Quicklime Price Trend

Quicklime Prices December 2023

In the USA, although the imported raw material shortage pushed the prices of quicklime slightly in November 2023, there was still moderate demand from steelwork companies. In fact that freight charge fluctuations increased the import costs and as a result limited the supplies. Margins were kept via a slow-growing price increase pattern. As a result of the closeout patterns and cheap material from overseas destocking, the market became more affordable, and the prices dropped to USD 205/MT CFR Texas in February.

China experienced a quicklime price jump as the domestic and foreign demands for people increased with the growth of the infrastructural and manufacturing sector. Shortage of stock came as a major factor and prices rose much higher to 156 USD/MT FOB Qingdao.

In the Netherlands, quicklime declined by 3% in price due to poorly in demand and limited resources. The last price of the FD Rotterdam, USD 159/MT, was too low to enable the suppliers to remain profitable even though they were trying to cut down the throughput rates.

Additionally, in the UAE, prices for quicklime stayed unchanged due to great availability and moderate demand were even. The inducement seen from private sector consumption and fixed investment on economic strength was an outcome. The prices will vary based on what we purchase from input providers, demand, and inventory levels, presently is USD 140/MT FOB Jebel Ali.

Quicklime Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Quicklime Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” offers an in-depth analysis of quicklime pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot price of quicklime at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of quicklime price trend across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing quicklime price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Quicklime Market Anaysis

The global quicklime market size reached 50.4 Million Tonnes in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 77.7 Million Tonnes, at a projected CAGR of 4.90% during 2023-2032.

• The government participation in infrastructure projects, which is reflected in their demand for quicklime represents the major factor influencing the use of this material. According to the sources of the U.S. Department of Transportation, eventually the infrastructure spending will increase the estimate of $1 trillion by 2029. Quicklime is used in various construction projects for making roads, bridges and dispelling soils. The use of this technology in these ventures helps to upgrade transportation routes and utilities as well as develop resource capacity. Furthermore, quicklime as well as Portland which is the same measure is included in asphalt and concrete production to increase the strength of infrastructure parts. Hence, any augment in or deceleration of infrastructural expenses are the determinants in the market's development. Therefore, quicklime is the main factor supporting the market's movement forward.
• The important part of production for steel industry is the iron ore sintering, where quicklime is used for flux and desulphurization processes. For instance, as found from data of the US Geological Survey, the steel production in the USA was close to 90 million tons in 2022. Pulverized limestone is more readily available that makes it highly effective in removing impurities like sulfur and phosphorus that are present as undesirable substances in liquid iron which is produced through steel making process thereby enhancing product quality and meeting industry standards. Besides being used as a slagging one, lime is also a fluxing agent to help eliminate impurities from raw materials and adjust chemical constitution of steels. As a result, the supply of quicklime to the steel industry is dependent on the volume of steel production and is the consequence of which the demand for quicklime is a significant factor in the market growth.
• Policies of international trade are directly implemented on quicklime imports and exports, make them act in certain way and change process of pricing. International Trade Commission figures show that the value of imported quicklime to the United States was roughly $21 million in year 2021. The main trade policies such as tariffs, quotas and trade agreements have considerable impact on the cost-competitiveness of imported quicklime products and are also levers that change the supply chain design. Moreover, variable rates of exchange rates and regional conflicts might influence at international level and undermine market stability. As such, changes in international trade policies affect critical the market landscape of quicklime and market participants through import-export dynamics that adjust costs and competitiveness of players. As a result, actors in the market must pay attention to trade policy regime changes, bearing in mind the fact that they need to read between the lines and adjust to newest market possibilities and challenges.

Quicklime News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global quicklime market, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in quicklime production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that impact the quicklime price trend.

Latest developments in the quicklime industry:

• In July 2021, Lhoist North America together with Maerz Ofenbau AG commenced operating of a new lime kiln in Montevallo in the USA. LHAs North America strengthened its output of dolomitic quicklime in Marble Falls, Texas, as well as a new lime kiln at its New Braunfels, Texas facility. This development allows the company to capture market segments where demand for lime products has been unattended before. This may involve expanding the production capacity and choosing strategic plant locations to help the company improve its position in the lime market and to better meet the requirements of its clients in the region.

