Antimony suppliers reluctant to sell

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 30 Jun 06 – In view of the price increase of antimony ingot in both local and overseas markets, some Chinese suppliers are reluctant to sell, expecting higher prices, market sources reported to Asian Metal today.

According to a Guangdong-based consumer, many producers are reluctant to sell as they anticipate higher prices in the near future. “Those who used to sell at around RMB31,000-32,000/t(USD3,875-4,000/t) VAT excluded a couple of weeks ago claimed that they would not sell any below RMB35,000/t(USD4,375/t) VAT excluded,” said the source, adding that some major producers still hold back from offering the materials.

The source reported to export some antimony trioxide to customers with long-term relationships at around USD4,300/t FOB for prompt delivery. “We’d have to take the risk of possible tax removal,” said the source.Asian Metal Copyright Furthermore, if the tax rebate is cancelled, we’ll have to quote higher to cover the extra tax cost,” said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

According to the source, prices of antimony trioxide also start to edge up in line with the increasing market antimony ingot, albeit slowly.

Another trader from Guangdong confirmed the situation. “We received quite a few inquiries recently right after the Chinese market begun to stir,” said the source.Asian Metal CopyrightAccording to a Guangdong-based consumer, many producers are reluctant to sell as they anticipate higher prices in the near future.Asian Metal Copyright “I believe that foreign buyers are concerned about the price increase and plan to refill their stocks before the market surges to higher levels.Asian Metal Copyright According to the source, prices of antimony trioxide also start to edge up in line with the increasing market antimony ingot, albeit slowly.Asian Metal Copyright”

However, the company has not yet replied to any of the buyers given the unpredictable tax revision. “Some major producers quote as high as RMB38,500/t(USD4,813/t) ex works, and we have to offer the metal at prices above USD5,100/t FOB.Asian Metal Copyright According to the source, prices of antimony trioxide also start to edge up in line with the increasing market antimony ingot, albeit slowly.Asian Metal Copyright Furthermore, if the tax rebate is cancelled, we’ll have to quote higher to cover the extra tax cost,” said the source.