Tantalite supply continues to be tight
2012-06-05 08:48:27 [Print]
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 5 Jun 12 – According to market participants from both home and abroad, the tantalite supply this week still keeps tight and the material is not available. Besides, the market prices are still at USD98-100/lb CIF China, unchanged from the prices last week.
A Taiwan-based trader with a monthly dealing volume of about 10t per month shared with Asian Metal that the demand of tantalite keeps stable from the mainland market, while it is hard for him to get good materials now. “The supply from South America is limited, and there are only five tons per month,” said the source, revealing that it is not worthy for one container’s shipment by just 5t once, so he rejected the materials. However, the source said that the prices now are still at USD95-100/lb CIF China.
“While the materials from the Africa are not reliable, as most of the local collectors of tantalite are not satisfied with the FOB payment methods,” added the source. “The just accept the payment by cash in the local market.” According to the source, who has not made any deals in the past two months, it is a little risky to deal with them on such payment method.
Another trader from South Africa also confirmed with Asian Metal that the tantalite supply is still tight this week, while the prices in that local place are still at USD85-90/lb, which have been stable for about one month. “The output of tantalite is limited as the some countries have entered the rainy season, so the workers cannot work outside,” explained the source, whose monthly dealing volume is about 3-5t.
According to the source, who has been dealt with tantalite for about half a year, the tantalite market will continue to be active not only in the short run but also in a long run, as the resources of tantalite is becoming fewer and fewer in the future.
A Taiwan-based trader with a monthly dealing volume of about 10t per month shared with Asian Metal that the demand of tantalite keeps stable from the mainland market, while it is hard for him to get good materials now. “The supply from South America is limited, and there are only five tons per month,” said the source, revealing that it is not worthy for one container’s shipment by just 5t once, so he rejected the materials. However, the source said that the prices now are still at USD95-100/lb CIF China.
“While the materials from the Africa are not reliable, as most of the local collectors of tantalite are not satisfied with the FOB payment methods,” added the source. “The just accept the payment by cash in the local market.” According to the source, who has not made any deals in the past two months, it is a little risky to deal with them on such payment method.
Another trader from South Africa also confirmed with Asian Metal that the tantalite supply is still tight this week, while the prices in that local place are still at USD85-90/lb, which have been stable for about one month. “The output of tantalite is limited as the some countries have entered the rainy season, so the workers cannot work outside,” explained the source, whose monthly dealing volume is about 3-5t.
According to the source, who has been dealt with tantalite for about half a year, the tantalite market will continue to be active not only in the short run but also in a long run, as the resources of tantalite is becoming fewer and fewer in the future.
Tantalum Conc. Ta2O5 30%min in warehouse Rotterdam
Unit:USD/lb Ta2O5
China tantalum oxide producers' operating rate statistics by province by month
Unit: %
