In the first quarter, Sodium Aluminosilicate prices had remained high in China, where major producers in the global market were located. This stability in prices had been primarily driven by steady demand from the detergent, ceramics, and agricultural sectors, with consistent consumption reported in importing countries like India and Japan. Furthermore, in the domestic market of China, the detergent industry had experienced approximately 6% growth. Despite facing logistical challenges such as transportation delays and raw material shortages, production levels had generally met Sodium Aluminosilicate demand, particularly in India. Sodium Aluminosilicate prices had averaged between USD 400 and USD 423 per metric ton in China.
In the second quarter, Sodium Aluminosilicate prices had increased by 10% in China, primarily driven by the detergents, ceramics, and construction sectors due to seasonal cleaning trends and heightened industrial activity. The ceramics sector in China had experienced notable growth of approximately 4%, as manufacturers had ramped up production to meet rising consumer demand. In response to Sodium Aluminosilicate supply challenges, manufacturers had enhanced production capacity and optimized logistics, with several new facilities having been launched in China to meet this demand. By the end of the quarter, Sodium Aluminosilicate prices had reached USD 460 FOB Qingdao in China.
In the third quarter of 2024, the demand for Sodium Aluminosilicate in the Asia-Pacific area has experienced significant growth, with prices reaching USD 468 in China. This increase has been driven by a recovery in the construction sector and a rise in detergent usage due to seasonal cleaning practices. Countries such as China and India have played a key role in this surge, leading manufacturers to increase production to meet the growing demand. From a supply perspective, the launch of new facilities in Southeast Asia and the United States has helped alleviate previous supply shortages, allowing production plants to operate more efficiently. Consequently, the expected Sodium Aluminosilicate price range has been set between USD 468 and USD 490 per metric ton. This price range indicates a stable market, enabling manufacturers to better control their production expenses while addressing the ongoing demand expansion in the region.
In the fourth quarter, the growing demand for Sodium Aluminosilicate from the building sector, fuelled by a range of engineering initiatives, will have significantly increased Sodium Aluminosilicate prices worldwide. Moreover, the increasing appeal of powdered soaps in various areas will have further boosted Sodium Aluminosilicate demand. Additionally, the rising popularity of powdered detergents in different regions will have contributed to a substantial increase in Sodium Aluminosilicate demand.