Keneng, a technology leader in indium market

Asian Metal: Thank you for accepting our interview, Mr. Zhao. Please give us a brief introduction of your main business.

Zhuzhou Keneng New Material Co., Ltd. is a hi-tech company specializing in sales and production of indium, gallium, bismuth, tellurium and their oxide and metal powder. Our main products are 4N-7N indium, indium oxide, bismuth ingot, bismuth needle, bismuth bead, 4N-7N gallium metal, gallium oxide and tellurium ingot.

Asian Metal: Thanks a lot. Could you please tell us something about yourself?

I set up Zhuzhou Keneng New Material Co., Ltd. 18 years ago in 2000. Before that, I worked in Zhuzhou Cemented Carbide Plant under China Minmetals Corporation for eight years. After being established, Zhuzhou Keneng has been focusing on business of the above four minor metals.

Asian Metal: We learnt that Keneng is a leading indium producer in China. What are your advantages in indium products?

Indium is one of our main products and our indium purity could reach 6N-7N. Keneng is the unique Chinese company that is recognized by both Chinese and overseas major customers for its quality of high-purity indium.

During these years, Keneng has been accepted by customers in ITO, alloy and high-purity fields and its products are popular.

Keneng always adheres to the principle of stable supply, stable quality and relatively stable price.

These are our advantages.

Furthermore, Keneng owns certain advantages and basis in stable supply of indium, both for long-term orders and small orders.

Asian Metal: You put great emphasis on maintaining good relationships with Chinese and overseas customers. Which fields and countries are major indium consumers from?

Indium consumers are largely from ITO field. Most of ITO companies are in China, Japan, South Korea while some of them are in the U.S. In particular, Japan and South Korea are the main destinations. However, in recent years, especially in the second half of 2018, ITO industry grows rapidly in China.

In term of specific consumption proportion, 80% of indium is consumed by overseas customers based on our experience.

Asian Metal: According to most insiders, indium market showed unhealthy trend in the past two years with oversupply and fierce competition. What's your opinion on this situation and how to break through?

In my opinion, the indium market is in good and healthy condition in recent years.

Firstly, consumption increases by 3-5% on an annual basis and we are optimistic about the development in the coming years.

Secondly, scattered small indium producers have grown into medium-sized ones by correcting environmental issues and upgrading technology in recent years, during which disqualified companies were eliminated. It's good news for supply of indium.

Thirdly, the indium market always sees fierce competition. No matter what product it focuses on, the company will benefit from benign competition. Therefore, in order to go forward, we welcome all legal and fair competitions. With benign competition, companies are forced to upgrade their strategies, which are good for their development. All legitimate benign competitions are considered helpful.

Asian Metal: Does the export of indium suffer impacts of the Sino-U.S. trade war?

We prefer calling it the Sino-U.S. dispute. The dispute has negative influences on both countries and their enterprises. Enterprises and people are always victims of all trade disputes.

The indium industry hasn't seen apparently negative impacts yet as the trade dispute started earlier before, but we pay much attention to its future development. If the dispute lasts for a long period, the sales of indium companies and development of indium industry will surely be affected.

Asian Metal: What do you think about the indium ingot price trend in Q4 2018?

Firstly, to be frank, Keneng is an entity enterprise and we don't care much about market outlook of indium ingot and don't expect significant changes of indium prices. The most important thing for us is to produce high-quality products and ensure stable supply. If prices fluctuate dramatically, the whole market will suffer negative impacts.

Next, based on current situation, we predict that indium prices would be relatively stable in Q4. In terms of demand and supply, we don't have extra stocks in hand.

Besides, it's widely said that the case of Fanya Metal Exchange would be sentenced in late Q4, which deserves attention for its influences on the market.

Thus, we are quite cautious about price trend in Q4.

Asian Metal: Could you share with us your new plan in the near future?

Now Keneng attaches more significance on powder materials, oxide materials and high-purity materials. For instance, we will try to produce extra high-purity indium, bismuth, gallium and tellurium while the current products are of raw-material grade.

We aim to be a technologically leading, professional, respected and responsible enterprise.

Asian Metal: We are going to hold the 12th Indium & Bismuth & Germanium & Gallium Forum in Zhuhai of Guangdong on 14-15 March, 2019. Keneng is always a great supporter of the forum. May I know your expectations or suggestions on the 12th forum?

Keneng often attends the indium, bismuth, germanium and gallium forum held by Asian Metal. As an excellent andprofessional platform, the forum creates connections among market participants of the industry. We hope your forum will be more professional and high-end in view, guest, size and level.

Asian Metal: Your support is indispensable to our growth. Thanks again for your cooperation. Wish your company a bright future.