Sunday, November 29, 2009

Supply Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand in regular

We are able to offer the following Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand price from Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star
Origin: China
Quantity (MT): 40-100mt in regular
FOB Price: USD5700/MT
Loading Port: Huangpu,port,China.
Specifications:
SB2O3: 99.5% min,PB: 0.1% max,AS: 0.06% max,FE: 0.06% max,CU: 0.06% max,SE: 0.005%max
Size: 0,5-0.9um
Packing: 25kg bags of 1MT each
Date Posted: 17th,Nov, 2009.
Price and availability subject to confirmation. This price quoted supersedes all previous prices.
CNF prices also available,please email us for further details:samjiefu@gmai.com

Manganese flake demand increases a bit

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 27 Nov 09 – Participants reported to Asian Metal that more inquiries from both domestic and foreign customers are reported and trading volume is larger than before. Meantime, domestic supply is sufficient and manganese price remains firm.
A Hunan-based manganese flake smelter, with an output of 4,500tpm, revealed that more inquiries from overseas consumers are received these days, but he does not make any deals this week with an offer of USD2,600/t FOB since last 300t deal concluded late last week at USD2,540/t FOB with a Japanese customer. "Demand from foreign markets increases a bit this month, and my export volume in November is 500t, but only 300t last month," said the source.
According to the source, manganese price is RMB13,700-13,800/t (USD2,006-2,020/t) ex works and profit of domestic market is higher than that of export deals. Providing the quantity and bids from overseas markets are not favorable, he would rather do domestic businesses. Meanwhile, most suppliers are unwilling to sell and believe the price will rise continuously, but supply is not tight.
Another Hunan-based manganese flake smelter, who has an output of 1,200 tons per month, disclosed to Asian Metal that she made some deals of more than 500t late last week at RMB13,600/t (USD1,991/t) ex works and now is fulfilling the orders with no inventories on hand. "Manganese price rebounds to RMB13,700-13,800/t (USD2,006-2,020/t) ex works for the moment, and more inquiries are received, but I have no materials on hand," shared the source.
According to source, most smelters don't have much stock on hand, but it is not difficult for consumers to replenish materials for the moment. She anticipates there is still a little room for manganese price to rise in the end of year.

Monday, November 23, 2009

To properly control exploitation of China’s superior mineral resources

As for China's superior mineral resources, Ministry of Land and Resources said that mining rights should be arranged orderly through an effective and rational planning, properly controlling the total exploitation to promote global market equilibrium and stable development.
Liu Lian, the minister of Mineral Exploitation Division, Ministry of Land and Resources, revealed in the "Mining Rights Management Symposium", that twelve departments including Ministry of Land and Resources jointly recently issued a document that the integration of mineral resource exploitation is being carried out across the country. This project is currently an important task for administrative management of mining, and will last for one year, with the target to further optimize the structure and layout of China's mineral resources exploitation.
Liu Lian plotted out three categories for the important mineral resources in China: lacking mineral resources, superior mineral resources, and primarily balanced mineral resources.
Liu Lian said that the exploitation of lacking mineral resources should be reinforced, namely to set down the incentive and supportive policies for China's lacking mineral resources, improve the protection level in domestic market, and reduce external dependence. Meanwhile, the exploitation of primarily balanced mineral resources that can be guaranteed a basic balance between supply and demand, such as coal, uranium, gold, etc. should be optimized.
Official statistics shows that external dependence of iron ore in China has been reduced to 51.7% in 2007, while it was 56.7% in 2005.
For chromium, nickel, manganese, potassium and other lacking mineral resources, Ministry of Land and Resources previously requested to strengthen the evaluation of domestic resource potential and tackle the problem of seeking mines; meanwhile to increase foreign share, encourage domestic enterprises to increase the intensity of shares of foreign mining companies, seek a stable the international market allocation environment, and to control the external dependence within 60%-95%.
For China's superior mineral resources, Liu Lian said that mining rights should be arranged orderly through an effective and rational planning, properly controlling the total exploitation to promote global market equilibrium and stable development.
"National Mineral Resource Planning (2008 ~ 2015)" has regulated that the output of China's minerals that has export superiority should be limited in order to maintain their value; besides to strictly control of mining rights, strengthen the export quota management, and prohibit excesses exploitation and export.
Tungsten, antimony, rare earth ore mineral resources is important superior mineral resources in China, and the reserves, production, exports of them are highest in the world over the years, holding an important position in the international market.
Land Department in May issued a notice this year, and the total exploitation volumes of tungsten ore, antimony, rare earth mining is clarified. It is said that this is the first time that China implements regulations to supervise the total exploitation volumes of antimony.
This notification regulated that the control target of total exploitation volumes of tungsten concentrates is 68555t, antimony 90180t and rare earth 82320t in 2009.

