Niobium concentrate prices to decrease
2012-10-15 08:48:42 [Print]
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 15 Oct 12 – According to market participants, due to the slow demand of niobium oxide and niobium bar from the downstream industry, prices for niobium concentrate are also showing signs of going down currently. Some traders note that the prices for some deals of niobium concentrate see USD20/lb CIF China or even lower.
One trader from North China whose just made a deal about 5t confirmed with Asian Metal that demand of niobium concentrate from domestic consumers are not as strong as in the past two months. “It is mainly due to the slow demand of niobium oxide and other niobium wrought materials,” said the source, saying that their dealing prices are about USD20-21/lb CIF China.
The source also noted that this batch of materials has not arrived yet, but has been booked out with one consumer from domestic market. “From quotations of the suppliers in international market, we felt the downward tendency,” said the source, explaining that with the slow economy background, the miners need to get back the cash before the Christmas Holiday.
A smelter from China also confirmed with Asian Metal the downward tendency of niobium concentrate prices. “I received some offers before the National Day Holiday, and some suppliers even quoted USD20-21/lb CIF China to us, while the prices early last month were still USD21-22/lb CIF China,” added the source, whose output of niobium oxide is about 3-5t per month.
The source also predicts that the prices of niobium concentrate will go down in the near term because consumers from Chinese market are not willing currently as they have large amount of niobium oxide in hand now.
One trader from North China whose just made a deal about 5t confirmed with Asian Metal that demand of niobium concentrate from domestic consumers are not as strong as in the past two months. “It is mainly due to the slow demand of niobium oxide and other niobium wrought materials,” said the source, saying that their dealing prices are about USD20-21/lb CIF China.
The source also noted that this batch of materials has not arrived yet, but has been booked out with one consumer from domestic market. “From quotations of the suppliers in international market, we felt the downward tendency,” said the source, explaining that with the slow economy background, the miners need to get back the cash before the Christmas Holiday.
A smelter from China also confirmed with Asian Metal the downward tendency of niobium concentrate prices. “I received some offers before the National Day Holiday, and some suppliers even quoted USD20-21/lb CIF China to us, while the prices early last month were still USD21-22/lb CIF China,” added the source, whose output of niobium oxide is about 3-5t per month.
The source also predicts that the prices of niobium concentrate will go down in the near term because consumers from Chinese market are not willing currently as they have large amount of niobium oxide in hand now.
Niobium Conc. Nb2O5 50%min, Ta2O5 5%min, CIF China
Unit:USD/lb Oxides
China niobium oxide producers' sales to production ratio statistics by province by month
Unit: %
