2.62 million), Nuevo León (US$234 thousand), San Luis Potos (US$50.3 thousand), Mexico City (US$17.4 thousand), and Tamaulipas (US$7.08 thousand) were the states with the greatest exports of calcium carbonate.

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