Product Description

Calcium oxide (CaO), which is the chemical form of quicklime, is a white and caustic powder that is obtained by heating limestone or calcium carbonate at high temperatures in a kiln. It is a multi-faceted chemical compound with different industrial applications. It is majorly used in the steel industry, where it serves as a flux in the refining of molten iron, helping to strip off impurities like silica, phosphorus, and sulfur. Besides, in the making of construction materials such as cement, mortar and plaster quicklime functions as a binder. Environmental applications of quicklime include water and wastewater treatment of neutralize acidity and removal of contaminants. It further serves agricultural purposes as a soil amendment to adjust pH levels and enhance soil quality. The ability of quicklime to react rapidly and produce exothermic reactions is what makes it an important chemical in many industrial applications.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the quicklime market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends, price forecast and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the quicklime price trend.

Global Quicklime Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global quicklime pricing trends in the form of quicklime price charts, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level. This comprehensive analysis not only highlights current price of quicklime but also provides insights into historical price trends, enabling stakeholders to understand past fluctuations and their underlying causes.

The report also delves into price forecast models, projecting future price movements based on a variety of indicators such as expected changes in supply chain dynamics, anticipated policy shifts, and emerging market trends. By examining these factors, the report equips industry participants with the necessary tools to make informed strategic decisions, manage risks, and capitalize on market opportunities. Furthermore, it includes a detailed quicklime demand analysis, breaking down regional variations and identifying key drivers specific to each geographic market, thus offering a nuanced understanding of the global pricing landscape.

Europe Quicklime Price

The European market of the quicklime for the last quarter of 2023 faced a decline and the price change was influenced by several factors. A remarkable drop in demand from the downstream Steel industry evidenced by slow sold out of products and inventory backlog. The pressure of electricity prices is what is weighing down producers, further straining margins. This has pushed producers to act with caution and reduce their production. Moreover, the trend was driven by a recession that had a general setback for businesses as demonstrated by weakened business confidence and a reduction in new orders across sectors.

This analysis can be extended to include detailed quicklime price information for a comprehensive list of countries.

North America Quicklime Price

The North American quicklime market has gained a slight increase in the fourth quarter of 2023 against the last quarter. The market exchange rate was affected by several factors during this period. First, we had a scarcity of imports, and so actual supplies were not enough while the present orders were not completely met. This shortage has been further aggravated by the occurrence of logistical difficulties in the global container trade, such as drying rivers and port congestion. Furthermore, the steel production sector showed moderate downstream demand, and thus contributed to the price stability. However, the demand for the construction industry is low because the mortgage rates and interest rates have increased. Furthermore, the volatility with freight charges contributed to the cost of importing cargos to the USA that had also more profound effects to the pricing dynamics of quicklime. These contributors in turn swayed the market as well as its price direction during that quarter.

Specific quicklime historical data within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Quicklime Price

The fourth quarter of 2023 in the Middle East & Africa region saw a declining trend in the quicklime market owing to the influences of a number of key factors. Firstly, there has been a clear increase in the supply of quicklime resulting in a weakened demand with fewer export inquiries, particularly in the downstream steel sectors. The oversupply situation drove the prices down as entrepreneurs started to sell their goods at lower than their normal price to stimulate purchase activity. Besides that, the reductions in the international offtake figures and the sluggish domestic demand added to the decline of price.

In addition to region-wise data, information on quicklime prices for countries can also be provided.

Asia Pacific Quicklime Price

The Asia Pacific region experienced an enhanced market performance for quicklime in comparison with the preceding quarters in the fourth quarter of 2023. The shortage of supply, which was the result of destocking activities and below the normal production rates, has led to a decline in quick Lime’s availability, resulting in a spike in prices. Nevertheless, the popularity of quicklime was quite stable, particularly in the downstream steel production part that led to price rise. Also, the sectors with moderate to high intensity of demand added to existing favorable market conditions. Rising costs of inputs, i.e. energy and raw materials, which have overall led to price increases have also affected the market negatively. In short, the balanced picture of limited supply, buoyant demand and rising input costs resulted in an excellent condition for quicklime in the APAC region at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023.

This quicklime price analysis can be expanded to include a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Quicklime Price

The analysis of quicklime prices in Latin America provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of quicklime pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting quicklime price trend, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The quicklime price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.