Tantalum concentrates supply in Chinese market still tight
2012-11-22 09:08:17 [Print]
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 22 Nov 12 – Asian Metal gets to know that tantalum concentrate supply in Chinese domestic and the import markets keeps tight these days, with the prices respectively staying at RMB2,000/kg (USD320/kg) and USD125/lb CIF China. Insiders report that with domestic smelters all are willing to make procurement of tantalum raw materials for the time being.
One small scaled trader who does not make any deals in the half past year of 2012 reported to Asian Metal that tantalum concentrate supply in domestic market keeps tight still. “Prices for China made tantalum concentrate prices are around RMB2,000/kg (USD320/kg), and it is hard to get materials currently,” said the source. “Suppliers know that consumers are willing to buy now, so they all hold their offers firm.”
The source also said that the low grade tantalum ore and the tantalum scraps are both the important replenishment of tantalum concentrate, especially when the imported materials are hard to purchase. The source also reveal that demand for tantalum products keeps relatively weak, so he is not optimistic about the upstream market either.
A consumer of tantalum concentrate from domestic market with an output of about 1-2t of metallurgical grade tantalum oxide also confirmed with Asian Metal that it is hard for them to get raw materials in both domestic and the international market. “International tantalum concentrate suppliers are determined to maintain the materials prices at a relatively high level,” said the source. “So we would have no choice if we had to make procurement from them.”
According to the source, the prices for China made tantalum concentrate are at least RMB2,000/kg (USD320/kg), which have lasted for more than one month time. “We would take purchase, but have to wait for appropriate chance,” added the source.
One small scaled trader who does not make any deals in the half past year of 2012 reported to Asian Metal that tantalum concentrate supply in domestic market keeps tight still. “Prices for China made tantalum concentrate prices are around RMB2,000/kg (USD320/kg), and it is hard to get materials currently,” said the source. “Suppliers know that consumers are willing to buy now, so they all hold their offers firm.”
The source also said that the low grade tantalum ore and the tantalum scraps are both the important replenishment of tantalum concentrate, especially when the imported materials are hard to purchase. The source also reveal that demand for tantalum products keeps relatively weak, so he is not optimistic about the upstream market either.
A consumer of tantalum concentrate from domestic market with an output of about 1-2t of metallurgical grade tantalum oxide also confirmed with Asian Metal that it is hard for them to get raw materials in both domestic and the international market. “International tantalum concentrate suppliers are determined to maintain the materials prices at a relatively high level,” said the source. “So we would have no choice if we had to make procurement from them.”
According to the source, the prices for China made tantalum concentrate are at least RMB2,000/kg (USD320/kg), which have lasted for more than one month time. “We would take purchase, but have to wait for appropriate chance,” 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: %
