North America
In Q1 2024, the US Hydrobromic Acid market followed a mixed trend. Demand from key downstream industries, including solvents and chemical manufacturing, remained subdued, while an oversupply situation and inventory destocking by consumers pressured production rates for domestic manufacturers. Additionally, a slowdown in new international orders further weighed on the market. In January, support from the upstream Bromine market weakened slightly as sellers made minor price adjustments, even though demand from flame retardants and intermediate industries held steady. Economic recovery and increased consumer spending helped reinforce market fundamentals, though the ongoing tensions in the Middle East constrained import supplies.
Prices began to stabilize toward the end of the quarter, with little variation in quotations. While the US market saw significant price fluctuations, sentiment remained relatively steady due to trends in the Bromine sector. Israel’s reduced export activity impacted the market, although a key US bromine producer closed the fiscal year positively, benefiting from growth prospects in Arkansas. However, geopolitical tensions, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, have affected global trade and container shipping routes.
Despite facing recessionary pressures, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty, US consumer confidence grew in February and March, suggesting optimism for future business conditions. Overall, the North American Hydrobromic Acid market faced weak demand and bearish sentiment, reflected in a notable price decrease year-over-year. While demand has remained stable, logistical challenges and rising freight costs have added strain to the market.
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APAC
In Q2 2024, the Hydrobromic Acid market in the APAC region saw a continued decline in prices, driven by oversupply and weak consumer demand, particularly from international markets. Sluggish consumption in downstream industries, including solvents and pharmaceuticals, exacerbated the impact of reduced industrial activity and high inventory levels. Steady ocean freight rates early in the quarter and rising peak season surcharges in mid-quarter added to the complex pricing environment.
China experienced the steepest price declines, with the market reflecting a bearish trend due to seasonal slowdowns, reduced industrial activity, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. Prices for Hydrobromic Acid in China fell by 20% year-over-year and 9% from the previous quarter, with an additional 4% decline between the first and second halves of Q2. By the end of the quarter, Hydrobromic Acid (48% FOB Shanghai) was priced at USD 2050/MT, indicating a sustained negative trend across the quarter. The oversupply, weak demand, and economic uncertainties contributed to a challenging market environment in China and the broader APAC region.
Europe
In Q1 2024, the European Hydrobromic Acid market experienced volatility due to various supply and demand factors. On the supply side, falling upstream raw material prices, especially for Bromine, reduced cost support for the market. Supply chain disruptions, worsened by elevated freight charges due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, impacted major shipping routes like the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas tensions and actions by Yemen’s Houthi forces, further exacerbated these challenges.
Demand from downstream industries remained low, both domestically and internationally, due to high inventories and reduced new orders. Israel’s reduced Bromine exports affected the market, although a key US bromine manufacturer ended the fiscal year positively with growth prospects, particularly from its Arkansas projects. However, geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz posed risks to global trade routes and container shipping.
Germany, Europe’s largest economy, showed limited economic recovery, with high financing costs and weak domestic demand dampening both business and consumer confidence. Industrial production, construction, and foreign trade showed marginal improvements, but overall market transactions and trading activity remained subdued.
Get Real Time Prices for Hydrobromic Acid: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/hydrobromic-acid-1135
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