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North America North American region, primarily the United States market, the Tryptophan prices plummeted during the final Quarter of 2022. With the start of the fourth quarter er, the prices increased considerably. The prices witnessed an increment during the first half of the fourth quarter due to rising inflation, numerous logistic issues, and higher manufacturing cost in the export country. Additionally, prices began to drop progressively in the middle of the fourth quarter because fewer inquiries kept the stocks at their highest levels later in December. Also, with ease in inflation and other logistics, the prices decreased in the month of December.  Asia Pacific The prices of Tryptophan in the Asia Pacific region, majorly in China, demonstrated an inclined market situation throughout the fourth quarter of 2022. In October, the prices for Tryptophan inclined considerably. Following November, the official manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) fell to 48.0% in November,

North America Bauxite prices in the North American market rose in the fourth quarter of 2022, despite weak economic conditions and lower inventory levels. Participants reported a significant increase in buying interest in October, despite the fact that there is still a plentiful supply of units available on the spot market. According to market participants, the market is slowing down after weeks of negativity and premiums dropping. Buyers are eager to acquire additional tonnages. Participants stated that buying interest in both spot and first-quarter contracts had increased in the latter half of the week. Manufacturers have seen some consumers return to the market, picking up some spot tonnages after a period of inactivity. Participants had differing views about the future, with some noting that premiums had reached a floor and that consumers were beginning to release first-quarter tenders. Others, however, believe that falling freight rates and high overall availability of units ke

North America Nickel powder prices in the third quarter showcased a mixed trend in the US market amid the rising fears of recessions. According to market participants, LME three-month nickel prices were under pressure, and trading activity was relatively stable. According to manufacturers, the demand outlook for September was flat; they were still seeing consumer orders for nickel during the final month of Q3 2022. However, the market was highly volatile at the time, with people unwilling to commit beyond October. Although sources had predicted periodic steel production cuts for some time, reports of closures and rumors of further suspensions had yet to shake nickel markets. There has been a reduction due to a few mills taking time off, but this is due to electricity prices rather than demand. Traders say it is difficult to predict where nickel prices and premiums will go in this market. As a ripple effect, the Nickel powder prices for Ex-San Diego settled at USD 22754/MT. Asia Paci

North America In the final quarter of 2022, the Chequered plate Prices declined in the US market as demand for flat-rolled products was deteriorating, and mills struggled to maintain balance while reducing output. Mills successfully kept the majority of transactions at the higher end of the spectrum. Due to mill outages, weak demand, and pressured export prices, the domestic steel market in the United States appeared to be moving further away from recovery. Bearish sentiment in the global market resulted from decreasing production volumes, sharply falling prices in the major export destination, and low demand for stainless steel (flats) in Turkey and the United States, which prevented costs from rising. With falling scrap prices, US Stainless Steel mills had tried to remain competitive with import offers as downstream demand from new projects had not warranted additional spot buys or bookings of more significant imports, along with rising financing costs. Steelmakers and some servic

North America As the fourth quarter of 2022 ended, Stainless Steel prices showed a dwindling price movement due to falling downstream inquiries and higher inventories. Buyers were focused in October on reducing inventories across all flat products through the end of the year, which kept them out of the spot market. Mills had attempted to remain competitive with import offers despite falling scrap prices, as downstream demand from new projects did not warrant additional spot buys or bookings of larger imports or rising financing costs. Mill margins were under pressure as input costs rose and the continued push to use more scrap in furnaces. According to manufacturers, downstream demand was difficult, and any increase in scrap was likely to erode mill margins. Thus, the SS 304 HR Plate (6 x 1250 x 2000) prices for Ex Texas (USA) settled at USD 3978/MT. Asia Pacific Stainless Steel (Flat) prices in the Chinese market edged downward in the fourth quarter of 2022 due to higher invent

