US bismuth market continues upward rally
2010-02-15 08:49:09 【Print】
PITTSBURGH (Asian Metal) 15 Feb 10 – Prices of bismuth metal rose for the second straight week as large quantities of material were booked above USD8.0/lb in recent days. Active market participants expect slight but further increases, however, through the remainder of the first quarter.
Actual bismuth prices continue at USD7.9-8.2/lb, with the bulk of material moving around USD8.0-8.15/lb. Prices at the start of 2010 had fallen to around USD7.5/lb, but turned around as the demand within China turned up and availability tightened slightly.
One of the largest US-based distributors, who indicated prices at USD7.75-8.25/lb, remarked that the market had definitely seen an uptick in activity over the past week. The source reported sales at USD7.9/lb and USD8.15/lb for 3t and 2t quantities respectively.
“There has really been an increase in overall sales, but the question is how sustainable the increases are. It is always good to see a turnaround, but I suspect [bismuth] prices will still eventually see a correction as well later in the year. End-user demand is fairly weak overall,” the source said.
The trader also reported that most buyers are still buying hand-to-mouth, and are reluctant to take any material beyond what is immediately necessary.
“A lot of our clients are taking only what they need for immediate use,” the source remarked. “Some of this has to do with a lack of financing to accrue inventories, but it also shows an innate apprehensiveness of possible future price decreases.”
Another US-based distributor was optimistic about the latest trend. The source reported a 3t sale at USD8.15/lb delivered late last week.
“I think we are seeing real positive movement this time,” the source said. “I expect this to continue into the next month at least, but it is dangerous to predict past this first quarter. No one is sure what will happen in China.”
Actual bismuth prices continue at USD7.9-8.2/lb, with the bulk of material moving around USD8.0-8.15/lb. Prices at the start of 2010 had fallen to around USD7.5/lb, but turned around as the demand within China turned up and availability tightened slightly.
One of the largest US-based distributors, who indicated prices at USD7.75-8.25/lb, remarked that the market had definitely seen an uptick in activity over the past week. The source reported sales at USD7.9/lb and USD8.15/lb for 3t and 2t quantities respectively.
“There has really been an increase in overall sales, but the question is how sustainable the increases are. It is always good to see a turnaround, but I suspect [bismuth] prices will still eventually see a correction as well later in the year. End-user demand is fairly weak overall,” the source said.
The trader also reported that most buyers are still buying hand-to-mouth, and are reluctant to take any material beyond what is immediately necessary.
“A lot of our clients are taking only what they need for immediate use,” the source remarked. “Some of this has to do with a lack of financing to accrue inventories, but it also shows an innate apprehensiveness of possible future price decreases.”
Another US-based distributor was optimistic about the latest trend. The source reported a 3t sale at USD8.15/lb delivered late last week.
“I think we are seeing real positive movement this time,” the source said. “I expect this to continue into the next month at least, but it is dangerous to predict past this first quarter. No one is sure what will happen in China.”
