For the Quarter EndingÌýMarchÌý2026
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Quicklime Prices inÌýNorth America
- In the USA, the Quicklime Price Index rose by 0.923% quarter-over-quarter, driven by firmer import replacement values.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 218.67/MT, reflecting monthly volatility and import dynamics.
- Spot Availability tightened as shipping delays and higher kiln feedstock costs supported Quicklime Spot Price strength.
- Inventory builds at Gulf terminals moderated, influencing the Quicklime Price Index and supplier bargaining power upward.
- Natural gas and limestone royalty increases underpinned the Quicklime Production Cost Trend and raised landed offers.
- Steel and infrastructure activity sustained purchasing, shaping the Quicklime Demand Outlook and limiting downside risks.
- Forecasts show modest upside risk; Quicklime Price Forecast reflects seasonal restocking and elevated freight components.
- Competitive supplier offers and steady rail-barge flows balanced market tightness, keeping CFR Texas assessments disciplined.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in March 2026 in North America?
- Higher feedstock and kiln fuel costs increased landed costs, tightening prompt availability and raising offers.
- Persistent demand from steel, construction, and copper sectors lifted replacement values despite generally adequate port and yard inventories.
- Shipping constraints and longer inland transit times added freight premia, supporting higher CFR Texas quotations during March.
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Quicklime Prices inÌýAPAC
- In Malaysia, Quicklime Price Index rose by 5.38% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting firmer feedstock and export demand.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 130.67/MT based on FOB Klang.
- Quicklime Spot Price was supported by reduced port inventories and elevated kiln utilization during March.
- Quicklime Price Forecast indicates modest increases as regional export demand and fuel costs remain elevated.
- Quicklime Production Cost Trend rose as natural gas and imported coal elevated kiln cash costs.
- Quicklime Demand Outlook remains supported by metallurgical consumption, while construction procurement displayed seasonal softness recently.
- Quicklime Price Index reflected constrained prompt availability due to compliance maintenance and accelerated export liftings.
- Exporters leveraged ASEAN duty-free access, sustaining competitiveness while Klang inventories tightened to lower operational thresholds.
- Sellers passed feedstock and fuel cost increases to buyers, balancing margins against regional competitive pressures.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Feedstock and energy cost increases, notably calcium carbonate and gas, elevated kiln cash costs and pushed offers higher.
- Tighter export-focused allocations and reduced port inventories shortened available prompt supply, supporting successive price increments.
- Sustained demand from metallurgical customers and regional restocking absorbed volumes, outpacing muted domestic construction consumption.
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Quicklime Prices inÌýEurope
- In France, the Quicklime Price Index rose by 7.09% quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher calcination energy costs.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 196.33/MT, reflecting seasonal premiums and export weighting.
- Export inquiries and port loadings tightened Quicklime Spot Price availability, supporting FOB offers to neighbours.
- Producers passed energy and EU-ETS charges through, reflecting the Quicklime Production Cost Trend across March.
- Inventory drawdowns after winter maintenance supported the Quicklime Demand Outlook for construction and steel sectors.
- Monthly Forecast scenarios underpin the Quicklime Price Forecast indicating modest additional upside in early spring.
- Regional competition narrowed yet France held premium, the Quicklime Price Index elevated versus Spanish offers.
- Kiln utilization and fuel costs remained primary drivers, constraining supply and firming export FOB Quicklime prices.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Calcination energy costs rose sharply due to winter gas tariffs and higher carbon allowance expenses.
- Scheduled kiln maintenance reduced available export parcels just as neighbouring enquiries increased demand and urgency.
- Freight and insurance considerations amid geopolitical tensions elevated delivered fuel and shipping costs and surcharges.
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Quicklime Prices inÌýMEA
- In the United Arab Emirates, the Quicklime Price Index fell by 3.62% quarter-over-quarter, pressuring offers.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 115.33/MT, Jebel Ali FOB reports
- Quicklime Spot Price eased in January; exporters discounted cargoes reflecting higher inventories and softer demand
- The Quicklime Price Forecast signals cautious recovery as downstream restocking competes with persistent regional oversupply
- Quicklime Production Cost Trend rose notably as energy adjustments increased kiln fuel and quarry costs
- Quicklime Demand Outlook remains constructive despite short-term softness from delayed GCC and East Africa tenders
- Quicklime Price Index reflected mixed trends, January inventories depressed while February enquiries firmed FOB offers
- Routing risks through Strait of Hormuz could increase bunker and insurance costs, pressuring FOB margins
Why did the price of Quicklime change in March 2026 in MEA?
