Calcium Carbide Pricing Assessment

  • Commodity Pricing

calcium carbide Markets Covered: 

cnChina
thThailand
phPhilippines
ngNigeria
egEgypt
saSaudi Arabia
sgSingapore
inIndia

calcium carbide Markets Covered: 

Global calcium carbide Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

Q1 2025

In Q1 2025, calcium carbide prices in China fell to 624 usd/ton, representing a 4% decrease from the previous quarter’s price of 647 usd/ton. This decline was due to reduced demand from key industries such as the chemical sector, steel manufacturing, and metallurgy. Slower industrial activity and seasonal maintenance contributed to lower calcium carbide consumption during this period.

Additionally, improved supply conditions and easing raw material costs helped drive prices down. Despite the decrease, calcium carbide remained essential for critical applications like acetylene production and steel desulfurization in early 2025. 

Q2 2025

According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, the price of Calcium Carbide from China declined to USD 614 per ton, registering a 2% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This slight drop was influenced by reduced demand across key end-use industries such as chemicals, steel and metallurgy, and agriculture. A steady supply flow and lower input costs contributed to the downward price adjustment.

The steel and metallurgy sector, a major consumer of Calcium Carbide, experienced a moderate slowdown, impacting overall consumption levels. Additionally, agricultural demand remained subdued due to seasonal factors, further easing pressure on prices.

Despite the decline, the market remained relatively stable, with no significant supply disruptions. Overall, Q2 2025 reflected a mild softening in Calcium Carbide prices driven by balanced supply conditions and cautious buying across industrial sectors. 

Q1 2024

In Q1 2024, calcium carbide prices in China averaged 633 USD/ ton, marking a 2% increase from the previous quarter’s price of 623 USD/ ton. This rise was driven by growing demand from key end-use industries, including the chemical industry, steel production, and metallurgy. Increased activity in these sectors contributed to stronger consumption of calcium carbide for processes like acetylene generation, steel desulfurization, and chemical manufacturing.

Despite some supply challenges, the market saw steady growth in prices as industries ramped up production following earlier slowdowns, reflecting a recovering industrial demand in early 2024. 

Q2 2024

In Q2 2024, calcium carbide prices in China dropped to 615 USD/ ton, decreasing by approximately 3% from the previous quarter’s price of 633 USD/ton. This decline reflected a slowdown in demand from key end-use industries such as the chemical industry, steel production, and metallurgy. Factors like reduced industrial activity and seasonal maintenance in these sectors contributed to the decreased consumption of calcium carbide.

Additionally, improved supply conditions and lower raw material costs helped ease prices. Despite the price drop, calcium carbide remained essential for processes including acetylene production and steel desulfurization during the second quarter of 2024. 

Q3 2024

In the third quarter of 2024, calcium carbide prices in China climbed to 647 usd/ton, representing a 5% increase compared to 615 usd/ton in the previous quarter. This rise was fueled by a recovery in demand from major industries, including chemicals, steel production, and metallurgy. Higher industrial output and increased production in these sectors led to greater consumption of calcium carbide for uses such as acetylene production and steel desulfurization.

Additionally, supply limitations and escalating raw material costs further pushed prices upward. Overall, Q3 2024 showed stronger market conditions and heightened demand for calcium carbide in China. 

Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, calcium carbide prices in China held steady at 647 USD/ ton, unchanged from the previous quarter. This price stability indicated a balanced supply and demand scenario within major end-use sectors like the chemical industry, steel manufacturing, and metallurgy. Industrial operations continued at a consistent level, sustaining steady calcium carbide consumption for uses such as acetylene generation and steel desulfurization.

While market conditions remained stable, careful monitoring of raw material costs and supply chain dynamics was still necessary. Overall, the fourth quarter reflected a period of equilibrium in China’s calcium carbide market. 

India calcium carbide Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

Q1 2025

In Q1 2025, calcium carbide prices in CIF India edged up to 702 per ton, reflecting a 1% increase from the previous quarter’s 694 per ton. This slight price rise was driven by consistent demand from key industries like chemicals, steel manufacturing, and metallurgy. Industrial activity remained steady, ensuring continued consumption of calcium carbide for uses such as acetylene production and steel desulfurization.

While supply conditions stayed largely stable, minor fluctuations in raw material costs influenced the pricing. Overall, the first quarter exhibited a stable market with a gradual increase in calcium carbide demand across India. 

