Mixed market for bismuth
2005-04-13 09:30:19 【Print】
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 13 Apr 05 – The bismuth market remains quite unclear for several weeks, as prices quoted vary greatly, with few deals being concluded.
"We now quote RMB66,000/t VAT included, and we can accept counter bids of RMB65,000/t,” an official from a South China-based smelter reported to Asian Metal.
With 100tpy production capacity, the smelter produces only 4-5t per month at present.
Similarly, an official from another South China-based smelter said, “Even though we quote at RMB67,000/t ex works VAT included, it’s hard to find buyers.”
While the producer plans to fully operate at its 240tpy production capacity this year, the smelter’s output was 210t in 2004.
However, a South China-based trader disclosed a totally different situation to Asian Metal. “In late March and early April we accomplished a deal for several containers of bismuth ingot to Europe at USD3.50-3.60/lb. My explanation for the price is that we have dealt with bismuth businesses for a long time and we are on good terms with this client,” revealed the source.
The suppliers quote RMB70,000/t to the trader, and the source anticipates a price of RMB68,000/t may be concluded.
"The Chinese domestic price for bismuth has increased to RMB75,000/t since the lunar new year, while the price in the international market remains unchanged at USD3.40/lb,” an executive from a 1,000tpy South China-based producer revealed.
"We quote RMB75,000-76,000/t, and the lowest price we can accept is RMB73,000-74,000/t,” commented an official from another South China-based smelter. “Even if the buyer doesn't accept it, we won’t lower the price. Now I would rather watch and wait, because I think the price would be manipulated by some party.”
While the smelter fully operated at its 200tpy production capacity in 2004, it only produces no more than 20t per month at present.