North America Prices for US Cold Rolled Coil dwindled in the fourth quarter of 2022 due to a lack of price direction and major logistics concerns. In the fourth quarter, the steel market awaited the outcome of contract negotiations between integrated steelmaker US Steel and USW, which expired on September 1st, 2022. However, the US government intervened to prevent a national freight rail strike by forcing union members to accept a deal and raise employee wages. Additionally, the Mississippi River's water level dropped in the final quarter, resulting in costly dredging, traffic congestion, and shipping delays. Furthermore, shippers were forced to limit the cargo volume their barges could transport to navigate the low water levels safely. High-priced raw materials had higher conversion costs in mid-Q4, with expensive pig iron inventories and higher-priced scrap inventories being the primary drivers of CRC mixed sentiment. As the holiday season approached in December, market partici

North America North American region displayed a significant dip in the Sodium Thiosulphate Prices during the fourth quarter of 2022. Due to China's Golden Week celebrations, the import from China remained low, along with inquiries that supported the weaker market sentiments of downstream Sodium Thiosulphate. Stagnant production costs and falling prices for raw materials like sodium sulphide and sulphur helped to ease market uncertainty. Additionally, higher inventories among domestic merchants and steadfast demand for Sodium Thiosulphate from the downstream sectors in the United States supported the market sentiments throughout the final quarter.    Asia The cost of Sodium Thiosulphate in the Asia Pacific region, primarily in China, demonstrated a dwindling trajectory throughout the final quarter of 2022 as a result of the weak demand from the downstream pharmaceutical sectors. During October, new export orders were at their "lowest level since August" owing to the c

North America The North American Amlodipine Besylate Prices commenced in Q4 of 2022 on a declining note, with CFR New York prices settling at USD 51600/MT in October. The interrupting imports from China during the Golden week vacations in the first week of October resulted in low inventories among domestic retailers. Additionally, demand from the downstream pharmaceutical sector in the United States remained sluggish. However, these prices continued to drop in November and fell even further to USD 50460/MT in December in the US domestic market. The US supply chain gradually became better in H2 of 2022 as the country finally started to recover, and the port on the east coast significantly reduced ship backlogs. The US supply chains were adaptable because of the reduced shipping demand brought on by slower consumer spending and a decline in manufacturing activity in December. All these factors had a prominent effect on the downward price trend of Amlodipine Besylate in the US domestic

North America In the fourth quarter of 2022, Methenamine Prices in the United States decreased in response to the falling cost of feedstock Ammonia in the market. Orders from the procurers remained moderate, and the pharma industry demand was stable due to ample stock availability of the product. The stagnant global market in Q4 continued to affect the domestic and international markets. According to the players in the market, the majority of the purchases were based on demand. The approaching holiday resulted in further declines in buyer demand and orders during the fourth quarter.  APAC During the fourth quarter of 2022, there was a mixed-price trend for Methenamine in Asia. In November, the price of Methenamine rose due to the tight supply of the product from traders. The resurgence of COVID cases in China disrupted the supply chain, affected demand for export activities to overseas markets, and eventually led to an economic slowdown. To keep cases under control, the Chinese

North America The US Water-Soluble fertilizers Prices continued to fall during the fourth quarter due to falling raw material costs. The cost of water-soluble fertilizers decreased by about 1.5% in October compared to the previous month's cost. A sufficient supply of downstream fertilizers and declining upstream ammonia and nitrogen costs have put pressure on the prices of water-soluble fertilizers in the domestic US market. The cost of Water-Soluble Fertilizers has decreased, and there are market uncertainties in the area. The market demand has fallen, which has put pressure on WSF stockholders' quotes to decline due to the hoarding of downstream fertilizers. APAC The pricing trend for Water-Soluble Fertilizers in the Asia-Pacific region remained low in Q4 due to a lack of demand from downstream fertilizer markets. Q4 was one of the lowest quarters for WSF pricing because of the decline in demand from industrial and agricultural consumers in the region. It is projected

North America Towards the closure of Q4, the Stainless Steel Round Bar prices showcased a declining trend in the US market owing to the higher inventory level and limited downstream demand outlook. In October, the downstream buyers remain observant of drawing down inventories across all products through the end of the year. With falling scrap prices, mills had tried to remain competitive with import offers as downstream demand from new projects had not warranted additional spot buys or bookings of more significant imports, along with rising financing costs. Participants in the US Stainless Steel market were optimistic about the new year, but spot prices remained lower than they were during the previous summer and fall seasons. This winter's activity has slowed significantly, but downstream work appears to be picking up for next year.   Asia Pacific In the Chinese market, the Stainless-Steel Round Bar prices showcased a rising trend in the final quarter of 2022 owing to the low