Q2 2025

According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, the price of Calcium Carbide (CIF India) imported from China fell to USD 672 per ton, marking a 4% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This decline was primarily driven by subdued demand across key end-use industries such as chemicals, steel and metallurgy, and agriculture.

Slower industrial activity and stable supply levels from Chinese producers contributed to the downward price trend. The steel and metallurgy sector, a significant consumer of Calcium Carbide, showed reduced procurement due to moderate production levels, while agricultural usage remained seasonally low.

Importers in India benefited from the softened international prices, which also reflected easing raw material costs. Overall, Q2 2025 witnessed a moderate decline in Calcium Carbide prices in the Indian market, shaped by a mix of global supply dynamics and weak downstream demand. 

Q1 2024

In Q1 2024, CIF India calcium carbide prices rose to 687 USD/ ton, marking a 7% increase from the previous quarter’s price of 643 USD/ton. This price surge was driven by stronger demand from major end-use industries such as the chemical sector, steel manufacturing, and metallurgy. Increased industrial activity and production levels in these sectors boosted the consumption of calcium carbide for applications like acetylene generation and steel desulfurization. Supply constraints and rising raw material costs also contributed to the price increase. Overall, the first quarter reflected a robust market and growing demand for calcium carbide in India 

Q2 2024

In Q2 2024, CIF India calcium carbide prices declined to 675 usd/ ton, representing a 2% decrease from the previous quarter’s price of 687 usd/ ton. This drop was influenced by a slight reduction in demand from key industries such as the chemical sector, steel manufacturing, and metallurgy. Seasonal factors and maintenance activities contributed to the lower consumption of calcium carbide during this period.

Additionally, improved supply conditions helped ease prices. Despite the decline, calcium carbide remained an essential material for applications like acetylene production and steel desulfurization in India throughout the second quarter of 2024. 

Q3 2024

In Q3 2024, CIF India calcium carbide prices increased to 724 usd/ton, marking a 7% rise from the previous quarter’s price of 675 usd/ton. This price increase was driven by a resurgence in demand from key industries including the chemical sector, steel manufacturing, and metallurgy. Higher industrial activity and increased production in these sectors boosted calcium carbide consumption for critical uses such as acetylene generation and steel desulfurization.

Additionally, rising raw material costs and tighter supply conditions contributed to the upward price trend. Overall, the third quarter reflected strong market demand and increased calcium carbide consumption in India. 

Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, CIF India calcium carbide prices decreased to 694 per ton, reflecting a 4% decline from the previous quarter’s price of 724 per ton. This reduction was due to a slowdown in demand from key industries such as the chemical sector, steel manufacturing, and metallurgy. Seasonal factors and temporary production adjustments contributed to lower calcium carbide consumption during this period.

Additionally, easing raw material costs and improved supply availability helped bring prices down. Despite the decline, calcium carbide remained vital for applications like acetylene production and steel desulfurization throughout India in the final quarter of 2024. 

calcium carbide Parameters Covered: 

Upstream
  • Calcium oxide 
Downstream
  • Chemical Industry
  • Steel and metallurgy
Major supplying countries
  • China 
Major importing countries
  • Thailand
  • Philippines
  • India
  •  Nigeria
  •  Egypt
  •  Saudi Arabia
  • Singapore

calcium carbide Parameters Covered: 

Upstream
  • Calcium oxide 
Downstream
  • Chemical Industry
  • Steel and metallurgy
Major supplying countries
  • China 
Major importing countries
  • Thailand
  • Philippines
  • India
  •  Nigeria
  •  Egypt
  •  Saudi Arabia
  • Singapore

Specifications

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

64.10 g/mol

CAS No

75-20-7

HS Code

28491000

Molecular Formula

C2CA
calcium carbide

Calcium carbide is a grayish-black solid chemical widely used in various industrial applications. It is primarily produced by reacting high-purity lime (calcium oxide) with coke (carbon) at high temperatures in an electric arc furnace, making lime and coke the main feedstocks for its production. Calcium carbide reacts with water to produce acetylene gas, which is essential for welding, cutting, and chemical synthesis. It is also used in agriculture for fruit ripening and as a raw material in manufacturing chemicals such as calcium cyanamide. Its versatility and reactivity make it a vital industrial chemical.

Packaging Type

100 KG Iron Drums

Grades Covered

CALCIUM CARBIDE SIZE 50-80 MM

Incoterms Used

FOB China, CIF Nhava seva (China), CIF Bangkok (China), CIF Manila (China), CIF Apapa (China), CIF ALEXANDRIA (China), CIF Jeddah (China), CIF port of Singapore

Synonym

calcium acetylide

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28 MT

Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.

