Thursday, April 8, 2010

antimony trioxide,antimony ingot prices remain high with no relief in sight

8 Apr 10 – Antimony traders disclose that domestic prices for antimony metal grade II remain high and that offers are being quoted at about USD7,300-7,500/t delivered domestically. Market participants expect to see prices increasing further as the domestic demand remains strong and the volume of material available for immediate release dwindles.

A trader based in New York reported that demand is "very strong" and that the current prices will remain at the higher end of the pricing scheme at least through the end of April. "I do not anticipate a price softening trend at least through the beginning of the summer."

The source disclosed that prices for antimony metal 99.65%min remain strong at about USD7, 400/t domestically, and there are some deals being concluded currently as high as USD7, 900/t for immediate release.

Another trader based in Houston, who caters to consumers in the Latin American market, said that the prices for antimony metal are "soaring" and that he does not expect to a short-term depreciation "The demand for the material remains strong, and the current closure of major smelters for environmental checkups is certainly driving prices up as anxious traders and consumers seek to secure material."

The source disclosed that he is currently procuring a 20t tender of high-grade antimony metal 99.85%min and that he has received "exorbitant" quotations from Chinese traders in the USD8,800-9,000/t CIF Callao, Perú.

The source said that his last concluded purchase of 20t of antimony metal 99.85%min was finalized in early February at USD7,500/t CIF Callao.

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