- Elevated inventories from January reduced spot buying, limiting March upside despite export enquiries and restocking
- Energy tariff adjustments increased kiln fuel expenses, raising Quicklime production costs, supporting firmer FOB offers
- Renewed regional arbitrage and export enquiries tightened available FOB volumes, enabling sellers to firm offers
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Quicklime Prices inÌýSouth America
- In Brazil, Quicklime Price Index rose by 6.62% quarter-over-quarter, driven by freight and tighter exports
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 166.33/MT across CFR Santos offers
- Quicklime Spot Price firmed amid constrained shipments; Price Index reflected tighter supply and higher logistics
- Quicklime Price Forecast indicates modest gains as freight pressures and export diversions sustain landed costs
- Quicklime Production Cost Trend rose as petcoke and bunker fuel increases elevated kiln freight components
- Quicklime Demand Outlook remains balanced with construction support offsetting ethanol plant downtime and steel consumption
- Inventory coverage near average limited selling pressure; port congestion episodes briefly lifted Quicklime Price Index
- Argentinian and European kilns stayed online while Chinese inspections temporarily reduced export parcels into Brazil
Why did the price of Quicklime change in March 2026 in South America?
- Container freight spikes and Chinese kiln curtailments tightened arrivals, increasing landed costs and inventory pressure
- Brazilian real volatility and elevated bunker fuel raised import landed costs, reducing margin for distributors
- Port congestion and extended bookings delayed discharges, supporting seller confidence and sustaining Price Index gains
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Quicklime Price Index fell by 1.66% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting inventories and reduced demand.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 216.67/MT on CFR Texas terms, reflecting supply-demand balance.
- Quicklime Spot Price softened in December as steady import flows and construction enquiries reduced buying momentum.
- Quicklime Price Forecast indicates modest upside from spring restocking and resumed steel activity supporting procurement.
- Quicklime Production Cost Trend remained stable as limestone feedstock costs stayed flat, limiting upward pressure.
- Quicklime Demand Outlook remains cautiously positive with infrastructure spending offsetting seasonal construction weakness into year-end.
- Quicklime Price Index moves reflected freight and logistics variations along Gulf Coast, influencing landed competitiveness.
- Inventories and consistent Mexican and Canadian arrivals supported availability, reducing volatility and dampening spot premiums.
- Kiln operations maintained normal rates, preventing supply shocks while distributors adjusted allocations for year-end projects.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in December 2025 in North America?
- Comfortable Gulf Coast inventories and steady imports reduced urgency, prompting fewer purchases and softer prices.
- End-year construction pause and scheduled steel plant maintenance lowered immediate offtake, weakening demand across key sectors.
- Stable limestone feedstock costs and neutral currency left freight and logistics as principal CFR price influencers.
APAC
- In Malaysia, the Quicklime Price Index rose by 2.76% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter kiln availability and robust export demand.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 124.00/MT, reflecting higher fuel costs and export-led buying.
- Malaysian Quicklime Spot Price firmed amid constrained kiln output and elevated energy costs impacting production cost competitiveness regionally.
- Short-term Quicklime Price Forecast remains cautiously bullish as year-end maintenance reduces supply while demand stays regionally supportive.
- Quicklime Production Cost Trend shows upward pressure from firmerÌýcoalÌýand gas benchmarks, moderately increasing kiln cash costs.
- Quicklime Demand Outlook is stable to positive, driven by infrastructure projects, steel sinter activity, and environmental treatment requirements.
- Quicklime Price Index reflected thinning coastal inventories and steady export enquiries, which strengthened sellers' negotiating position further regionally.
- Several Perak and Johor kilns ran near capacity though retrofit works trimmed effective output, tightening regional supply balances.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Monsoon-related port congestion delayed barges and loadings, reducing shipments and tightening Quicklime supply in December.
- Elevated fuel and coal costs increased kiln operating expenses, enabling producers to pass through Quicklime price rises.
- Environmental retrofit shutdowns and tighter kiln availability coincided with firm export enquiries, supporting December price strength.
