Weak demand in European antimony trioxide markets
2011-11-09 11:53:22 [Print]
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 9 Nov 11 - European antimony trioxide markets continue to see poor buying activity as consumers focus on decreasing stock levels. According to local sources, most consumers, increasing concerned about a potential economic downturn, choose to delay purchasing activity and run down inventory levels. Sources expect demand to remain weak through the remainder of the year, noting that most consumers will refrain from making substantial purchases until early Q1 2012.
Sources expect antimony trioxide prices levels, averaging around EUR9.4-9.7/kg DDP, to see slight price declines in the upcoming weeks.
A southern European based source observed that antimony trioxide markets are unlikely to rebound before the end of the year. Dealing with over 2,000 tons per year, the source confirmed that current antimony trioxide prices hover in a range between EUR9.3-10/kg DDP depending upon ordering quantity, however, added that the most recent concluded transactions were at EUR9.5/kg DDP.
According to the source, demand is unlikely to rebound before the end of the year. He explained that the majority of customers remain wary about a potential recession and prefer to delay restocking material. At present, most consumers will use up stockpiled material, and if necessary, purchase only enough material to satisfy immediate needs. “The market is extremely quiet and it is unlikely people will return to make large purchases before the end of the year. Right now a lot of consumers are focusing on diminishing stock levels. People don’t want to have money tied up in stockpiled material should a second recession hit,” added the source.
A second central European source agreed markets are extremely slow. The source, who typically deals with 1,000 tons per month, put current price levels at EUR9-9.5/kg depending upon purchasing quantity.
The source expects markets will see minor price declines before stabilizing in the upcoming months. He explained that consumer’s desire to keep stockpiles at minimal levels will help to prevent a rebound in demand before the end of the year. “Business is slow right now on account of the European debt crisis. Consumers and suppliers are trying to get rid of material and prices can only go down or remain flat. We’re swiftly approaching the end of the year, and at this point, its unlikely we’re going to see an increase in buying activity until after Christmas,” reported the source.
Sources expect antimony trioxide prices levels, averaging around EUR9.4-9.7/kg DDP, to see slight price declines in the upcoming weeks.
A southern European based source observed that antimony trioxide markets are unlikely to rebound before the end of the year. Dealing with over 2,000 tons per year, the source confirmed that current antimony trioxide prices hover in a range between EUR9.3-10/kg DDP depending upon ordering quantity, however, added that the most recent concluded transactions were at EUR9.5/kg DDP.
According to the source, demand is unlikely to rebound before the end of the year. He explained that the majority of customers remain wary about a potential recession and prefer to delay restocking material. At present, most consumers will use up stockpiled material, and if necessary, purchase only enough material to satisfy immediate needs. “The market is extremely quiet and it is unlikely people will return to make large purchases before the end of the year. Right now a lot of consumers are focusing on diminishing stock levels. People don’t want to have money tied up in stockpiled material should a second recession hit,” added the source.
A second central European source agreed markets are extremely slow. The source, who typically deals with 1,000 tons per month, put current price levels at EUR9-9.5/kg depending upon purchasing quantity.
The source expects markets will see minor price declines before stabilizing in the upcoming months. He explained that consumer’s desire to keep stockpiles at minimal levels will help to prevent a rebound in demand before the end of the year. “Business is slow right now on account of the European debt crisis. Consumers and suppliers are trying to get rid of material and prices can only go down or remain flat. We’re swiftly approaching the end of the year, and at this point, its unlikely we’re going to see an increase in buying activity until after Christmas,” reported the source.
Antimony Trioxide 99.5%min In warehouse Rotterdam
Unit:EUR/kg
China antimony trioxide producers' operating rate statistics by province by month
Unit: %
