Chinese gallium market stable

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 3 Jul 06 - Chinese gallium market has remained stable, with domestic price stable at RMB3,050-3,250/kg (USD381-406/kg) and export price at USD295-325/kg. Demand does not see many improvements, so sources believe that the market may remain stable in the coming months.

"The price of gallium 99.99%min is stable at RMB3,050-3,200/kg, with export price around USD320/kg," said an official from a smelter, with annual production capacity of 20t.

As the company complies strictly with its headquarter's export policy that the export price should be no less than USD320/kg, the company are not so competitive as foreign suppliers and are mainly focusing on the domestic market.

Last year, imported gallium took up some market shares of domestic material. However, the source feels that the influence from the former weakens this year.Asian Metal CopyrightMeanwhile, the source hears that foreign countries put great limits on production of gallium arsenide, out of protection of environments, anticipating that the transfer of these plants to China may benefit local smelters.Asian Metal Copyright The smelter mainly sells to domestic NdFeB producers.Asian Metal Copyright Last year, imported gallium took up some market shares of domestic material.Asian Metal Copyright
 
Meanwhile, the source hears that foreign countries put great limits on production of gallium arsenide, out of protection of environments, anticipating that the transfer of these plants to China may benefit local smelters.

The smelter also sells gallium oxide 99.99%min at prices of RMB3,800/kg (USD475/kg) and USD455-460/kg for domestic and export sales respectively.