Items  Specification 
Gas yield  ≥295 L/Kg 
Lump Size  50-80 mm 
PH3  ≤0.6%(v/v) 
H2S  ≤0.10%(v/v) 

Applications

Calcium carbide is a versatile industrial chemical with a wide range of applications across various industries. Its primary use is in the production of acetylene gas, which is generated when calcium carbide reacts with water. This acetylene is essential for welding, cutting, and lighting purposes. In chemical manufacturing, calcium carbide serves as a raw material for producing compounds such as calcium cyanamide, which is used as a fertilizer, along with other organic chemicals. In agriculture, it is commonly used to ripen fruits like bananas and mangoes by releasing acetylene gas that acts as a natural ripening agent. The steel industry benefits from calcium carbide through its use in desulfurization and as a carburizer to enhance steel quality. Additionally, in mining, acetylene generated from calcium carbide provides lighting in underground environments. The plastic and rubber industries also rely on calcium carbide as a source of acetylene for polymer synthesis. Furthermore, calcium carbide is used in water treatment processes to help remove impurities and treat wastewater. These diverse applications highlight calcium carbide’s important role in modern industrial and agricultural sectors. 

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Calcium Carbide prices

  • Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022):   In 2022, the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalated rapidly, leading to widespread violence and international condemnation. Russia’s invasion resulted in substantial military and civilian casualties. Numerous cities were heavily damaged, and millions of people were displaced. The war disrupted global supply chains, impacting essential commodities. In Ukraine, the need for calcium carbide, widely used in industrial and agricultural applications, increased for urgent infrastructure repairs and protecting crops. However, ongoing fighting hindered the production and distribution of such materials. Additionally, sanctions on Russia further limited access to industrial chemicals. The conflict remained a major geopolitical crisis throughout the year, with lasting consequences for both countries and the global economy. 
  • Texas Winter Storm (2021): In February 2021, the Texas winter storm caused widespread power outages and severe disruptions. The freezing temperatures led to frozen pipes and damaged infrastructure. Calcium carbide was used extensively to generate acetylene gas for heating and welding repairs in emergency situations. Its role was crucial in restoring essential services and repairing broken water lines. However, supply shortages and transportation delays made accessing calcium carbide difficult during the crisis. The storm highlighted the importance of such industrial chemicals in disaster response and recovery efforts. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020):   During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, calcium carbide played a role in disinfectant production and industrial applications. Its use in generating acetylene gas supported the manufacturing of medical equipment and infrastructure repairs amid lockdowns. Demand for calcium carbide increased as industries adapted to new safety protocols and urgent maintenance needs. However, supply chain disruptions caused delays in its availability. Despite challenges, calcium carbide remained important for supporting essential services and industrial processes during the global health crisis 
  • Geopolitical Tensions (2018-2019): Between 2018 and 2019, rising geopolitical tensions affected global trade and industrial supply chains. Calcium carbide, essential for various manufacturing and agricultural processes, experienced fluctuating demand due to trade restrictions and tariffs. Some countries faced challenges in sourcing this chemical, which impacted production schedules and maintenance activities. Despite these difficulties, industries adapted by finding alternative suppliers or adjusting operations. The period highlighted how geopolitical conflicts could disrupt the availability and distribution of critical industrial materials like calcium carbide. 
  • Shale Gas Boom (2010s): During the 2010s shale gas boom, calcium carbide was widely used in industrial processes supporting drilling and pipeline maintenance. Its demand increased as energy production expanded rapidly. Companies relied on calcium carbide for equipment repairs and safety measures. The boom highlighted calcium carbide’s importance in the growing energy sector. 
  • Global Financial Crisis (2008-2009): During the 2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis, demand for calcium carbide declined due to slowed industrial production worldwide. Many manufacturers reduced operations, leading to lower consumption of this chemical. Supply chains were disrupted, and companies faced financial challenges. Despite this, calcium carbide remained vital for essential industrial and agricultural processes. 
  • Hurricane Katrina (2005): After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, calcium carbide was used in emergency repairs and infrastructure restoration, especially for welding and cutting metal debris. Its supply was critical for rebuilding efforts in affected areas. However, transportation difficulties delayed delivery, highlighting the challenges of accessing industrial chemicals during natural disasters. 


These events underscore the Calcium Carbide market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.
 

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global calcium carbide price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the calcium carbide market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence calcium carbide prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely calcium carbide market data.

