The prices of premium grade zircon sand slumped to the bottom of around USD820/t at the end of 2008 after the global economic crisis broke out. Although the world’s largest manufacturer of zircon sand increased quotes by 30% early 2009, the transacted prices did not follow up. Since then, the zircon sand prices kept falling and stabilized at around USD950/t in the third quarter of 2009. With the recovery of ceramics industry in the third quarter of 2009, zircon sand market became active again and trading volume soared. Whether the zircon sand market continues to improve in 2010, which is very expected indeed.

Despite the recovery of ceramics industry makes zircon sand manufacturers somewhat at ease, but on the whole, zircon sand market trend remains mixed. The zirconium chemical industry remained weak in 2009 and hard to see improvement in the short term. It appeared price cut-throat competition among producers and many companies struggled to survive. In addition, the lackluster demand for zircon sand from refractory and casting industries makes zirconium industry face severe challenges to recover fully.

To invite senior officials from relevant associations and organizations to analyze the production and consumption situation of zirconium products in world’s major countries and regions.

To invite senior officials from global major players in zirconium industry to explore and analyze the past, present and future on traditional zirconium products industries and the emerging application fields.

Xinhua News Agency, Reuters (UK), Interfax News Agency (Russia), Bloomberg (USA) and other media at home and abroad will attend the forum and give full report.