Chinese tantalum concentrate import prices go up
2012-10-16 08:54:26 [Print]
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 16 Oct 12 – Market participants reported to Asian Metal that with the increasing prices of tantalum concentrate in both E.U. and U. S. markets, as well with the tight supply, Chinese tantalum concentrate import prices also go up accordingly from USD110/lb CIF China to USD115-120/lb CIF China, some suppliers even quote USD125/lb CIF China. Insiders also noted that prices in E. U. market now are USD130/lb.
One smelter from Chinese market with a monthly consumption volume of about 40-50t of tantalum concentrate in the first half year of 2012 shared with Asian Metal that the international tantalum concentrate import prices must be as high as USD125/lb CIF China, and Chinese materials import prices are also following the rising trend at present. “Now the whole global market is an entirety, so Chinese materials prices will not be lower than the international prices,” said the source.
Commenting on the future market, with the continually tight supply of tantalum raw materials, the source said that the prices will continue to be firm or even continue to go up before the end of 2012.
Another user from domestic market also confirmed with Asian Metal the rising prices of tantalum concentrate in the import market. According to the source, Chinese tantalum concentrate import prices now are rising continuously from USD110/lb CIF China to USD120/lb CIF China. The source also noted that domestic users will finally accept the high prices as there are no cheap materials available.
The source also thinks that the prices for tantalum concentrate will go up before the year end. “Downstream demand is also rebounding gradually,” added the source.
One smelter from Chinese market with a monthly consumption volume of about 40-50t of tantalum concentrate in the first half year of 2012 shared with Asian Metal that the international tantalum concentrate import prices must be as high as USD125/lb CIF China, and Chinese materials import prices are also following the rising trend at present. “Now the whole global market is an entirety, so Chinese materials prices will not be lower than the international prices,” said the source.
Commenting on the future market, with the continually tight supply of tantalum raw materials, the source said that the prices will continue to be firm or even continue to go up before the end of 2012.
Another user from domestic market also confirmed with Asian Metal the rising prices of tantalum concentrate in the import market. According to the source, Chinese tantalum concentrate import prices now are rising continuously from USD110/lb CIF China to USD120/lb CIF China. The source also noted that domestic users will finally accept the high prices as there are no cheap materials available.
The source also thinks that the prices for tantalum concentrate will go up before the year end. “Downstream demand is also rebounding gradually,” added the source.
Tantalum Conc. Ta2O5 30%min in warehouse Rotterdam
Unit:USD/lb Ta2O5
China tantalum oxide producers' operating rate statistics by province by month
Unit: %
