Niobium concentrate prices show uptrend
2014-05-04 10:16:29 [Print]
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 4 May 14 - Although the downstream niobium products demand does not get strong these days, prices for niobium concentrate are firm and plants in Chinese domestic market complain that they cannot make procurement of niobium concentrate at prices lower than USD12/lb CIF China.
One processor in South China claimed that the prices for niobium concentrate show upward tendency due to tight supply. According to the source, the niobium concentrate supply does not seem as abundant as that of late last year. Most suppliers quote USD12-13/lb CIF China for niobium concentrate at present, up by USD0.5/lb from those of middle April.
According to the source, the plant produces 3-5t of metallurgical grade niobium oxide per month. He predicted that the prices will not go up sharply in a short term as there is little support from downstream demand.
One trader in South China with a trading volume of 1-2 containers per month told Asian Metal that they received an offer for niobium concentrate at USD12.5/lb CIF China from one of their African suppliers. Some suppliers even make offers higher than USD13/lb CIF China. However, domestic plants show little interest in making substantial purchases at current price levels and they prefer to purchase the material from hand to mouth.
“Oversea supply is tight in the spot market and it is really hard to purchase cheaper materials,” said the source, revealing that he thinks that niobium concentrate prices will remain firm in spite of soft demand.
One processor in South China claimed that the prices for niobium concentrate show upward tendency due to tight supply. According to the source, the niobium concentrate supply does not seem as abundant as that of late last year. Most suppliers quote USD12-13/lb CIF China for niobium concentrate at present, up by USD0.5/lb from those of middle April.
According to the source, the plant produces 3-5t of metallurgical grade niobium oxide per month. He predicted that the prices will not go up sharply in a short term as there is little support from downstream demand.
One trader in South China with a trading volume of 1-2 containers per month told Asian Metal that they received an offer for niobium concentrate at USD12.5/lb CIF China from one of their African suppliers. Some suppliers even make offers higher than USD13/lb CIF China. However, domestic plants show little interest in making substantial purchases at current price levels and they prefer to purchase the material from hand to mouth.
“Oversea supply is tight in the spot market and it is really hard to purchase cheaper materials,” said the source, revealing that he thinks that niobium concentrate prices will remain firm in spite of soft demand.
Niobium Pentoxide 99.5%min EXW China
Unit:RMB/kg
China niobium oxide producers' inventory to production ratio statistics by province by month
Unit: %
