Q1 2025
In Q1 2025, the talc powder market experienced a modest yet notable price increase, rising by $229.38 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai marking a 0.33% gain compared to the previous quarter. This uptick reflects a combination of steady demand from key end-user industries, such as plastics, ceramics, and cosmetics and marginal increases in production and transportation costs. While the percentage change appears minor, the absolute price increment suggests some tightening in supply or adjustments in cost structures among suppliers. Market participants are likely monitoring raw material inputs and logistical factors closely, anticipating whether this trend will continue or stabilize in the coming quarters.
Q4 2024
In Q4 2024, the talc powder market experienced a notable decline, with prices dropping by $228.63 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai reflecting a 7.79% decrease. This downward trend can be attributed to a combination of factors, including subdued demand from key end-use sectors such as cosmetics, plastics, and ceramics, as well as improved supply chain efficiency and increased output from major producers. Additionally, global economic uncertainty and tighter inventory controls by manufacturers contributed to the softening of prices. The price movement indicates a temporary market correction, potentially signaling oversupply conditions or weaker-than-expected industrial activity in major consuming regions.
Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, the talc powder market experienced a modest uptick, with prices increasing by $247.95 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai representing a slight growth of 0.03%. This marginal price movement suggests a relatively stable supply-demand dynamic, likely influenced by steady industrial demand across sectors such as cosmetics, ceramics, and plastics. The minor percentage increase, despite the nominal rise in price, indicates that the market remained largely balanced, with no significant disruptions in global supply chains or raw material availability. Buyers and traders may interpret this as a sign of resilience in the talc market amid broader commodity fluctuations.
Q2 2024
In Q2 2024, the talc powder market experienced a modest uptick in pricing, with an increase of $247.88 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai reflecting a marginal growth of 0.07%. This slight rise suggests relatively stable market dynamics, with supply and demand remaining largely balanced. The incremental price movement could be attributed to minor cost pressures in mining, energy, or logistics, or marginal shifts in downstream demand from industries like cosmetics, plastics, or ceramics. While the change is minimal percentage wise, the absolute price increase signals potential sensitivity in input costs or localized supply constraints. Overall, the market appears steady, with no major disruptions influencing price volatility in this period.
Q1 2024
In Q1 2024, the talc powder market experienced a notable price surge, with prices increasing by $247.71 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai representing a 6.11% rise compared to the previous quarter. This uptick can be attributed to a combination of factors, including tightened global supply chains, increased demand from key end-user industries such as cosmetics, plastics, and ceramics, and higher transportation and energy costs. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and stricter environmental regulations in major producing regions like China and India may have constrained production and export volumes, further driving prices upward. This trend reflects a broader pattern of raw material inflation impacting industrial sectors worldwide.
Q1 2025
In Q1 2025, the talc powder market in India experienced a moderate price increase of $199.69 per metric ton, FOB Mumbai marking a 1.96% rise from the previous quarter. This upward trend was primarily driven by a steady demand from key end-user industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and plastics, alongside tightened supply due to higher logistics and mining costs. Additionally, disruptions in raw material procurement and stricter regulatory controls on mining operations in major producing regions slightly constrained output, further supporting the price uptick. The overall market sentiment remained cautiously optimistic, with expectations of stable to firm pricing in the near term as both domestic consumption and export inquiries showed consistent momentum.
Q4 2024
In Q4 2024, the Indian talc powder market experienced a modest price correction, with prices declining by $195.85 per metric ton, FOB Mumbai representing a 3.14% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This downturn can be attributed to subdued demand from key downstream sectors such as cosmetics, plastics, and ceramics, alongside increased supply from domestic producers. Additionally, reduced export activity amid fluctuating global demand exerted further downward pressure on prices. The price drop reflects market stabilization following earlier cost escalations, suggesting a recalibration phase rather than a long-term bearish trend.
Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, the Indian talc powder market witnessed a notable price decline of $202.19 per metric ton, FOB Mumbai marking a 3.07% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This drop can be attributed to a combination of subdued demand from key end-use sectors such as cosmetics, paints, and plastics, along with improved domestic supply conditions and stable mining operations. Additionally, a reduction in international shipping costs and steady import levels contributed to the easing of prices. The overall market sentiment remained cautious, with buyers delaying bulk purchases in anticipation of further price corrections.
Q2 2024
In Q2 2024, the Indian talc powder market experienced a modest decline in prices, with rates falling by $208.6 per metric ton, FOB Mumbai marking a 1.20% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This downturn can be attributed to subdued demand from key downstream industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and plastics, coupled with stable domestic supply and competitive pricing pressures from international markets. Additionally, improved logistics and availability of raw materials may have contributed to reducing production costs, thereby influencing the price dip. Despite this slight decline, the market remained relatively stable, reflecting a balanced supply-demand dynamic without any major disruptions.
Q1 2024
In Q1 2024, the Indian talc powder market experienced modest upward momentum, marked by a price increase of $211.14 per metric ton, FOB Mumbai reflecting a 0.51% rise from the previous quarter. This price shift suggests stable demand across key end-use industries such as cosmetics, ceramics, and plastics, despite ongoing fluctuations in raw material availability and transportation costs. The marginal price hike also indicates balanced market dynamics, where supply constraints were limited, and domestic production met most of the demand without significant disruptions. Overall, the talc market in India remained resilient, supported by consistent industrial consumption and cautious optimism among buyers and suppliers.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Talc powder is a naturally occurring mineral composed primarily of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Known for its softness, fine texture, and excellent moisture-absorbing properties, talc powder is widely used across various industries. In the automotive and industrial sectors, it serves as a lubricant and anti-stick agent in rubber processing, including tire manufacturing. Talc also improves the processing and performance of plastics, paints, and ceramics. Its chemical stability, heat resistance, and ability to enhance surface finish make it a valuable additive in numerous mechanical and structural applications.
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 |
Purity (Talc Content) | ≥ 95% |
Appearance | White to off-white fine powder |
Moisture Content | ≤ 0.5% |
Loss on Ignition (LOI) | ≤ 6% |
pH (in 10% slurry) | 8.5–10.0 |
Specific Gravity | 2.7–2.8 |
Oil Absorption | 35–45% |
Fineness | 300–500 mesh |
Brightness (ISO) | 85–92% |
Hardness (Mohs) | 1 (very soft) |
Applications
• Raw Material Availability – Talc is a naturally occurring mineral. Variability in mining yields and the availability of high-quality talc deposits significantly impact pricing.
• Mining and Processing Costs – Costs associated with extraction, refining, and processing talc (including labor, energy, and equipment) contribute to the overall price.
• Supply and Demand – Increased demand from industries such as cosmetics, plastics, ceramics, paints, and paper can raise prices, while excess supply can lower them.
• Regulatory and Environmental Policies – Stricter environmental regulations, especially around mining practices and occupational health standards, can increase production costs.
• Transportation and Logistics – Talc is bulky and often transported over long distances. Changes in fuel prices or shipping disruptions affect overall cost.
• Purity and Grade Requirements – High-purity or micronized talc, required for pharmaceutical or cosmetic use, commands higher prices than industrial-grade talc.
• Global Trade Policies & Tariffs – Import/export regulations, duties, or trade restrictions on minerals influence international pricing and availability.
• Currency Exchange Rates – Since talc is globally traded, fluctuations in currency values can impact prices across different regions.
• Market Competition – The number of producers and the extent of market consolidation or fragmentation affect competitive pricing dynamics.
The availability and cost of raw materials such as high-carbon steel and alloy coatings directly affect Talc powder production costs and pricing.
Talc powder prices tend to rise with inflation, driven by higher mining, processing, and transportation costs. However, consistent demand from industries such as cosmetics, plastics, and ceramics helps stabilize prices even amidst broader economic volatility.
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