North America At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Acrylonitrile prices trend remained firm, and prices rose marginally amid a rise in inflation and feedstock Ammonia prices during the sowing season. However, from the second month onwards, the product price trend shifted, and product prices declined due to a fall in the upstream costs. At the same time, the supply chain activities were disrupted due to the low water levels of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, which increased the domestic inventory levels. Simultaneously, a decline in product demand from the downstream rubber and MMA producers due to reduced orders from the packaging and automotive sector reduced product offtakes. At the end of Q4, Acrylonitrile prices in the USA settled at USD 1525/MT.   Asia The Acrylonitrile price trend fluctuated during Q4 2022. For the first couple of months, prices increased in the Asian region. Initially, the ACN production rates remained hampered due to the limited feedstock Ammonia s

North America Towards the closure of the final quarter of 2022, the Monel prices edged in the downward direction in the US market owing to the stable supply-demand outlook. Following the March short squeeze and temporary suspension of the LME nickel trade, many market participants exited or reduced their exposure, resulting in a liquidity crisis and price swings in the three-month contract that were frequently unrelated to fundamentals. Market participants claim that there was inflation and that a recession was possible. As a result, the US Federal Reserve increased borrowing costs to cool the economy and relieve price pressures. The consumer prepares for annual contracting and prefers not to accept excessively inflated raw material prices in mid-Q4. In the alloy segment's weak position, alloy prices fell from their previous indicative levels in early December to current market levels. Alloy prices were reported to be stable by the end of December. Alloy buyers reported staying

North America Bauxite prices in the North American market rose in the fourth quarter of 2022, despite weak economic conditions and lower inventory levels. Participants reported a significant increase in buying interest in October, despite the fact that there is still a plentiful supply of units available on the spot market. According to market participants, the market is slowing down after weeks of negativity and premiums dropping. Buyers are eager to acquire additional tonnages. Participants stated that buying interest in both spot and first-quarter contracts had increased in the latter half of the week. Manufacturers have seen some consumers return to the market, picking up some spot tonnages after a period of inactivity. Participants had differing views about the future, with some noting that premiums had reached a floor and that consumers were beginning to release first-quarter tenders. Others, however, believe that falling freight rates and high overall availability of units ke

North America Acetaldehyde prices showed fluctuation in the USA market during the fourth quarter of 2022. In the first few weeks of Q4, Acetaldehyde prices dropped owing to the weak cost pressure from the feedstock Ethanol prices . Demand from the end-user food preservative and allied industry remained subdued, while the ample material availability weighed down the prices of Acetaldehyde. However, during mid of Q4, Acetaldehyde prices rebound due to the high feedstock Ethanol prices. Limited material availability and improved demand from the end-user industry led to the price increase in the domestic market. Although, during the final of Q4, Acetaldehyde prices dropped, backed by the bearish demand dynamics amid off-season dullness. Meanwhile, a sufficient inventory level was available to cater to the overall domestic demand.    Asia- Pacific Acetaldehyde prices have showcased an oscillating trend in Asia- Pacific during the fourth quarter of 2022. During October, Acetaldehyde pr

North America Polyethylene Glycol prices declined during the final quarter of 2022. Initially, prices decreased marginally amid high inflation and moderate product supplies. At the same time, a significant decrease in the feedstock Ethylene Oxide prices after USA’s EPA identified risks from commercial sterilization facilities using Ethylene oxide. It negatively impacted the production costs of PEG. However, during the mid-quarter, PEG prices-maintained stability due to a rise in production costs amid high feedstock Ethylene demand and an increase in offtakes from the Pharma sector. Then in the final month of Q4, PEG prices declined again because of weak demand and consumption rates and moderate availability of supplies in the market.    Asia In Asia, Polyethylene Glycol prices decreased throughout quarter IV of 2022. For an initial couple of weeks, prices were firm and rose marginally due to limited feedstock supplies. After that prices started to decrease and fell till the end o