Europe
- In France, the Quicklime Price Index fell by 0.72% quarter-over-quarter, weak exports constrained domestic demand.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 183.33/MT, FOB St.Savin deliveries reported.
- Quicklime Spot Price stayed pressured by Spanish kiln arbitrage and weak construction and metallurgy demand.
- Quicklime Price Forecast signals mild downside near-term as inventory comfortable and end-user purchasing remains cautious.
- Quicklime Production Cost Trend increased due to higher natural-gas and EU ETS charges, capping discounts.
- Quicklime Demand Outlook remains muted through December, with sugar-beet season supporting limited agricultural offtake volumes.
- Quicklime Price Index showed small decline, influenced by competitive Spanish supply and softer export enquiries.
- French rotary-kiln operators ran steadily, inventories adequate, exports stable cautious amid transport and regulatory costs.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Soft export enquiries and weak construction purchasing reduced bids, driving downward price movement in December.
- Elevated natural-gas tariffs and EU ETS obligations increased production costs, limiting discounts on FOB quicklime.
- Competitive Spanish kiln volumes narrowed arbitrage opportunities, intensifying competition and softening French quicklime export demand.
MEA
- In the United Arab Emirates, the Quicklime Price Index fell by 2.45% quarter-over-quarter, export weakness.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 119.67/MT, supported by steady demand.
- Traders monitored the Quicklime Spot Price, as regional offers tightened UAE-origin FOB competitiveness this quarter.
- The Quicklime Price Forecast indicates mild downside risk amid softer exports and regional supply availability.
- Higher kiln fuel costs altered the Quicklime Production Cost Trend, supporting tighter producer margins quarterly.
- Project timelines and steel runs shaped the Quicklime Demand Outlook, keeping domestic consumption broadly stable.
- The Quicklime Price Index showed volatility influenced by kiln availability, quarry feed and port efficiency.
- Jebel Ali inventories and steady quarry production moderated offers, constraining larger Quicklime Price rebounds further.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in December 2025 in MEA?
- Weaker export enquiries from East Africa and GCC buyers reduced overseas bookings, pressuring December pricing.
- Ample limestone feed and kiln output sustained supply, limiting upward movement despite additional environmental costs.
- Duty-free imports from Oman and India narrowed arbitrage, prompting sellers to reduce FOB offers regionally.
South America
- In Brazil, the Quicklime Price Index fell by 0.85% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample supply and muted downstream demand.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 156.00/MT, reflecting reported CIF and CFR import levels.
- Quicklime Spot Price remained stable as Argentine and Spanish imports offset inland production variations and freight shifts.
- Market assessments show the Quicklime Price Forecast modestly firmer due to seasonal construction and steel sector restocking expectations.
- Observed Quicklime Production Cost Trend softened slightly as a firmer real reduced dollarized fuel and petcoke landed costs.
- Quicklime Demand Outlook describes steady industrial intake, with steel and sugar-ethanol sectors providing consistent base consumption.
- The Quicklime Price Index movements were influenced by smooth Santos port operations and comfortable bonded inventory levels.
- Export flows and regional trade adjustments moderated volatility, supporting narrow resilient Quicklime pricing through the quarter.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in December 2025 in South America?
- Firm demand from steel and sugar-ethanol buyers increased import willingness despite broadly balanced domestic supply and inventories.
- Moderate freight easing and slight real appreciation reduced landed costs, enabling importers to accept modest price increases.
- Timely port operations and ample bonded stocks limited disruptions, keeping upside contained despite marginal demand improvement.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Quicklime Price Index rose by 1.54% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting steady imports and recovering construction demand.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 220.33/MT, reported by CFR Texas market data.
- Quicklime Spot Price stayed pressured by steady imports, while the Price Index reflected subdued industrial offtake levels.
- Quicklime Price Forecast shows modest gains into Q4 as construction recovery and infrastructure projects gradually boost demand.
- Quicklime Production Cost Trend remained stable given steady feedstock prices, limiting upward pressure on the Price Index.
- Quicklime Demand Outlook improved late quarter with construction momentum, supporting a firmer Price Index into early autumn.
- Inventory levels remained elevated, pressuring the Quicklime Price Index despite stable imports and cautious distributor restocking activity.
- Export demand and port congestion risks were limited, keeping Quicklime Spot Price relatively stable across Gulf markets.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in September 2025 in North America?
