Fumed Silica Price Trend

Fumed Silica Prices December 2023

The price of fumed silica in the United States for Q4 2023 reached 5654 USD/MT. The market witnessed a perplexing journey filled with loops and twists. A sense of anticipation haunted the opening weeks of the quarter, dampening buyer spirits. Buyers contemplated the potential consequences of upcoming import tariffs. Speculations and rumors of an inevitable price hike flew, lending a sense of uncertainty to the otherwise calm market. Nonetheless, market players adapted to the changing field with agility and foresight. The fourth quarter ended with the North American fumed silica market at a crossroads ready to move to the next stage.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the prices for fumed silica reached 5720 USD/MT in Japan . October saw a sharp increase in the price of fumed silica in market, mostly due to higher demand from the downstream construction sector. The nation also has supply issues as a result of the worldwide price increase.

The Belgium fumed silica market had a difficult fourth quarter of 2023, with prices reaching 5150 USD/MT. It steadily falls in November and December. However, October saw a minor uptick in fumectant silica pricing, bucking a year-long pattern of fall as the industrial industry struggled, with backlogs shrinking significantly and quickly, new orders and purchasing activity declining.

Fumed Silica Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

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

The report examines the elements influencing fumed silica 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.

Fumed Silica Market Analysis

The global fumed silica market size reached US$ 1.3 Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 2 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 4.60% during 2023-2032.

• Fumed silica is useful in the automotive, cosmetic, construction, electronics, and pharmaceutical sectors. The rush in demand stems from the pursuit of lightweight materials, heightened performance, and elevated product standards. Besides, the expanding cosmetic industry which reached US$ 400.6 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 618.7 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during 2024 to 2032, according to the report published by IMARC GROUP, is escalating the demand for fumed silica. It is used in the cosmetic industry as a thickening agent, suspending agent, and matting agent that offers constancy, texture, and higher sensory properties.
• Presently, due to the growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-consciousness, industries are gravitating toward environmentally friendly alternatives. Fumed silica, recognized for its inertness and non-toxic attributes, emerges as a preferred choice in myriad applications. For instance, HPQ’s Silicon, a Quebec-based industrial issuer with its FSR technology promises an astonishing 87% reduction in energy use and 84% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to traditional processes aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
• As global urbanization and infrastructure projects gather momentum, the construction sector emerges as a significant consumer of fumed silica. The upsurge in demand spans diverse applications such as agriculture, coatings, adhesives, and sealants, aligning with escalating construction ventures worldwide. For instance, in January 2024, Evonik received a responsible care award for its sustainable biosurfactants platform from the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic). Moreover, Evinok offers a liquid formulation of agrochemical products that improve the safe handling of the active ingredients, with aerosol-fumed silica acting as a rheology modifier for liquid pesticide formulations. It alleviates several effects by stabilizing active ingredients in the liquid formulation and adjusting viscosity by forming a three-dimensional network of fumed silica links which portray settling effects and minimized efficiency.
• Manufacturers are steadfastly channeling resources into research and development (R&D) endeavors aimed at enhancing the properties and functionalities of fumed silica. This encompasses the development of surface-modified and functionally diversified fumed silica variants tailored to meet evolving end-user requisites, thereby propelling market expansion. For example, Evonik unveiled the expansion of its new plant complex in Antwerp for the manufacturing of fumed silica. Also, the specialty chemicals company can now serve the high demand for fumed silicas marketed under the AEROSIL® brand. Some of the typical applications include transparent silicones, paints and coatings, advanced adhesive systems, and nonflammable high-performance insulation materials.

Fumed Silica News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global fumed silica 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 fumed silica production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that impact the fumed silica price trend.

Latest developments in the fumed silica industry:

• In July 2020, Evinok obtained the 2020 Ringier Coating Technology Innovation Award for its AEROSIL^® fumed silica dispersion VP. Disp. WF7620, a new rheology control dispersion developed mainly for waterborne systems, in the Evonik coatings additive portfolio.

Product Description

Fumed silica, or pyrogenic silica, stands as a finely dispersed, amorphous, and synthetic form of silicon dioxide (SiO2). Its creation involves the vapor-phase hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) within a flame fueled by hydrogen and oxygen.

During the manufacturing process, silicon tetrachloride undergoes combustion in a flame composed of hydrogen and oxygen. This chemical reaction leads to the formation of minute silica particles, which subsequently aggregate to form the desired fumed silica structure. The resultant material comprises highly porous nanoparticles boasting a significant surface area.

The versatile nature of fumed silica renders it indispensable across a spectrum of industries, including adhesives and sealants, coatings and paints, pharmaceuticals, polymers and plastics, personal care products, and the food and beverage (F&B) sector. Its multifaceted utility stems from its ability to enhance rheological properties and fortify structural integrity.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the fumed silica 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 fumed silica price trend.

Global Fumed Silica Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global fumed silica pricing trends in the form of fumed silica 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 fumed silica 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 fumed silica 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 Fumed Silica Price

The Europe region has experienced a bearish price trend owing to a year-long downward trend as the manufacturing industry struggled with sharply declining backlogs, purchase activity, and new orders. Moreover, potential building projects were deterred by the market's significant decline in the construction industry and rising borrowing rates in November. The low demand was partly caused by the surplus supply of fumed silica, which outstripped domestic needs. The building industry's downturn led to a notable decline in fresh orders for producers of fumed silica. The largest price changes were observed in the Belgian market, as the prices dropped by 3% from the previous quarter.

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

North America Fumed Silica Price

In North America, the fumed silica market displayed a varied performance. Buying activities temporarily halted in October as purchasers awaited a potential price hike due to newly imposed import tariffs. The pricing trend in the USA was mainly influenced by cautious buyer behavior, economic uncertainties, and escalating input costs. Demand for Fumed Silica remained low, especially in the downstream construction industry, due to a labor shortage in the sector. This subdued demand significantly impacted market dynamics, leading to a downward trend.

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

Middle East and Africa Fumed silica Price

The report explores the fumed silica pricing trends in the Middle East and Africa, considering factors like regional industrial growth, the availability of natural resources, and geopolitical tensions that uniquely influence market prices.

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

Asia Pacific Fumed Silica Price

Within the growing market in Japan, the market experienced a dramatic rise in fumed silica prices during October due to the heightened demand from the construction sector. However, market participants, flooded the market with a surplus of fumed silica which exerted downward pressure on prices, ushering in a period of bearish sentiment as November and December unfolded. Driving this downward trajectory was the sobering reality of subdued demand, particularly evident in the construction sector.

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

Latin America Fumed Silica Price

The analysis of fumed silica 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 fumed silica 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 fumed silica 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 fumed silica price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.