Chinese germanium supply tight

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 6 Jun 06 - Germanium supply shortage has not been eased so far, and the market may continue to go up, close sources reported to Asian Metal.

"We did little germanium business during past three weeks, because of few spot cargos," said an official from a smelter, with monthly production capacity of 2t.

Processes for its clients account for a large percentage of the smelter's operation. Combined with few raw materials available, the smelter could supply little germanium in the free market.

According to the source, the smelter quotes USD830-850/kg for germanium metal 99.999%min, with USD560-570/kg for germanium dioxide 99.Asian Metal CopyrightAccording to the source, the smelter quotes USD830-850kg for germanium metal 99.Asian Metal Copyright999%min.Asian Metal Copyright"We did little germanium business during past three weeks, because of few spot cargos," said an official from a smelter, with monthly production capacity of 2t.Asian Metal Copyright

The smelter has to raise its quotation due to unavailability of raw materials. Thus, they do not care whether buyers will accept these high prices or not.Asian Metal Copyright Combined with few raw materials available, the smelter could supply little germanium in the free market.Asian Metal Copyright

The source believes that the market may continue to ascend in the coming two months.