Fumed Silica Prices

Fumed Silica Prices June 2024

During Q2 2024, fumed silica prices in the United States reached 5889 USD/MT in June.  The market experienced mixed conditions. The construction industry showed low confidence, leading to reduced demand. Rising inflation weakened consumer purchasing capacity and market sentiment, further decreasing demand. Despite this, supply chain disruptions led to a slight rise in rates, illustrating a complex market environment marked by cautious consumer behavior and economic uncertainties.

Fumed Silica Prices December 2023

Fumed silica prices in the United States for Q4 2023 reached 5654 USD/MT in December. The market witnessed fluctuating trends, initially influenced by halted imports due to European tariffs and a rise in local imports aimed at protecting domestic producers. Demand remained low, primarily in construction, amid labor shortages and economic uncertainty.

The price trend for fumed silica in Japan for Q4 2023, reached 5720 USD/MT in December. The market in Q4 2023 was marked by price hikes in October due to strong demand from the construction sector. However, excessive inventory led to an oversupply situation, which subsequently provided descending pressure on prices, resulting in a bearish market for the remainder of the quarter.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the bulk price for fumed silica reached its highest level at 5150 USD/MT (West Belgium) by December. The prices of fumed silica fell in Q4 over 2023. The lower number came from an oversupplied market plus some weakness in condom demand due to ongoing weak consumer sentiment in the rest of Europe.

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 the current price but also provides insights into fumed silica historical price trends, enabling stakeholders to understand past fluctuations and their underlying causes.

The report also delves into fumed silica 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

Q2 2024:

During Q2 2024, the market faced an increase in prices despite a decrease in demand from the building industry. Suppliers raised prices to sustain profit margins following extended decreases, leading to the rise. Increasing international shipping costs caused European manufacturers to modify their pricing tactics. In spite of the obstacles caused by soaring inflation as well as economic instability, especially in the housing sector, the area stayed optimistic. Germany experienced notable rate increases, driven by favorable market conditions due to seasonal demand and deliberate pricing modifications.     

Q1 2024:

During the first quarter of 2024, the market experienced price drops due to low demand from sectors such as coatings, sealants, and adhesives. The construction sector in Europe faced challenges in January and February, leading to a prolonged period of low prices. The situation worsened during the destocking season as companies cut down on inventory, leading to a further decrease in demand. By March, suppliers had modified prices in order to maintain stability. Nevertheless, the construction sector's ongoing struggles continued to pose challenges for market conditions, affecting the demand for fumed silica in Europe.        

Q4 2023:

During Q4 2023, the European fumed silica market faced a difficult period, with prices generally declining in November and December. October witnessed a brief price rise, interrupting a year-long downward trend as manufacturing slowed, marked by reduced new orders and purchasing activities. By November, the construction sector's slowdown and higher interest rates reduced demand further. Over-supply in the market outstripped domestic needs, leading to decreased orders from Fumed Silica producers. While the broader economic picture remained uncertain, Belgium's market witnessed notable price shifts, reflecting broader regional trends of surplus supply and reduced demand.

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

North America Fumed Silica Price

Q2 2024:

Different trends were observed in the North American market in the second quarter of 2024. Homebuilders continued to encounter difficulties, leading to a lack of market confidence, as evidenced by the unchanged National Association of Home Builders' sentiment index. Across the U.S. economy, inflation reduced the expenditure capacity of consumers and market sentiment, resulting in a decrease in demand. Nevertheless, even with declining requirement from the construction sector, fumed silica prices experienced a slight rise in the quarter due to ongoing supply chain issues as well as logistical setback, maintaining high prices in a cautious market.            

Q1 2024:

During the first quarter of 2024, prices in North America, in the USA, exhibited diverse patterns as a result of several influences. Extreme weather, such as the Arctic Blast in January, disrupted supply chains and impeded market transactions. The demand in the construction industry stayed low in February due to winter weather and holidays, resulting in decreased buying. Nevertheless, there was a resurgence in demand in March during the spring driving period. The U.S. Home Builders Association noted an increase in confidence, indicating better market conditions and higher demand for fumed silica.        

Q4 2023:

In Q4 2023, the North American fumed silica market displayed mixed trends. October witnessed a lull in purchasing activity as buyers held off due to anticipated price hikes linked to new import tariffs. Additionally, European buyers halted imports from the USA, affecting the market. An increase in Fumed Silica imports aimed to protect local producers in Brazil. In November, supply remained steady, but demand in the construction sector was sluggish, exacerbated by labor shortages. This led to a cautious approach from buyers amidst economic uncertainties and rising costs, influencing overall pricing trends downward.

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

Q2 2024:

During Q2 2024, there were major price fluctuations in the Asia Pacific region. At first, the building industry in Japan faced low demand due to lack of workers, increasing prices of materials, and too much dependence on overtime, leading to decreased productivity and higher levels of exhaustion among workers. In spite of these obstacles, the market witnessed a turnaround in June, as a result of good weather and increased demand from construction. Government policies and financial rewards intended to enhance construction investment helped to bolster market confidence even more.   

Q1 2024:

During the first quarter of 2024, the market in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Japan, was influenced by several factors, leading to price fluctuations. January saw cautious market behavior due to weak declining demand from the building sector. This trend continued into February with stagnant prices and minimal purchasing. Rising input costs and decreased overseas requirement further strained the market. However, March brought renewed demand as the construction sector rebounded, and Japan's service economy showed significant growth, boosting overall market sentiment and fumed silica demand.         

Q4 2023:

The fumed silica market in the Asia Pacific region in Q4 2023 experienced varied conditions. October brought a price surge in Japan, driven by robust demand from the construction sector. However, high inventory levels built by participants led to excess supply, exerting downward pressure on prices in November and December. The market sentiment turned bearish due to sluggish domestic consumption, particularly in construction, contributing to a declining price trend. Despite supply challenges and fluctuating prices, the market was marked by low demand and oversupply, affecting overall market dynamics throughout the quarter.

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.

Fumed Silica Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Fumed Silica Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2024 Edition,” 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 industry, 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:

• On 28^th June 2024, Evonik inaugurated a plant for its innovative dispersion technology for fumed silica at its Rheinfelden site. The new system is tailored for the production of AEROSIL Easy-to-Disperse (E2D) products.  Moreover, this technology simplifies the incorporation of silica as a rheology additive into paint and coating formulations.

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.

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.