China's 98% smelting sulfuric acid price eased over the week as spot trading weakened and recovering supply added pressure. Elevated sulfur and metal ore costs provided partial support, but the market faces further downside as lower-priced regional supplies increase competitive pressure.
Evonik is expanding downstream processing at its Fermas site in Slovakia for biosurfactants and pharmaceutical ingredients, adding commercial output. The capacity increase raises available supply of these specialty chemicals, likely putting downward pressure on prices.
During the fourth quarter, the silica gel price curve in the Chinese region experienced notable price fluctuations closely tied to movements in sodium silicate, a primary feedstock for production. Early in the quarter, prices faced slight downward pressure as raw material quotations declined. Manufacturers benefited from reduced input costs, which translated into softer pricing for silica gel across various grades and applications. The downward trajectory persisted through the initial phase of the period, reaching a cyclical low as feedstock availability remained adequate and downstream demand showed seasonal weakness. Industrial consumers adopted cautious procurement strategies, purchasing only for immediate requirements rather than building inventories. Export activity remained subdued as international buyers maintained conservative order volumes.
However, a significant reversal occurred in the latter part of the quarter. Key raw material prices began climbing sharply, driven by tightening supply conditions and rising production costs. This feedstock price surge directly impacted silica gel manufacturing economics, prompting producers to adjust their selling prices upward. The price recovery gained momentum as the quarter progressed, with manufacturers passing through increased input costs to downstream sectors including industrial desiccants, catalyst applications, and chromatography uses.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, looking ahead, silica gel prices are expected to maintain a stable trajectory in the near term. Market stability will depend on raw material supply dynamics and downstream demand recovery patterns.
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Silica gel prices in global markets experienced a declining trajectory followed by stabilization during the third quarter of 2025, primarily influenced by feedstock cost movements and evolving supply-demand dynamics. The quarter reflected shifting market fundamentals across major producing and consuming regions. In China, the market witnessed a notable downward trend in the early part of the quarter as sodium silicate, a key raw material in silica gel production, experienced price declines. This reduction in feedstock costs translated directly into softer pricing for silica gel manufacturers, who adjusted their offer levels to reflect the improved cost structure. Supply availability remained adequate throughout the period, with production rates maintaining steady levels at major manufacturing facilities. Demand from downstream applications, including desiccants, adsorbents, catalysts, and chromatography, remained consistent but cautious as buyers focused on immediate procurement needs rather than building extended inventories.
Following the initial decline, prices stabilized through the middle and latter portions of the quarter. The feedstock cost environment improved modestly, with raw material prices finding a floor and showing slight recovery. This stabilization provided support to silica gel pricing, preventing further downward movement. Market participants adjusted their trading strategies, balancing inventory positions against steady but moderate consumption patterns from key end-use sectors.
The amorphous and porous form of silicon dioxide is known as silica gel or silica. It's made up of an uneven tridimensional structure with nanometer-scale gaps or pores made up of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms. Water or other liquids might fill the spaces, which could also be filled with gas or vacuum. The substance is known as silica xerogel in the latter case.
SiO2
Detergents, Personal care products, Plastics, Paints & Coating
W.R. Grace & Co., Thermo Fischer Scientific, Merck KGaA, Clariant, BASF SE, AGC Chemicals Americas, Osaka Soda Co., Ltd.
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
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Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Sodium silicate and a mineral acid are used to make silica gel. A wet process is used to create monomeric silicic acid, which is then polymerized to produce silica sol. In a gel state, these particles aggregate and form a three-dimensional structure.
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The report is a detailed study of economics of production of silica gel using sodium silicate and a mineral acid.
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