Insight
From July to September 2025, China’s sand and aggregate market experienced regional divergence, shifting from initial stability to August declines, followed by a mixed recovery in September. Demand fluctuations were driven by weather disruptions, infrastructure pacing, and regional supply-demand imbalances.
Key Price Movements
Declines
- July: Chongqing (Western) mechanism sand fell by 10 RMB/ton; Shanghai prices remained stable.
- August: Widespread drops—Tianshui (Gansu) and Chongqing prices declined by 2–11 RMB/ton; Shanghai reported a second consecutive monthly dip (1 RMB/ton).
- September: Significant drops in Hunan (e.g., Changde mechanism sand down 18 RMB/ton); Urumqi (Xinjiang) prices fell 6–8 RMB/ton.
Increases
- July: Qingdao (Shandong) river sand rose 8 RMB/ton.
- September: Selective rebounds—Hunan’s Hanshou County river sand rose 2 RMB/ton; Chongqing (Southern) mechanism sand and碎石 increased 1 RMB/ton.
Market Analysis
- July: Prices were broadly stable, with minor adjustments in key regions.
- August: Typhoon-related slowdowns triggered declines in coastal and southwestern markets.
- September: Markets stabilized, with volatility concentrated in central China (Hunan) and the northwest.
Demand Outlook
- Short-term: The “Golden September, Silver October” construction season is expected to bolster demand.
- Medium-term: Government-led infrastructure projects and urban renewal initiatives will provide support, though regional oversupply may cap price gains.
- Risks: Weather disruptions and illegal low-cost materials (e.g., in Guizhou) remain challenges.
Regional Price Snapshots
|
Region |
July Trend |
August Trend |
September Trend |
|
Chongqing |
Western sand: ↓10 RMB/t |
Mixed (e.g., Eastern stone: ↓11 RMB/t) |
Mixed (South: ↑1 RMB/t) |
|
Shanghai |
Stable |
Sand/stone: ↓1 RMB/t |
Stable |
|
Shandong |
Qingdao river sand: ↑8 RMB/t |
Prices steady |
High-end sand: 125–190 RMB/m³ |
|
Hunan |
Moderate volatility |
— |
Changde sand: ↓18 RMB/t |
|
Xinjiang |
— |
— |
Urumqi sand: ↓6–8 RMB/t |
Industry Trend and Advice
- Trends:
- Premium materials (e.g., water-washed sand, asphalt-grade stone) command significant premiums.
- Illegal low-priced materials continue to disrupt markets in Guizhou and Yunnan.
- Advice for Enterprises:
- Monitor local policies and demand cycles to adjust inventory.
- Prioritize quality control for high-specification projects.
- Attend industry events (e.g., CSSA’s September conference) for insights.
Source: China Aggregates Association statistical reports. All prices in RMB/ton unless stated otherwise.