Manganese flake offers go up slightly in China

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 20 Nov 09 – Participants reported to Asian Metal that manganese offers go up slightly while the electricity price rises in winter and the ore resources will be tight in the near future. Inquiries from downstream market increase these two days, and most smelters feel a bit reluctant to sell.
A Guangxi-based manganese flake smelter, with an output of 1,000tpm, disclosed to Asian Metal that manganese flake price goes up to RMB13,400/t (USD1,962/t) ex works but no deals are concluded these two days at this price level. With the production cost rising, the electricity price has risen during the forth quarter in Guangxi province. The source believes the price will go up continuously in the end of year.
According to the source, the manganese flake production is reducing and about 60% of smelters are in operation. Meanwhile, inquiries increase slightly these two days. "I finalized three deals of 100t with Japan customers this month at USD2,500-2,550/t FOB," shared the source, forecasting the demand will increase in the future.
A Xiangxi-based manganese flake smelter, who has an output of 1,500tpm, revealed to Asian Metal that he made a deal of 60t at RMB13,300/t (USD1,947/t) ex works yesterday and the price goes up by RMB100-200/t (USD15-29/t) compared with that a few days ago. "The demand for manganese has not increase yet but more inquiries are received," said the source, holding an optimistic attitude towards the price to go up in the coming days.
According to the source, the production is reducing due to the high cost while the ore materials will be tight in winter. Some who depend on buying ore maintain the production with thin profit. The source claimed that most smelters have little stock and feel a bit reluctant to sell, with the production cost rising.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Supply Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand in regular

We are able to offer the following Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand price from Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star
Origin: China
Quantity (MT): 40-100mt in regular
FOB Price: USD5750/MT
Loading Port: Huangpu,port,China.
Specifications:
SB2O3: 99.5% min,PB: 0.1% max,AS: 0.06% max,FE: 0.06% max,CU: 0.06% max,SE: 0.005%max
Size: 0,5-0.9um
Packing: 25kg bags of 1MT each
Date Posted: 17th,Nov, 2009.
Price and availability subject to confirmation. This price quoted supersedes all previous prices.
CNF prices also available,please email us for further details:samjiefu@gmai.com

China's raw material industry reports increase in value added

China's raw material industry value added increased 13 percent year on year in July, two percentage points higher than the growth in June, according to statistics of the Ministry of Industry and Information.


In the first seven months of this year, the raw material industry's value added grew 7.8 percent year on year, compared to the 6.9 percent registered in the first half.


Among the industry's various sectors, metallurgy quickly fired back into shape with its value added rising 14 percent year on year in July. This marked a 5.6 percentage point improvement from that of June.

In terms of specific products, crude steel output amounted to 50.68 million tons, up 12.6 percent year on year. The daily output averaged at 1.64 million tons.


The output of steel products reached 60.91 million tons in July, up 19.4 percent year on year.


Within the year's first seven months, the output of crude steel and steel products recorded 317.31 million tons and 377.84 million tons, respectively, up 2.9 percent and 7.6 percent.


In terms of foreign trade, steel products had suffered declining exports, but were able to enjoy higher imports.


In July, China exported 1.81 million tons of steel, down 74.9 percent year on year in crude steel equivalence. It imported 1.74 million tons of steel and 570,000 tons of billet, up 57.2 percent year on year in crude steel equivalence.


In the first seven months of this year, China imported 11.16 million tons of steel and 10,000 tons of billet, down 67.6 percent year on year equivalent to 11.88 million tons of crude steel. The import volume of steel and billet stacked up to 9.88 million and 3.23 million tons, respectively, up 31.3 percent equivalent to 13.74 million tons of crude steel.


