Daily Market Report

Curcumin prices surged 8–9% this week on supply disruptions from heavy monsoons and firm demand from pharma and nutraceuticals. Regulatory shifts, including the U.S. crackdown on artificial dyes, are driving global adoption of Curcumin E100. With tight feedstock availability and bullish fundamentals, buyers are advised to secure inventories early.

Nickel is trading at $14,915/ton and copper at $9,714.5/MT, with INR at 87.44/USD. Stainless steel prices remain steady across grades, while scrap prices show firm levels. Demand is weak in the 300 series but strong in the 200 and 400 series. JSL recently raised prices by ₹5–12/kg.

Zinc prices remain steady across exchanges, with LME trading near $2,770/mt and MCX at ₹264.10/kg. Inventories fell, but a global surplus is projected for 2025. Market sentiment stays cautious despite recent gains, with support seen at ₹263/kg and resistance near ₹266–268/kg. Supply disruptions remain the key upside risk.

Bitumen prices in India remain steady, supported by a stable rupee and softer crude benchmarks. Seasonal monsoon conditions continue to depress demand, though supply from Iraq and Iran remains consistent. With crude softening and INR stable, parity costs are under mild downward pressure. A demand rebound is expected post-monsoon.

Steel prices fell across major regions as weak demand continues to weigh on the market. Distributors have adjusted prices downward while maintaining steady inventories. The Ministry of Steel is focusing on strengthening the secondary steel sector and promoting green steel initiatives. The outlook remains bearish, with further price cuts expected.

U.S. Polypropylene (PP) export prices weakened this week due to oversupply and competitive Asian cargoes. Demand remains muted in overseas markets, while U.S. sellers face mounting inventory pressure and intensify price cuts. Market sentiment stays bearish with limited short-term recovery expected.

Indian Acetic Acid prices remain stable despite downstream price adjustments and feedstock concerns. Methanol supply risks from U.S. sanctions on Iranian exporters could tighten availability and push costs higher. Post-monsoon demand from VAM and pharma segments may support prices, making this a good window for strategic inventory building.

China’s PVC spot market saw minimal weekly movement, with early gains erased by week’s end. Prices remain range-bound as supply stays stable and demand weakens. Soft dealer offers, low inquiries, and volatile crude oil cap upside potential. Short-term outlook suggests continued narrow fluctuations without strong upward momentum.

Russian Urals crude maintains a strong pricing edge over Saudi grades, reshaping Asian trade flows. China and India increase reliance on discounted Russian barrels, while U.S. tariffs on Indian imports raise geopolitical tension. Saudi Aramco adjusts supplies to defend market share. Competitive pricing and politics drive short-term crude market trends.

DI 58 pipe prices remain above ₹200/kg on tight supply and project delays, while DI 68 trades at ₹100–150/kg. MS ERW prices are stable at ₹59,000/ton (primary) and ₹56,000/ton (secondary). Demand is subdued now but expected to rise post-monsoon, driven by infrastructure and water supply schemes.

Nickel and copper prices remain stable, while stainless steel retail prices show mixed trends across grades. Demand is strong in the 200 and 400 series, with slight weakness in the 300 series. The industry is pushing for anti-dumping duties on cheap imports, as prices are expected to remain steady to firm across segments.

Indian MDC prices jumped ₹4.50/kg in a week, supported by surging methanol feedstock costs after U.S. sanctions on Iranian-origin imports. Supply in the West is tight, while the South operates at full capacity. Despite weak downstream demand, prices are likely to remain bullish due to persistent feedstock shortages and sanctions risk.