Calcium Carbide Pricing Report

Calcium Carbide Prices December 2023

In the USA, the price of calcium carbide during Q4 of 2023 experienced a surge due to the rising demand from downstream construction companies. This is supported by the increase of 0.4% in construction spending across the country. By November, the price for calcium carbide saw a decline due to weak support from crude oil and natural gas prices. At the end of Q4, the product price rebounded and reached US$ 1385/MT due to strong cost support from feedstock coke.

The price trend for calcium carbide in China saw a decline in the first two months of Q4FY23 due to limited procurement from downstream construction companies. Additionally, the declining investment in the real estate sector across China, decreasing by 8.8% year-on-year further exerted the pressure on key raw materials, including calcium carbide. However, in December, the price for calcium carbide rebounded to USD 429/MT due to surging demand from the acetylene sector.

In Germany, calcium carbide prices experienced a steady increase owing to the implementation of a production-cut strategy by manufacturers. Beyond this, producers decided to pass on price hikes to the downstream industries to secure better profit margins. Germany also experienced an unexpected 3% decline in inflation in October (lowest since June 2021), which significantly improved the purchasing power end consumers. At the end of Q4, the price for calcium carbide was assessed at US$ 1140/MT.

Calcium Carbide Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled Calcium Carbide Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data, offers an in-depth analysis of calcium carbide 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 calcium carbide 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.

Calcium Carbide Market Analysis

The global calcium carbide market size reached US$ 16.2 Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 26.7 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 5.70% during 2023-2032.

• Stricter environmental laws are encouraging the use of calcium carbide in cleaner energy solutions, such as oxyacetylene welding. For example, the European Union (EU) has introduced the regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), which aim to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment through better identification of the properties of chemicals.
• The calcium carbide demand is further amplified by its utilization as a feedstock in the synthesis of acetylene gas, which is used in welding and metal-cutting processes. The market of acetylene gas is projected to reach US$ 7.5 Billion in 2032, resulting in a higher projected demand for calcium carbide in near future.
• Calcium carbide is also becoming increasingly popular in the construction sector as a raw material for producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene. Furthermore, the construction activities in emerging economies are expanding rapidly due to increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth. For instance, it is estimated that the construction industry in India will reach USD 1.47 trillion by 2025.
• The calcium carbide market share is further being reinforced by the development of chemical synthesis techniques that are enhancing production efficiency, making calcium carbide more cost effective.
• In addition, calcium carbide production is showing an upward trajectory as a result of its growing use in producing chemicals like vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), butanediol (BDO), and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). According to the BASF Report 2022, the global chemical production (excluding pharmaceutical) is expected to grow by 2.0% with China taking a lead at 5.9% growth rate.
• The market share is also expanding due to calcium carbide's increased demand in the agriculture sector for controlling pests and ripening fruits. According to the World Bank data, the world population will reach 10 billion by 2050, leading to heightened pressure on agriculture sector to incorporate chemicals like calcium carbide to increase productivity and ensure food security.
• Calcium carbide production has also witnessed a considerable surge due to technological advancements in manufacturing processes, which have improved the yield and quality of the product. For example, researchers have developed a new coal-coke-electricity grading substitution method (GSM) for producing calcium carbide, which offers high energy efficiency and environmental benefits.
• A positive trend for the market is also being created by the increased use of calcium carbide in the pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Furthermore, emerging economies are witnessing a significant surge in the pharmaceutical and electronics sector due to rising middle class and health awareness. For example, Indian pharmaceutical sector is set to reach US$ 130 Billion by 2030.

Calcium Carbide News

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

Latest developments in the calcium carbide industry:

• In January 2024, DCM Shriram inked a 12000 crore rupees MoU with the Gujrat Government during the Vibrant Gujrat Summit 2024 to manufacture chemical and petrochemical products in Bharuch, Gujarat, by 2028. DCM Shriram is a diversified conglomerate that produces PVC resins, aluminum chloride, calcium carbide, caustic soda, and many other products.
• In December 2023, Ghani Chemical Industries Limited (GCIL) announced its intention to establish a calcium carbide manufacturing project at Hattar Special Economic Zone. This comes along with the company’s plan to construct a 275 ton per day air separation unit (ASU) plant in the zone.

Product Description

Calcium carbide (CaC2), also known as calcium acetylide, is a chemical produced when coke and calcium oxide (lime) react at high temperatures. It possesses a grey to reddish-brown appearance and occurs in a crystalline solid form. Some of the unique characteristics of CaC2 are its strong heat conductivity, solubility in a wide range of solvents, and capacity to combine explosively with air. It is employed in metallurgy, agricultural activities, fruit ripening, chemical production, and iron desulfurization. CaC2 guarantees effective energy production, boosts crop yields, and improves industrial processes. It is also highly praised for its adaptability, affordability, and dependability. Calcium carbide itself appears as a grayish-black solid with a distinctive garlic-like odor. Its most notable property is its reaction with water, producing acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the calcium carbide 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 Calcium Carbide Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global calcium carbide 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 Calcium Carbide Price

The European region has experienced a positive price trend throughout the 4th quarter of 2023. It is due to the adoption of price-cut strategies by manufacturers, which resulted in limited availability of calcium carbide. Furthermore, several domestic chemical plants decided to schedule their routine maintenance shutdown during this period due to lower demand from downstream industries, which further caused product scarcity, leading to price rises.

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

North America Calcium carbide Price

In North America, the calcium carbide market has witnessed a mixed trajectory in quarter 4 of FY23. The quarter began with an elevated price trend due to robust demand from construction entities. In November, the prices for calcium carbide plummeted due to severe challenges in the steel industry and low crude prices. By the end of the quarter, the prices rebounded due to active demand from the construction sector and strong cost support from feedstock coke.

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

Middle East and Africa Calcium carbide Price

The analysis of calcium carbide prices in Middle East and Africa provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

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

Asia Pacific Calcium Carbide Price

The calcium carbide pricing in the Asia Pacific region displayed a mixed trend in the fourth quarter of FY23. The initial two months witnessed a decline in price trends due to limited procurement from downstream companies and sufficient availability of raw materials for calcium carbide production. In December, the market witnessed a rebound in price trend due to high product demand from the downstream acetylene sector.

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

Latin America Calcium carbide Price

The analysis of calcium carbide 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 calcium carbide 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 calcium carbide 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 calcium carbide industry.