Steel inventories began rising in July after falling month on month since March, as statistics from China Iron and Steel Association show. At the end of July, the inventories of five key steel products in 26 major cities reached 9.44 million tons, up 480,000 tons, or 5.4 percent, month on month.


The inventories of steel wire accumulated the highest gain of 14.5 percent month on month, while that of hot rolling and deformed steel bars edged up 7.1 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively.


Steel prices on the domestic market rose rapidly. The steel aggregate price index hit 110.15 at the end of July, driving back up 15.14 points, or 15.9 percent, from the bottom of 2009. The prices of 6.5mm carbon steel wire rods, 10mm medium plates, 0.5mm hot rolled sheet and 0.5mm cold rolled sheet amounted to 4,073 yuan/ton, 4,073 yuan/ton, 4,419 yuan/ton and 5,373 yuan/ton, respectively, up 10.9 percent, 9.2 percent, 3.5 percent and 10.3 percent over the previous month.


In addition, imports of iron ore sand continued to soar. Customs statistics show that China imported 58.08 million tons of iron ore sand in July, up 46.8 percent year on year and 5 percent month on month. In the January to July period, the imported volume accumulated to 360 million tons, up 31.8 percent year on year. The bountiful importation led to an overstock in ports, casting a negative influence on the market's production and distribution orders.


Meanwhile, iron ore fines increased. On July 31, Indian iron ore fines at the Port of Qingdao increased 130 yuan/ton month on month to 780 yuan/ton.

China rejects U.S., EU, Mexican requests for WTO panel on raw materials

China on Thursday rejected requests made by the United States, the European Union and Mexico to establish a WTO expert panel to investigate and rule on so-called Chinese restrictions of raw materials exportation.


At a meeting of the WTO's dispute settlement body, the Chinese delegation reiterated that "its measures related to exportation are consistent with the principles and rules of the WTO," and the country "consistently respects and abides by the WTO rules and its own commitments."

China is disappointed that the three complainants choose to move forward with requests for panel establishment at this meeting ... and is not in a position to agree to the establishment of a panel at this time," the delegation said.


The United States has accused China of restricting exports of " numerous raw materials critical to U.S. manufactures and workers," thus violating WTO rules. The materials at issue include coke, bauxite, fluorspar, magnesium, silicon metal and zinc.


The EU joined the United States in filing WTO complaints on the matter in June, and they were later joined by Mexico.


Two rounds of consultations were held in July and September between China and the three complainants, but they failed to resolve the problem.


Requesting a panel is the next step in the WTO dispute settlement process after consultations fail. According to procedures, a panel request can only be blocked once, and if the three complainants choose to made a second request at a later date, a panel would be set up automatically.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Sell Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand

We are able to offer the following Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand price from Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star
Origin: China
Quantity (MT): 40-100mt
FOB Price: USD5750/MT
Loading Port: Huangpu,port,China.
Specifications:
SB2O3: 99.5% min,PB: 0.1% max,AS: 0.06% max,FE: 0.06% max,CU: 0.06% max,SE: 0.005%max
Size: 0,5-0.9um
Packing: 25kg bags of 1MT each
Date Posted: 17th,Nov, 2009.
Price and availability subject to confirmation. This price quoted supersedes all previous prices.
CNF prices also available,please email us for further details:samjiefu@gmai.com

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Cobalt oxide market in thin trading though the price keeps rising

