Indium industry confronts great challenges in 2009. Due to negative influences from the global economic crisis, ITO target manufacturers are pessimistic about the market and thus reduce purchasing quantities and prefer to destock in the first three quarters of 2009. At the same time, CIGS solar cell industry, which is believed to become another major consuming sector of indium metal, develops slowly after the economic downturn broke out.
The price of indium metal goes down from USD350/kg to USD250/kg in the first half of 2009 and export volumes from China keep reducing. However, LCD TV and panel industries benefit from the Chinese economic stimulus packages, such as home appliances going to countryside and four-trillion investment policies and they walk out of the difficult times from the second quarter. Indium inventories held by major ITO producers run down and demand for the metal gradually improves in the fourth quarter. The worldwide economy recovers and the worst time of indium industry is left behind. CIGS solar cell projects are likely to be placed on agenda again, which will increase demand for indium.
The severe winter in the indium market has passed by the fourth quarter of 2009, but it is too early to predict that it will fully recover, as large stocks of indium in Chinese market, continuous research of ITO substitutes and fierce competition between LCD panel and other panels bring unstable factors to the indium market. As for the policies, strict environmental protection measures and tax refund policies in China will play crucial roles.
After the successful World Indium Forum 2008 and World Indium Forum 2009, Asian Metal will continue to invite the most influential companies and experts from the indium industry to discuss the hot issues. The forum is designed to build an international platform of information exchange and strengthen cooperation among all the global indium smelters, traders, consumers, research institutes, associations as well as financial organizations.
Senior officials from relevant national committees will be invited to clarify and detail macro-controlling policies and export strategies on the development of Chinese indium industry.
Senior executives from well-known major market players in the indium industry from both China and the rest of the world will give their unique and insightful views on the development and outlook of indium market and solar cell energy.
Professional editors from world-renowned media outfits, such as Xinhua Agency, Reuters, Interfax and Bloomberg will be invited to attend and report this summit.
