Melamine price April 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$1.26/KG, unchanged
- Europe:US$1.06/KG, -0.9% down
- Northeast Asia:US$1.05/KG, unchanged
- South America:US$1.58/KG, 0.6% up
- Middle East:US$0.93/KG, -1.1% down
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Melamine price index
This post is a summary of the global Melamine price developments. The price developments of global Melamine are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Melamine price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for global Melamine prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of global Melamine prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Melamine
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of global Melamine prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Melamine market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the Melamine price chart
What is Melamine
Melamine is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H6N6. It is a white crystalline powder that is often used in the production of plastics, adhesives, and flame-retardant materials. Melamine can also be found in some food products, although it is not an approved food additive and can be harmful if consumed in large amounts.
How is melamine produced
Melamine is typically produced by reacting urea with formaldehyde under high pressure and temperature. This process results in the formation of melamine crystals, which can then be separated and purified for use in various industrial applications.
What is Melamine used for
Melamine is used for a variety of industrial and commercial applications, including:
Melamine resin
Melamine resin is used to make laminates, adhesives, coatings, and molded products.
Melamine foam
Melamine foam is used as a sound and thermal insulation material, as well as for cleaning and polishing surfaces.
Melamine-based flame retardants
which are added to materials like plastics, textiles, and foams to make them more fire-resistant.
Fertilizers
Melamine is used as a slow-release nitrogen source.
Food contact materials
For example plates, bowls, and utensils, although this use of melamine is controversial due to concerns about the potential health risks associated with its ingestion.
High-quality paper
Melamine is used as a cross-linking agent to improve paper’s strength and water resistance.
What drives the cost of Melamine
The cost of melamine is driven by several factors, including the cost of its raw materials (urea and formaldehyde), the energy required for the production process, and the supply and demand dynamics of the market. Other factors that can affect the cost of melamine include transportation and logistics costs, trade tariffs, and currency exchange rates. Additionally, the quality and purity of the melamine can also impact its price, with higher-quality melamine typically commanding a higher price.
The key feedstock for the production of urea is ammonia, which is typically produced through the Haber-Bosch process. In this process, nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas are reacted in the presence of a catalyst to produce ammonia.
The key feedstock for the production of formaldehyde is methanol, which is typically produced from natural gas or coal. Methanol is then oxidized to produce formaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst.
What are the key characteristics of Melamine
The key characteristics of melamine include:
High thermal stability
Melamine has a high decomposition temperature, which makes it useful in high-temperature applications.
High hardness and scratch resistance
Melamine is a very hard and scratch-resistant material, which makes it ideal for use in laminates and coatings.
Chemical resistance
Melamine has excellent chemical resistance, which makes it suitable for use in harsh chemical environments.
High tensile strength
Melamine has a high tensile strength, which makes it useful in applications that require materials with high strength and durability.
Non-toxicity
Melamine is non-toxic, which makes it safe for use in food contact applications.
Low conductivity
Melamine is a good insulator and has low electrical conductivity, which makes it useful in electrical and electronic applications.
Water resistance
Melamine has good water resistance, which makes it useful in applications where water resistance is important.
Which countries produce the most melamine
The top producers of melamine in the world are China, the United States, and Iran. Other countries that produce significant amounts of melamine include Qatar, Russia, and Belgium. The production of melamine is typically concentrated in countries with large chemical industries and access to the raw materials (urea and formaldehyde) required for its production. The demand for melamine is driven by its wide range of industrial and commercial applications, including in the production of laminates, coatings, adhesives, and flame retardants.
How big is the melamine market
The size of the global melamine market was valued at around USD 1.5 billion in 2020, and it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4.5% from 2021 to 2028. The market is driven by the increasing demand for melamine in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, including laminates, coatings, adhesives, and flame retardants. The growth of the construction industry and the increasing demand for lightweight and durable materials are also expected to drive the demand for melamine in the coming years. Additionally, the growing demand for melamine in the production of fertilizers and animal feed is expected to further fuel the growth of the market.
According to https://oec.world/ :
Melamine are the world’s 2376th most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Melamine were China ($227M), Netherlands ($93.4M), Germany ($92.2M), Poland ($38M), and Austria ($33M).
In 2020, the top importers of Melamine were Turkey ($54.8M), India ($37.5M), Italy ($36.7M), United Kingdom ($30M), and Brazil ($28.6M).
Further information
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