U.S. calcium powder prices decreased in the first half of May 2025 as a result of the combination of weaker industrial demand, stable domestic supply, and evolving global trade flows. Industry analysts indicate that the drop is an indication of a market lull, with buyers hesitating between current patterns of purchase and coming tariff changes.
Calcium powder is a widely used raw material across industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, construction, plastics, and agriculture. Because of its broad range of applications, its pricing tends to mirror the overall pace of industrial production. In early May, that pace slowed.
Domestic producers reported flat production levels and sufficient stocks. This was used to meet current demand without pushing prices upward. Export prices for calcium powder also remained soft through mid-May due to weak foreign demand and a cautious overseas market.
At the same time, imported calcium powder prices鈥攑articularly from Asia鈥攁lso declined. This was due to the Labor Day holiday in China from May 1 to May 5, which prompted U.S. buyers to place orders earlier than usual. As a result, many buyers had sufficient calcium powder inventories going into May, reducing the urgency to place new orders during the first half of the month.
Another key factor influencing the market was the announcement of a 90-day de-escalation in trade tensions between the United States and China. In April, both countries had imposed steep tariffs on each other鈥檚 goods, including calcium powder. However, in early May, they agreed to temporarily ease those measures.
Starting May 14th, the U.S. reduced tariffs on Chinese calcium powder from 125% to 10%, reversing some of the recent hikes introduced in February and March. This sudden shift led many U.S. buyers to delay purchases in early May, anticipating lower prices once the new tariff rates took effect.
The result was a slowdown in purchasing activity and weaker demand, which further weighed on prices during the first half of the month. Many buyers chose to hold off, planning to take advantage of the reduced import duties over the 90-day window.
Now that the new tariffs are in place, the market is expected to see increased buying activity in the latter half of May. This could put upward pressure on calcium powder prices as importers move quickly to restock while favorable conditions last.
In the coming future, the calcium powder pricing forecast will hinge on how quickly demand recovers, mainly from the manufacturing and construction industries. Presently, the calcium powder market is muted but can recover if restocking accelerates and downstream sectors start to recover.