- Consistent imports from Mexico and Canada kept supply ample, restraining Quicklime Price Index rises despite weak demand.
- Tariff-driven costs led to steel and aluminum production idling, reducing Quicklime demand and pressuring the Price Index.
- Minor Mexican port congestion and inventories limited supply disruption, maintaining downward pressure on the Quicklime Price Index.
APAC
- In Malaysia, the Quicklime Price Index fell by 0.0% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply and cautious seasonal demand.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 120.67/MT, based on FOB Klang transactions and export flows.
- Quicklime Spot Price exhibited limited volatility amid steady exports and muted domestic construction activity during monsoon season.
- Quicklime Price Forecast indicates modest recovery toward year-end as inventories drawdown and infrastructure projects resume activity.
- Quicklime Production Cost Trend remained stable because feedstockÌýcalcium carbonate pricesÌýheld steady, supporting predictable manufacturing margins.
- Quicklime Demand Outlook shows gradual improvement driven by cement capacity expansion and stronger regional steel and infrastructure investment.
- Quicklime Price Index was pressured by inventory accumulation and competitive regional export offers, limiting upward price momentum this quarter.
- Export volumes remained consistent to India, Korea, and Indonesia, sustaining market balance despite short-term domestic demand softening.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Seasonal monsoon reduced domestic construction activity, temporarily lowering local quicklime offtake and pressuring spot buying interest.
- Inventory buildup by producers ahead of H2 demand muted pricing, while exports remained steady but competitively priced.
- Stable feedstock costs and uninterrupted port operations limited cost pressures, keeping manufacturing economics predictable for exporters.
Europe
- In France, the Quicklime Price Index rose by 0.91% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting modest demand-restocking against steady supply.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 184.67/MT, per FOB St. Savin assessments.
- Quicklime Spot Price remained supported by steadyÌýcement-sectorÌýpurchases, while domestic inventories moderated after summer restocking.
- Quicklime Price Forecast indicates modest upward bias into autumn, contingent on export flows and construction project execution.
- Quicklime Production Cost Trend saw limited pressure from feedstock and energy, constraining producers' ability to cut prices further.
- Quicklime Demand Outlook remains mixed as robust infrastructure projects offset weakness in residential construction activity.
- Quicklime Price Index volatility will reflect inventory cycles, export logistics and downstream cement and mortar procurement patterns.
- Exporters maintained shipments to Belgium, Sweden, and Italy, while minor UK port congestion intermittently pressured outbound flows.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Persistent domestic oversupply and slow construction drawdown significantly reduced upward price momentum in September 2025.
- Elevated inventories and modest feedstock energy costs limited producers' incentive to raise Quicklime prices further.
- Minor UK port congestion and uneven export flows intermittently disrupted logistics, dampening demand-driven price support.
MEA
- In United Arab Emirates, the Quicklime Price Index rose by 0.0% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced exports.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 122.67/MT, reflecting FOB Jebel Ali realizations.
- Quicklime Spot Price held steady, with Price Index stability supported by uninterrupted production and throughput.
- Quicklime Price Forecast suggests marginal softening short-term as regional competition persists, but downside remains limited.
- Quicklime Production Cost Trend remained neutral, energy and feedstock costs stable, preventing significant upward pressure.
- Quicklime Demand Outlook improved from construction and steel activity, supporting sustained export volumes to buyers.
- Quicklime Price Index movements reflected steady inventories, competitive FOB pricing, and shipments to key markets.
- Jebel Ali port efficiency, stable producer operations maintained flows, limiting disruptions and preventing price spikes.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in September 2025 in MEA?
- Stable production and smooth Jebel Ali logistics maintained consistent supply, offsetting moderately upward price pressures.
- Moderate external demand from India and Oman limited upward momentum despite regional construction activity continuing.
- Price competition from Asian suppliers exerted downward pressure, compelling UAE exporters to sustain FOB pricing.
South America
- In Brazil, the Quicklime Price Index fell by 0.21% quarter-over-quarter due to inventory overhang persistently.
- The average Quicklime price for the quarter was approximately USD 157.33/MT, based on CFR Santos import assessments and trade invoices.
- Quicklime Spot Price remained soft amid steady imports and distributor reluctance to place fresh bookings.
- The Quicklime Price Forecast shows modest recovery later year as inventories liquidate and construction picks.
