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IndiaQ1 2025
In Q1 2025, Silica sand market in India experienced a notable price increase of $22.88 per metric ton, Ex-Bhuj reflecting a 1.21% rise. This uptick aligns with broader market trends, where silica prices have been influenced by factors such as increased demand from sectors like construction and glass manufacturing, as well as rising transportation costs and logistical constraints in key production regions like Gujarat. Additionally, fluctuations in crude oil prices and energy costs have impacted production expenses, contributing to the overall price escalation. While the 1.21% increase may seem modest, it underscores the ongoing pressures within the silica market, driven by both domestic demand and global supply chain dynamics.
Q4 2024
In Q4 2024, India’s silica sand market witnessed a price increase of approximately $22.6 per metric ton, Ex-Bhuj marking a 3.71% rise driven by strong demand from the glass, ceramics, construction, and foundry sectors. This growth was fuelled by ongoing infrastructure development and seasonal supply constraints, alongside logistical challenges that tightened availability. The fused silica segment saw an even sharper uptick of 4% in December, influenced by robust downstream demand from the semiconductor and electronics industries, as well as rising freight costs and currency depreciation. Overall, the market demonstrated solid resilience, with indicators pointing to sustained momentum in the near term.
Q3 2024
In Q3, Silica Sand prices in India (Ex-Bhuj) rose to $21.8, per metric ton marking a 1.93% increase quarter-over-quarter. The price uptick was driven by steady demand from the glass, foundry, and construction sectors, coupled with rising transportation costs and logistical constraints in Gujarat. Additionally, supply chain disruptions and higher input costs contributed to the firming of prices, despite stable domestic production levels.
Q2 2024
In Q2, silica sand prices in India, specifically Ex-Bhuj, saw a modest uptick of 1.1%, reaching $21.38, per metric ton. The price increase was driven by stable demand from the glass, foundry, and construction sectors, coupled with logistics constraints and rising transportation costs. Additionally, steady procurement activity from ceramics and photovoltaic glass manufacturers contributed to market firmness. However, adequate domestic supply and stable mining operations prevented any sharp price surges.
Q1 2024
In Q1 2024, Silica Sand prices in India remained stable, with Ex-Bhuj prices hovering around $21.15, per metric ton marking a 0% increase. The market was influenced by steady demand from key industries such as glass manufacturing, construction, and foundries, alongside moderate raw material availability. Supply constraints due to logistical challenges and mining regulations had a marginal impact, but consistent domestic consumption helped stabilize prices. Additionally, export activities remained subdued, keeping the local supply well-balanced. Moving into Q2, price movements will likely depend on seasonal demand fluctuations and potential policy changes in mining regulations.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global silica price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the silica 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 silica prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely silica market data.
Track PriceWatch's silica 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.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
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Molecular Formula
Silica is a high purity, naturally occurring mineral composed primarily of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). It is widely used in industries such as manufacturing glass, foundry casting, construction, ceramics, and water filtration due to its excellent hardness, chemical stability, and high melting point. Available in different mesh sizes and purity levels, silica sand serves as a key raw material in producing glass, molding metal parts, and enhancing durability in construction applications.
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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 |
| SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide) Content | 95% – 99.8% |
| Fe₂O₃ (Iron Oxide) Content | ≤ 0.01% – 0.3% |
| Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) Content | ≤ 0.1% – 1% |
| CaO (Calcium Oxide) Content | ≤ 0.05% – 0.5% |
| MgO (Magnesium Oxide) Content | ≤ 0.05% – 0.3% |
| LOI (Loss on Ignition) | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Specific Gravity | 2.6 – 2.7 g/cm³ |
Applications
The pricing of Silica is influenced by several factors, categorized into supply-side, demand-side, macroeconomic, and regulatory aspects. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Supply-Side Factors
a. Raw Material Availability
• Quartz Sand & Diatomite: Silica is primarily derived from quartz sand, diatomite, and other silica-rich sources. Limited availability or fluctuations in mining output impact prices.
• Geographical Distribution: Countries with abundant quartz reserves (e.g., China, the U.S., Brazil, and India) have competitive pricing, while import-dependent regions face higher costs.
b. Mining & Production Costs
• Energy Costs: The extraction and processing of silica require significant energy, and fluctuations in electricity, natural gas, or oil prices directly impact production costs.
• Labor Costs: Higher wages and stricter labor laws in certain regions increase operational expenses.
• Machinery & Technology Costs: Advanced refining methods (e.g., ultra-pure silica for semiconductors) add to production expenses.
c. Processing & Refinement
• Purity Levels: Higher purity grades, such as fumed silica or ultra-high-purity silica, are more expensive due to additional refining.
• Manufacturing Technology: Newer methods like sol-gel processing for specialty silica (e.g., colloidal silica) can drive up costs.
d. Logistics & Transportation
• Freight Costs: As a bulk commodity, silica’s transportation cost significantly influences its price. Ocean freight fluctuations and fuel prices impact the final delivered cost.
• Proximity to Markets: Local sources reduce logistics expenses, while distant supply chains (importing silica from major producers like China) add costs.
Feedstock prices impact Silica pricing primarily through fluctuations in the cost of quartz sand, diatomite, and other silica-rich minerals, which serve as raw materials for silica production. If mining costs increase due to higher energy prices (electricity, fuel, or natural gas), labor expenses, or stricter environmental regulations, silica production costs rise, leading to higher market prices. Additionally, refining processes for high-purity silica, such as fumed silica or precipitated silica, are energy-intensive, making them sensitive to fluctuations in oil, gas, and electricity prices. Disruptions in the supply of raw materials, whether due to logistics, geopolitical issues, or regulatory constraints, can create supply shortages, further driving up silica prices in the market.
Silica prices and inflation are closely linked, as inflation affects production costs, transportation expenses, and overall market demand. When inflation rises, energy costs, labor wages, and raw material expenses increase, leading to higher silica production costs, which are often passed on to consumers. Additionally, inflation-driven currency depreciation can impact import and export dynamics, influencing silica prices globally. Conversely, silica prices can also contribute to inflation, especially if they significantly rise due to supply shortages, increased demand in industries like construction, electronics, and automotive, or geopolitical factors disrupting supply chains.
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