FeNb market softens as Ta remains tight in Europe

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 24 Jul 06 – Ferroniobium is gradually softening as consumers are resisting high prices at USD18-18.50/kg Nb, and dealers seem to be complying accepting lower prices.Asian Metal Copyright90kg Nb last week, to be released in equal half this week and next.Asian Metal Copyright

Market sources indicate a deal of 12t of FeNb was concluded to a consumer at EURO14.20/kg Nb or USD14.90/kg Nb last week, to be released in equal half this week and next.

"Nobody is interested in anything at high prices at the moment," echoed a source that offered material last week at USD18/kg Nb, adding “offers from Brazilian producers seem too high than what consumers can accept.”

Tantalite remains tight at the moment in the range USD31-32/lb for 25%min grade for grade greater than 30%min, it is around USD33/lb at the minimum. Many have attributed the tight situation to the uncertainty surrounding the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC), which is slated for July 30.