Antimony trioxide price declines
2005-04-28 09:08:57 【Print】
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 28 Apr 05 – Ending a comparatively stable period, the antimony trioxide price began to fall early this week.
A major antimony trioxide producer from South-China reported that the concluded price has decreased to around RMB22,000/t delivered in ports this week from RMB22,300/t a week ago. “We just sold some of the material at such a price,” the source said, acknowledging that fewer inquiries have been received during the past week.
According to the source, most of the smelter’s recent output is sold in the domestic market, as foreign buyers remain extremely inactive. "Therefore, we reduced our price in order to get more clients, "said the source.
Running on its full production capacity of 5,000tpy, the smelter has some materials in stock at present.
Another South-China based producer confirmed the trend. "We just sold a small batch of product for RMB23,800/t delivered in ports, with a freight of RMB500/t," said the source. "Our concluded prices were around RMB23,800/t ex works last week." According to the source, RMB22,800/t ex works can be possibly accepted at present.
The source does not hold a positive expectation towards the future market. “The price is likely to continue slipping in the coming weeks.”
An official from a Guangdong-based smelter, who had thought the market price would edge up, has now changed his mind. "The antimony trioxide price softened this week," said the source. "We are going to close out stocks rather than hold back for higher prices."
With some products in stock, the smelter didn't conclude any antimony trioxide deals last week, waiting for a higher price.
In view of limited domestic consumption capability, as well as poor demand from international markets, industry insiders hold that the antimony trioxide price will continue to slide in the near future.