North America White Oil prices have remained on the upper edge in the US market throughout the fourth quarter 0f 2022. Elevated inflationary pressures across the globe coupled with tight monetary policies have accelerated the pricing dynamics of White Oil in the US market. The cost support from upstream raw materials was limited, as reported by market participants. In November, the prices of natural gas escalated and pressured the production costs of White Oil in the domestic region. Furthermore, the procurement from the downstream personal care sector was average, and the competitive offers from other countries have weighed on the market fundamentals of White Oil. The ChemAnalyst database has shown that White Oil cosmetic grade CFR Texas was settled at USD 2359 per ton in Q4-end.  APAC In the Indian domestic market, the prices of White Oil have retained their downward trajectory in the entire Q4. The prices fell amid abundant supplies and a slowdown in demand from the overseas ma

North America Calcium Carbonate prices have demonstrated mixed sentiments in the US market. The prices dropped in October and then improved at a slower pace owing to weak demand fundamentals. In the second half of Q4, the cost support from energy materials was limited in the region. The market players have informed us that the demand from the downstream food additive sector was moderate. The operating rate was stable, and there was sufficient availability of the product to cater to downstream inquiries. Furthermore, the drop in freight charges across the international market and increased container rates have resulted in an overcapacity situation, supporting the decline in the market value of Calcium Carbonate in December. Therefore, Calcium Carbonate Food Grade FOB US Gulf prices were observed to be hovering around USD 774 per ton at the end of the fourth quarter.   APAC The prices of Calcium Carbonate have plummeted in the Chinese domestic market. The resurgence of COVID cases a

North America Due to the availability of products in the country and poor demand from both the domestic and international markets, the VAE Redispersible Powder Prices declined throughout the fourth quarter of 2022. According to market sources, traders were receiving cheaper shipments as a result of the global pessimism surrounding the recession, particularly in the USA and Europe. Additionally, despite the festive holidays, demand remained weak, and traders already had ample cargo for December. However, several raw material prices were seen to be rising due to temporary shortages induced after polar storm Elliot that affected some parts of the country but didn't affect the price trend of VAE Redispersible Powder.   Asia Sodium Silicate, like other commodities, had a fall in price on the Asian market in Q4 2022. According to the data, the price of VAE Redispersible Powder effectively decreased in line with the decline of its raw material Vinyl Acetate Monomer Price . The pricin

North America In the US, Isophthalic Acid prices dropped sharply in the last quarter of 2022 owing to weak demand from downstream PET and soft prices of the imports reaching US shores amid declining freight charges. Import availability has been ample in the US ports as freight charges reached normalcy in Q4 2022 and continue to remain soft in January 2023. Production rates in the Asian Pacific region have been steady, resulting in stable exports to the US. Meanwhile, downstream demand from Polyethylene Terephthalate and other industries has been weak amid off-season dullness for downstream PET.  Asia-Pacific Isophthalic Acid prices have continued their downward trend in Q4 2022 owing to sluggish demand fundamentals amid firm cost pressure from feedstock m-Xylene. Market participants have reported firm availability of inventories at the ports, and logistics have improved, resulting in increased material availability in the domestic market. Downstream demand of Polyethylene Terephth

North America In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Dibutyl Phthalate Prices in North America showed changing market sentiment. The pricing trend for DBP varied as a result of fluctuating feedstock costs for phthalic acid as well as shifting demand from downstream producers of plasticizers. However, a range of other factors, such as shifting consumer attitudes, inflationary pressure, and fluctuating currency values, all had an impact on the market dynamics of DBP in the US market. Additionally, the large amount of inventory that was present in the second half of the quarter and the lower number of orders kept prices in the local markets low. Therefore, as the quarter came to a close, local prices remained low even as consumer activity increased.   APAC The price trend of Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) was seen as stagnant in the domestic Chinese market. Decreased upstream values in the domestic market affected the values negatively, and the overall trade and export prices of DBP declined in