APT prices move up again in China

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 24 Feb 06 – APT prices rose again in China over the past week. Due to the continuous markup of tungsten concentrate, APT producers raised the price to RMB198,000-200,000/t (USD279-281/mtu) ex works this week.

According to market participants, tungsten concentrate prices rose to RMB130,000/t (USD249/mtu) this week from RMB120,000-125,000/t (USD230-239/mtu) previously.

An official of a Jiangxi-based smelter reported a price of RMB198,000/t (USD279/mtu) for its APT, but the spot material should be delivered next week. “Owing to the high price of concentrate, we mainly supply to long-termed buyers,” said the source, believing the price may rise further in the coming two weeks.

A fortnight ago, the smelter concluded its APT at RMB183,000/t (USD258/mtu), and then raised the price to RMB192,000/t (USD270/mtu), according to the source.

A Chinese buyer told Asian Metal he yesterday received APT quotation at RMB200,000/t (USD281/mtu) from Jiangxi. “It is really hard for me to accept the price,” he said, “Last week, we ordered a small batch of APT at a price of RMB192,000/t [USD270/mtu] from a Hunan-based smelter.Asian Metal Copyright “Owing to the high price of concentrate, we mainly supply to long-termed buyers,” said the source, believing the price may rise further in the coming two weeks.Asian Metal Copyright”

The source believes the price appreciation will go along in the coming month.