China
Netherlands
United States
IndiaIn the first quarter of 2025, magnesia experienced a significant price increase of $345 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai representing a 14.24% rise compared to the previous period. This upward trend reflects tightening supply conditions and growing demand across key industrial sectors such as steel manufacturing and refractory applications. The price surge may also be influenced by rising raw material costs and logistical challenges.
As a result, producers of magnesia are likely benefiting from improved margins, while consumers may face higher input costs, potentially driving a shift towards efficiency and alternative materials in the short term. Overall, the market dynamics suggest a robust demand environment coupled with supply-side constraints sustaining the price momentum into the early months of 2025.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, magnesia prices fell by approximately $257.65 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai marking a 2.5% decline driven by a mix of geopolitical tensions and tariff pressures. Ongoing trade disputes, particularly involving China the leading magnesia exporter have led to higher export tariffs and retaliatory trade measures, disrupting global supply chains.
At the same time, demand from key sectors like steel and refractory materials softened, contributing to excess inventory and prompting price cuts. U.S. and EU tariffs on Chinese minerals further compounded costs, discouraging imports and weakening buyer sentiment.
Energy price volatility, especially in high temperature processing regions, increased production costs but failed to support prices due to lacklustre demand. As a result, producers were forced to lower prices to maintain competitiveness amid an uncertain global trade environment, causing the noted price drop. The market remains under pressure, navigating fragile supply demand dynamics and unpredictable policy shifts.Â
In the first quarter of 2024, the magnesia market experienced a notable price decline, with prices dropping by $282.44 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai representing a 3.16% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This reduction reflects shifting market dynamics possibly driven by factors such as changes in raw material availability, decreased demand in key industries like refractory and steel manufacturing, or increased supply from major producers.
The price drop may signal a temporary oversupply or weakening in consumption trends, prompting stakeholders to closely monitor production adjustments and inventory levels in the upcoming months to better understand the market’s trajectory.
In Q2 2024, magnesia experienced a notable price increase of $300.77 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai representing a 6.49% rise compared to the previous quarter. This upward trend reflects tightening supply conditions and growing demand in key industrial sectors such as refractory manufacturing and steel production.
The price surge underscores ongoing market dynamics, including raw material scarcity and rising production costs, which are likely to sustain higher price levels in the near term. Consequently, stakeholders should anticipate continued volatility and adjust procurement strategies accordingly to mitigate cost pressures.Â
In Q3 2024, magnesia experienced a notable price decline, dropping by $300.66 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai which corresponds to a marginal decrease of approximately 0.04%. This slight reduction in price suggests a relatively stable market with minimal volatility, likely influenced by steady supply-demand dynamics or minor shifts in production costs.
While the absolute dollar drop seems significant, the percentage change indicates that the overall market sentiment for magnesia remained largely unchanged, reflecting a balance between industrial demand particularly from refractory, steel, and chemical sectors and supply conditions during this period.Â
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In Q4 2024, the magnesia market is expected to experience a price increase of $302 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai representing a modest rise of approximately 0.44%. This slight price uptick suggests a stable demand environment with only marginal inflationary pressures affecting costs.
The increase may be driven by factors such as incremental raw material costs, supply chain adjustments, or modest growth in end-user industries like steel manufacturing and refractory applications. Overall, the price movement indicates a relatively steady market outlook, with no significant volatility anticipated in the near term.Â
In Q1 2025, Magnesia India experienced a slight decline in pricing, with the price per metric ton decreasing by $427.36, CIF Nhava Sheva (China) representing a 0.66% drop. This modest reduction suggests a relatively stable market environment, possibly influenced by minor fluctuations in demand or supply dynamics within the industrial minerals sector.
Despite the decrease, the limited percentage change indicates that the overall market sentiment remains steady, reflecting consistent consumption patterns and moderate competitive pressures.
Moving forward, stakeholders may need to monitor external factors such as raw material availability, global economic conditions, and policy shifts that could further impact pricing trends in the magnesia market.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, magnesia prices in India declined sharply by $305.95 per metric ton, CIF Nhava Sheva (China) or 11.71%, due to a confluence of geopolitical and tariff related pressures. As U.S. China trade tensions escalated, excess Chinese magnesia was redirected to Indian markets, creating a temporary oversupply.
Simultaneously, India’s imposition of anti–dumping duties on steel and related products reduced demand from downstream sectors like refractories and construction. Ongoing tariff adjustments such as India’s reduction of certain peak import duties fuelled uncertainty, prompting traders to offload stock ahead of potential U.S. retaliation.
Moreover, domestic demand remained subdued due to slower infrastructure activity and cautious buying sentiment. With increased availability and weaker consumption, Indian suppliers were forced to cut prices to maintain competitiveness. The steep decline reflects the broader impact of trade disruptions and market rebalancing in the face of uncertain global and regional policy shifts.Â
In the first quarter of 2024, Magnesia India experienced a notable price increase of $382.47 per metric ton, CIF Nhava Sheva (China) reflecting a 6.41% rise compared to the previous quarter. This upward adjustment highlights strengthening demand and possibly tightening supply conditions in the magnesia market, driven by factors such as increased industrial usage and raw material cost pressures.
The price hike indicates improved revenue potential for producers but may also signal cost challenges for downstream industries relying on magnesia. Overall, this quarter marks a positive trend for Magnesia India, suggesting a cautiously optimistic outlook amid evolving market dynamics.Â
In Q2 2024, Magnesia India experienced a significant price increase, with prices rising by $410.3 per metric ton, CIF Nhava Sheva (China) marking a 7.28% growth compared to the previous quarter. This upward trend reflects strong demand dynamics and potential supply constraints within the magnesia market.