Track PriceWatch's calcium carbide price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major Calcium Carbide production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Calcium Carbide supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., Calcium oxide) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact Calcium Carbide prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on Calcium Carbide production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., Steel and metallurgy), to predict shifts in Calcium Carbide demand and corresponding price movements. 

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global Calcium Carbide production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Calcium Carbide production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization. 

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including packaging, pharmaceutical, and Agrochemicals. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global Calcium Carbide pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast Calcium Carbide prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes. 

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice.

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Calcium Carbide pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

64.10 g/mol

CAS No

75-20-7

HS Code

28491000

Molecular Formula

C2CA
calcium carbide

Calcium carbide is a grayish-black solid chemical widely used in various industrial applications. It is primarily produced by reacting high-purity lime (calcium oxide) with coke (carbon) at high temperatures in an electric arc furnace, making lime and coke the main feedstocks for its production. Calcium carbide reacts with water to produce acetylene gas, which is essential for welding, cutting, and chemical synthesis. It is also used in agriculture for fruit ripening and as a raw material in manufacturing chemicals such as calcium cyanamide. Its versatility and reactivity make it a vital industrial chemical.

Packaging Type

100 KG Iron Drums

Grades Covered

CALCIUM CARBIDE SIZE 50-80 MM

Incoterms Used

FOB China, CIF Nhava seva (China), CIF Bangkok (China), CIF Manila (China), CIF Apapa (China), CIF ALEXANDRIA (China), CIF Jeddah (China), CIF port of Singapore

Synonym

calcium acetylide

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28 MT

Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.

Items  Specification 
Gas yield  ≥295 L/Kg 
Lump Size  50-80 mm 
PH3  ≤0.6%(v/v) 
H2S  ≤0.10%(v/v) 

Applications

Calcium carbide is a versatile industrial chemical with a wide range of applications across various industries. Its primary use is in the production of acetylene gas, which is generated when calcium carbide reacts with water. This acetylene is essential for welding, cutting, and lighting purposes. In chemical manufacturing, calcium carbide serves as a raw material for producing compounds such as calcium cyanamide, which is used as a fertilizer, along with other organic chemicals. In agriculture, it is commonly used to ripen fruits like bananas and mangoes by releasing acetylene gas that acts as a natural ripening agent. The steel industry benefits from calcium carbide through its use in desulfurization and as a carburizer to enhance steel quality. Additionally, in mining, acetylene generated from calcium carbide provides lighting in underground environments. The plastic and rubber industries also rely on calcium carbide as a source of acetylene for polymer synthesis. Furthermore, calcium carbide is used in water treatment processes to help remove impurities and treat wastewater. These diverse applications highlight calcium carbide’s important role in modern industrial and agricultural sectors. 

Calcium Carbide price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for calcium carbide. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

Calcium carbide prices in the global market are influenced by several key factors. The cost of raw materials, mainly lime (calcium oxide) and coke (carbon), plays a significant role in production expenses. Because manufacturing is energy-intensive, changes in electricity prices also impact costs. Supply and demand fluctuations, driven by industries like steel, agriculture, and chemicals, affect pricing as well. Environmental regulations can raise production costs by requiring cleaner technologies. Trade policies, such as tariffs and export restrictions, disrupt supply chains and influence prices. Technological improvements can lower costs, while currency exchange rates affect international trade prices, making calcium carbide pricing complex and variable.

Changes in global supply and demand significantly impact calcium carbide pricing trends. When demand from key industries like steel manufacturing, agriculture, and chemical production rises, calcium carbide prices tend to increase due to higher consumption. Conversely, a drop in demand leads to price declines. On the supply side, disruptions caused by raw material shortages, energy price hikes, or geopolitical tensions can reduce availability, pushing prices up. Conversely, increased production capacity or improved technology can boost supply, easing prices. Thus, the balance between supply and demand directly influences calcium carbide’s market price, causing fluctuations based on economic conditions and industry needs worldwide.

Key regional differences in calcium carbide pricing arise from variations in raw material availability, energy costs, labor expenses, and environmental regulations. For example, regions with abundant lime and cheap electricity, such as China and India, often have lower production costs, resulting in more competitive prices. In contrast, areas with higher energy prices or stricter environmental laws may face higher costs. These regional disparities affect procurement strategies, as companies often source calcium carbide from cost-effective regions to minimize expenses. However, logistics, trade tariffs, and supply reliability also influence decisions, leading buyers to balance price, quality, and delivery when planning procurement globally.