Bromine Pricing Report

Bromine Prices December 2023

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the North American bromine market experienced a bearish trend, accompanied by low to moderate supply and declining demand, particularly in downstream industries like flame retardant and intermediates. Manufacturers reduced production due to oversupply and destocking by consumers, while slow overseas orders further affected the market.

In China, the bromine market saw stable demand from downstream industries, including flame retardant, alongside increased supply and higher domestic inventories from elevated production levels. Prices slightly rose due to heightened demand, with sufficient material availability domestically. The price of Bromine Exw-Shandong in China at the end of Q4 2023 was USD 3549/MT.

In the United Arab Emirates, significant price fluctuations occurred during the quarter due to an initially bearish market that later stabilized. Bromine supply remained moderate throughout. Compared to the same period last year, prices experienced a notable decrease of -48%.

Bromine Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled Bromine Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data, offers an in-depth analysis of bromine 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 prices at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of price trends across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing bromine 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.

Bromine Market Analysis

The global bromine market size reached US$ 3.5 Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 5.2 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 4.25% during 2023-2032.

• Bromine-based clear brine fluids are extensively used in oil and gas extraction processes as drilling and completion fluids. The increasing drilling activities worldwide to meet energy needs is driving the demand for bromine. According to Rystad [ag1] Energy, drilling activity was expected to increase with around 54,000 wells globally in 2021, marking a 12% rise from 2020. Further growth was projected in 2022, with an estimated 64,500 wells, albeit still below pre-pandemic levels. Onshore drilling was set to rise by 12% in 2021 to about 51,700 wells, followed by a 19% increase in 2022 to approximately 61,700 wells.
• With the growing need for clean and safe water, bromine compounds are increasingly utilized in water treatment processes. Its effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, makes it a valuable asset in ensuring water safety and quality. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO [ag2] ) states that approximately 1 million people die annually due to diarrhea caused by unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and poor hand hygiene. In addition to diarrhea, contaminated food and water pose various health risks. In 2021, over 251.4 million individuals required preventative treatment for schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms transmitted through exposure to infested water. Moreover, microbiologically contaminated drinking water can transmit diseases, such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio and is estimated to cause approximately 505 000 diarrhoeal deaths each year.
• Besides this, bromine compounds, such as bromochlorodimethylhydantoin (BCDMH), are employed in both swimming pools and industrial water treatment processes. These compounds release active bromine and chlorine when dissolved in water, offering a broad-spectrum antimicrobial action that is effective over a wide pH range. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in applications where maintaining a consistent pH is challenging.
• Bromine offers unique chemical properties, which makes it an invaluable reactant in organic synthesis, enabling the formation of various brominated pharmaceuticals. It is utilized in the formulation of an array of essential medications, such as those that treat epilepsy, anesthesia, sedation, and Alzheimer's disease. According to Alzheimer's Association [ag3] , approximately 7 million Americans lived with Alzheimer's, a number that will nearly double to 13 million by 2050. In 2021, Alzheimer's ranked as the fifth-leading cause of death among individuals aged 65 and older. Health and long-term care costs for those with dementia are forecasted to reach $360 billion in 2024 and nearly $1 trillion by 2050.

Bromine News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global bromine 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 bromine production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that shape the industry landscape.

Latest developments in the bromine industry:

• In August 2022: Albemarle Corporation [ag4] announced the realignment of its Bromine business unit into a new global business unit, Albemarle Specialties, along with the Lithium Specialties business, as part of its corporate restructuring. The move aims to better address customer needs and enhance competitiveness in the global specialty chemicals industry.
• In January 2024: Eos [ag5] Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: EOSE) expanded its partnership with TETRA Technologies, Inc., designating TETRA as the preferred supplier of high-purity zinc-bromide electrolytes products for Eos's new Eos Z3™ long duration energy storage cube.
• In November 2022: Archean Chemical Industries [ag6] planned to set up a new facility to manufacture bromine performance derivatives products through its subsidiary, Acume Chemicals Private Limited. This facility will be constructed on a parcel of land allotted to them from the GIDC, Ankleshwar.

Product Description

Bromine is a chemical element with a dark reddish-brown color and a bleach-like odor. It is liquid at room temperature and soluble in water. It occurs naturally and is extracted from brine pools, where it is present in small quantities and separated through processes like aeration. It is known for its versatile properties, including high reactivity and effective heat stabilization.

It is a critical component in the production of flame retardants, which are essential for enhancing fire safety in a variety of consumer products, including electronics, textiles, and construction materials. It helps to slow down or stop the spread of fire, providing crucial protection and safety. It is also utilized in the production of dyes and pigments, offering a spectrum of vibrant colors for textiles and inks. It is a key component in the manufacture of silver bromide, a compound used in traditional photographic film due to its sensitivity to light, enabling image capture.

In agriculture, brominated compounds serve as potent pesticides and fumigants, helping to protect crops and ensure food security.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the bromine market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends 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 price trends. 

Global Bromine Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global bromine pricing trends, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level.

Europe Bromine Price

European bromine prices are examined, highlighting the market-specific influences in the region, such as stringent environmental regulations, the competitive landscape, and import-export imbalances that significantly affect pricing structures.

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

North America Bromine Price

The North American bromine market saw a bearish trend characterized by low to moderate supply and declining demand in the consumer market. Oversupply and destocking of inventories led to reduced demand from downstream industries, prompting manufacturers to lower production rates domestically. Despite stable prices in the US domestic market, slow inflow of new orders from overseas impacted the market.

Specific data on bromine prices within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Bromine Price

The Middle East bromine market showed mixed performance in the fourth quarter of 2023. While demand from the flame-retardant industry remained moderate, ample domestic inventories ensured supply stability. However, major exporting nations faced production challenges due to seasonal factors like the monsoon season, affecting imports. The United Arab Emirates witnessed significant price fluctuations initially but stabilized later, with a 48% decrease from the same period last year. Nonetheless, quarter-on-quarter prices remained relatively stable, showing only a 1% change.

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

Aisa Pacific Bromine Price

The Asia Pacific Bromine market experienced bearish sentiment due to weak demand from downstream industries, resulting in low to moderate overall supply. Inquiries from flame retardant, disinfectant, and pharmaceutical sectors decreased. However, in China, steady demand from downstream industries led to a stable market, with high supply and increased domestic inventories. Bromine prices slightly rose due to heightened user demand. The market outlook suggests a potential improvement in future demand, indicating a bullish trend.

This analysis can be further extended to include detailed bromine prices for a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Bromine Price

The analysis of bromine 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 bromine 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 bromine price volatility, 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, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the bromine industry.