The price hike suggests improving market conditions and possibly higher production or raw material costs being passed on to buyers. Overall, the 7.28% increase indicates a positive momentum for Magnesia India, potentially enhancing revenue prospects and signalling robust market confidence for the near term.Â
In Q3 2024, Magnesia India experienced a notable price increase of $423.81 per metric ton, CIF Nhava Sheva (China) marking a 3.29% rise compared to the previous quarter. This uptick reflects sustained demand pressures and potential supply constraints in the magnesia market.
The price growth indicates positive momentum for producers, likely driven by increased industrial activity and raw material cost inflation. Such a moderate yet significant price increase suggests confidence in market fundamentals, positioning Magnesia India favorably for revenue growth while also signaling potential cost challenges for downstream consumers.Â
In Q4 2024, Magnesia India experienced a notable price increase of $430.21 per metric ton, CIF Nhava Sheva (China) representing a 1.51% rise compared to the previous quarter. This incremental growth indicates a steady demand and tightening supply dynamics in the magnesia market.
The price uptick, although moderate, reflects underlying factors such as increased production costs, supply chain constraints, or heightened industrial demand, particularly from sectors like refractory, steel, and chemical industries. Overall, the positive price movement suggests a stable market outlook for Magnesia India, with potential for sustained growth if current market conditions persist.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Magnesia, also known as magnesium oxide (MgO), is a versatile inorganic compound widely used in refractory, construction, and chemical industries. It is valued for its high melting point, excellent thermal conductivity, and strong resistance to chemical corrosion. Magnesia is primarily used as a refractory material in furnaces, kilns, and reactors, providing insulation and protection at high temperatures. Additionally, it serves as a key ingredient in agricultural lime, pharmaceuticals, and environmental applications, contributing to soil health, medicine, and pollution control.
Packaging Type
Magnesia Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
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.
| Property | Specification |
| Chemical Composition   | MgO ≥ 85% – 99% (depending on grade) |
| Color    | White to off-white |
| Bulk Density               | 2.5 – 3.4 g/cm³ (varies with type) |
| Particle Size | 100 mesh to 325 mesh (customizable) |
| Melting Point             |  2800°C |
| Refractoriness | > 2000°C |
| pH (10% slurry)          | 10 – 11.5 |
Magnesia Applications
Energy Crisis and Cost Inflation (2022–2023): Rising energy prices, especially in Europe and Asia, significantly increased the production costs of high-purity magnesia. This, combined with inflationary pressures across raw material markets, drove magnesia prices higher.Â
Environmental Regulations in China (2021–2022): China, the world’s largest magnesia producer, implemented stricter environmental controls on mining and calcination processes. These regulations led to production cuts and constrained global supply, resulting in price hikes.Â
Steel and Refractory Industry Demand (2020–2021): As global steel production rebounded post-COVID-19, demand for magnesia—used extensively in refractory linings for furnaces and kilns rose sharply. This surge, coupled with limited supply, pushed prices upward.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global magnesia price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the magnesia 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 magnesia prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely magnesia market data.
Track PriceWatch's magnesia 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.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Magnesia, also known as magnesium oxide (MgO), is a versatile inorganic compound widely used in refractory, construction, and chemical industries. It is valued for its high melting point, excellent thermal conductivity, and strong resistance to chemical corrosion. Magnesia is primarily used as a refractory material in furnaces, kilns, and reactors, providing insulation and protection at high temperatures. Additionally, it serves as a key ingredient in agricultural lime, pharmaceuticals, and environmental applications, contributing to soil health, medicine, and pollution control.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
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.
| Property | Specification |
| Chemical Composition   | MgO ≥ 85% – 99% (depending on grade) |
| Color    | White to off-white |
| Bulk Density               | 2.5 – 3.4 g/cm³ (varies with type) |
| Particle Size | 100 mesh to 325 mesh (customizable) |
| Melting Point             |  2800°C |
| Refractoriness | > 2000°C |
| pH (10% slurry)          | 10 – 11.5 |
Applications
• Raw Material Costs – Magnesia is primarily produced from magnesite (natural magnesium carbonate) or seawater/brine. Fluctuations in the availability and price of these raw materials directly impact magnesia pricing.
• Supply and Demand – Demand from key industries such as refractory (steelmaking), agriculture, construction, and environmental sectors can drive prices. Oversupply or reduced demand can lead to price drops.
• Manufacturing & Processing Costs – Costs associated with calcination (thermal processing), labour, energy (especially in high-temperature kilns), and equipment maintenance can significantly affect pricing.
• Environmental Regulations – Stricter environmental policies, especially in major producing countries like China, can limit production or increase costs due to compliance, thus impacting prices.
• Global Trade Policies & Tariffs – Import/export duties, anti-dumping regulations, and export restrictions can alter magnesia supply chains and affect prices in various markets.
• Market Competition – The number of active producers and the level of competition among them influences how aggressively prices are set or adjusted.
• Exchange Rates – As magnesia is traded globally, fluctuations in currency exchange rates can affect international pricing and trade competitiveness.
The availability and cost of raw materials such as high-carbon steel and alloy coatings directly affect Magnesia production costs and pricing.
Magnesia prices tend to increase with inflation, largely driven by higher energy and mining costs, while consistent demand from the refractory, agriculture, and chemical industries supports price stability amid economic shifts.