- Quicklime Production Cost Trend remained stable, feedstock and freight costs providing limited upward pressure recently.
- Quicklime Demand Outlook points to muted steel flux consumption, while cement-related demand gradually supports volumes.
- Quicklime Price Index movements tracked monthly import arrivals and domestic offtake, reflecting inventory-driven price dynamics.
- Export demand remained subdued, inventories high at distribution hubs, prompting importers to defer procurement activity.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in September 2025 in South America?
- Persistent import inflows outpaced weak downstream demand, leading to inventory accumulation and downward price pressure.
- Steel sector underutilization and softer hot-rolled coil prices reduced metallurgical quicklime consumption across domestic plants.
- Elevated holding costs and importer reluctance delayed fresh bookings, mitigating potential upward pressure on prices.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- The Quicklime Spot Price in the United States increased by 2.36% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, rising from USD 212/MT in Q1 to USD 217/MT in Q2.
- The Price Index was supported by strong end-use activity in steel, wastewater treatment, and construction sectors through April and May.
- June witnessed a pullback following a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, temporarily dampening metallurgical demand.
- Despite early volatility, the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel and steady logistics from Canada and Mexico ensured supply consistency.
- Inventory levels remained stable, and domestic kilns operated at near-normal utilization, keeping the Quicklime Production Cost Trend steady.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in July 2025 in North America?
- July prices fell due to a sharp drop in steel output following tariff hikes, reducing metallurgical demand.
- Early-month industrial offtake remained soft, though recovery signs emerged in construction by month-end.
- Imports from Mexico and Canada continued, balancing domestic availability.
- Quicklime demand showed early-stage rebound, but overall sentiment remained below Q2’s peak levels.
South America
- The Quicklime Spot Price in Brazil rose by 3.73% quarter-over-quarter, from USD 152/MT in Q1 to USD 157.66/MT in Q2 2025.
- April and May saw firm demand from construction, glass, and bottling sectors, supported by consistent imports from Uruguay.
- However, June experienced a pullback due to oversupply, elevated inventories, and weak steel consumption amid falling hot-rolled coil prices.
- Mining sector underperformance and high inventory costs discouraged new procurement, weakening market momentum.
- Despite Santos port delays, upstream logistics remained intact, maintaining supply availability throughout the quarter.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in July 2025 in South America?
- July prices declined as steel demand fell, with distributors reporting high stock levels.
- Cement sales improved modestly, but construction sentiment remained fragile.
- Oversupply from previous months led importers to delay new orders.
- Government housing programs helped limit the downside, but demand remained too weak to sustain previous price gains.
Middle East & Africa (United Arab Emirates)
- The Quicklime Spot Price in the UAE increased modestly by 1.66% from USD 120.66/MT in Q1 to USD 122.66/MT in Q2 2025.
- April and May were marked by healthy exports to India, Oman, and Nigeria, supported by smooth port operations at Jebel Ali.
- In June, prices dipped slightly due to intensifying competition from lower-cost Asian exporters.
- Domestic consumption stayed moderate, while aluminum and glass manufacturing activity held steady.
- The Quicklime Production Cost Trend remained controlled amid stable logistics and energy input rates.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in July 2025 in the UAE?
- Prices declined marginally as regional buyers turned into cheaper alternatives from Asia.
- Exports continued smoothly, but downward pricing pressure persisted due to global cost competition.
- Local demand remained flat, keeping producers export focused.
- UAE retained competitiveness through strategic location and efficient port turnaround.
Asia Pacific (China)
- The Quicklime Spot Price in China rose by 1.69%, from USD 138.33/MT in Q1 to USD 140.66/MT in Q2 2025.
- The Price Index was driven by strong regional exports to Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Papua New Guinea during April and May.
- Domestic demand stayed weak throughout the quarter, especially in steel and construction sectors, amid sluggish economic sentiment.
- June saw prices fall again as apparent steel consumption dropped 12.3% YoY and rebar demand weakened.
- Port congestion at Qingdao delayed exports, creating localized oversupply and muted inland demand.
Why did the price of Quicklime change in July 2025 in China?
- Prices declined due to excess inventories and persistent weak downstream consumption.
- Steel and construction sectors pulled back sharply amid economic caution and PMI contraction.
- Qingdao port delays hampered logistics, slowing export velocity.
- Beijing’s warning over destructive price competition highlighted market instability.