12 Nov 09 – With cobalt oxide price keeping increasing from 235-245/kg (USD34.41-35.87/kg) to about RMB240-250/kg (USD35.14-36.60/kg), there are not many deals concluded in the cobalt oxide market. Most producers believe that cobalt oxide price will probably not go up dramatically further.
A producer in Zhejiang, with an output of about 100tpm of cobalt oxide, told Asian Metal that cobalt oxide market gets quiet and the price has gone up to about RMB245/kg (USD35.87/kg), higher than RMB240/kg (USD35.14/kg) last week. "There are not many deals concluded right now," said the source.
For the reasons, the source believes that demand is not strong, especially from export market, cutting by about 50% than the previous years. On the other hand, when it becomes cold, demand from northern regions will be affected to some extent. Furthermore, the source pointed out that there is large stock held by downstream factories. "As I learn from downstream factories, most of them hold stock enough for the production for about one month," said the source.
Another producer in Guangdong, with an output of around 10tpm of cobalt oxide, reported to Asian Metal that their deals are concluded at the price of RMB240-250/kg (USD35.14-36.60/kg) at present. With the price getting higher, they receive few inquiries and make few deals. "Most consumers are watching the market and traders have held stock at hand," said the source.
Therefore, the source is not too optimistic about the future market and he believes the price will not go up drastically in the near future.

South Korean FeMo dealers appear considering low bids

12 Nov 09 – As the international ferromolybdenum prices appear softening, some of Korean dealers who have been holding back offers expecting higher prices are reportedly having a second thoughts and are beginning to consider bids at, and below, USD28.00/kg Mo delivered.
A dealer reportedly offered 20t to a Taiwanese steel mill at USD29.50/kg Mo but lost the deal to another dealer that accepted bids at USD28.00/kg delivered with payment terms and described current trend as not a good time to sell. "Price is dropping again yet end-users are not in the market with enquiries," said the source.
Another source dealer held a less optimistic view about the future market revealing that even though he expect some 50-80t tender from POSCO next week, if the bids fall below USD28.00/kg Mo delivered, he would not participate and would rather wait for the market to pick up, hopefully early next year. "We're going to wait for one week and see if it will change before we decide what next," said the source.
And for the molyoxide material, mainstream prices remain in the range of USD11.30-11.60/lb, but an official of a trading company disclosed to Asian Metal the company's floor price at this moment remains at USD13.00/lb and have couple of months' threshold to keep the material in the hope the market shore up by early next year.
The source reportedly received enquiries worth more than 100t from Chinese buyers with price indication at USD11.00/lb but could not consider giving out any offer on such a low price.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Phosphorus fire retardant --- Triethyl Phosphate

Phosphorus fire retardant --- Triethyl Phosphate
Simplename:
TEP   Synonyms: Phosphoric acid triethyl ester; Ethyl Phosphate; TEP; Phosphoric  
CAS#: 78-40-0   Molecular Weight: 182.16  
Molecular: (CH3CH2O)3PO  
Quality:
Items Index
Appearance Achromatic transparent liquid
Assay % 99.5min
Acid Value(mgKOH/g) 0.05max
Acidity(as H3PO4%) 0.01max
Refractive Index(nD20) 1.4050~1.4070
Water Content % 0.2max
Density D2020 1.069~1.073
Chemical properties:
It is achromatic transparent liquid; melting point –56.5℃.; boiling point 215~216℃; flash point 115.5℃; relative density 1.0695(20℃); refractive index(20℃) 1.4055. Fully dissolving in water. Easily dissolving in organic solvent of etanol, ethyl ether, benzene etc.  
Use: Used as fire-retardant, strength agent of rubber and plastic and the material of pesticides, aging and steady agent of resin.  
Productivity: 6000tons/year  
Packing: 200kgs/iron drum, Measurement:560×890mm;
1000KGS/IBC; 20-23MTS/ISOTANK.  

Phosphorus fire retardant --- TRI-ISOBUTYL PHOSPHATE

Phosphorus fire retardant --- TRI-ISOBUTYL PHOSPHATE
Simplename:
TIBP   Synonyms: TIBP  
CAS#: 126-71-6   Molecular Weight: 266.32  
Molecular: C12H27O4P  
Quality:

Index name

Index

First grade

Qualified product

Appearance

colorless clear

colorless clear

Assay %

≥99.5

≥99

Acid value(mgKOH/g)

≤0.05

≤0.1

Moisture %

≤0.1

≤0.2

Refractive index

1.405~1.407

1.403~1.406

Chemical properties:
colorless clear liquid, relative density d2040.96, boiling point 278℃
 
Use: used to produce defoamer and solvent  
Productivity: 3000tons/year  
Packing: 25kg plastic drum or 200kg galvanized metal pail  

Phosphorus fire retardant --- Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate

Phosphorus fire retardant --- Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate
Simplename:
TCPP   Synonyms: TCPP, tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate  
CAS#: 13674-84-5   Molecular Weight: 327.56  
Molecular: C9H18Cl3O4P  
Quality:
Index Specification
Appearance Colorless or light-yellow transparent liquid
Color(APHA) 80MAX
Acidity(mgKOH/g) 0.10MAX
Water Content分 0.10%MAX
Flash Point ℃ 210
Viscosity(25°C) 67±2CPS
Phosphorus Content 9.40%
Refractive Index 1.4630-1.4645
Specific Gravite 1.280-1.290
Chemical properties:
It's light-yellow or oil liquid and is resolved in benzene, alcohol etc., is unresolved in water and fat hydrocarbon.  
Use: It's fire retardant of rubber and painting, and also used as the material of polyurethane foams, adhesives and other resins.  
Productivity: 5000tons/year  
Packing: 250kgs/iron drum, Measurement:560×890mm;
1000KGS/IBC; 20-23MTS/ISOTANK.  

Phosphorus fire retardant --- Tributoxy Ethyl Phosphate

Phosphorus fire retardant --- Tributoxy Ethyl Phosphate
Simplename:
TBEP、TBXP   Synonyms: TBEP, Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate  
CAS#: 78-51-3   Molecular Weight: 398.48  
Molecular: C18H39O7P  
Quality:
Items Index
Appearance Colorless or light-yellow transparent liquid
Refractive Index (25°C) 1.432-1.437
Fire Point °C 252
Flash Point °C 224
Boiling Point °C 222
Density(20/20°C) 1.017-1.023
Acid Value(mgKOH/g) 0.1max
Color Index(APHA PT-CO) 80max
Viscosity (20°C) 12 mPas
Water Content % 0.2%max
Chemical properties:
The product is used as the flame retardant agent for polyurethane, cellulose, polyethylene alcohol etc. formed hard plastics. It is characterized by low temperature.  
Use: The product is used as the flame retardant agent for polyurethane, cellulose, polyethylene alcohol etc. formed hard plastics. It is characterized by low temperature.  
Productivity: 3000tons/year  
Packing: 200kgs/iron drum, Measurement:560×890mm;
1000KGS/IBC; 20-23MTS/ISOTANK.  

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Increased buying pushes silicon higher

London 06 November 2009 14:38

Silicon outside of China traded higher on Friday as buyers come to the market to cover for the rest of year with the expectation that prices will firm further.

The range rose to €1,680-1,730 per tonne ($2,496-2,571) from €1,650-1,700 per tonne previously on increased sales and bullish sentiment.

One trader reported selling around 500 tonnes of silicon metal this week and noted more consumer enquiries from the automotive sector.

"We sold 553 and 441 between €1,700 and €1,800 [per tonne fca]," the trader said.

"Business has picked up this week. I think it will be like this until December," he said, adding that the spot market would remain firm given the tightness in supply.

Both Chinese and Western prices are on the rise, a second trader told MB, confirming a sale of 50 tonnes of 441 material at €1,730 fob.

"There isn't too much material around. I could have done more but it's not easy to buy [replacement] material," he added.

A consumer from the automotive sector reported buying silicon this week at €1,700 per tonne, but did not provide further details of the purchase.

More enquiries have turned into business, a European producer source said, having completed transactions of 100-tonne lots at €1,740 fob for 553 metal and €1,775 for higher grades.

"It seems like things are on the move up," he said, also attributing the rise in prices to a tighter market.

There have been some aggressive offers in the market, a third trader noted.

"I haven't done any business this week but we have been offered at around €1,700," he confirmed.

Antimony ingot,Antimony Trioxide falls under pressure from lower offers

London 06 November 2009 12:44

Antimony prices fell for the first time since mid-September on Friday as some smelters lowered their offers to secure sales.

Trioxide-grade metal dipped to $6,250-6,450 per tonne from $6,275-6,475 per tonne previously, while standard grade II antimony fell to $6,200-6,400 per tonne from $6,250-6,450 per tonne.

Prices had been holding firm on tight supply from Chinese suppliers following an accident at Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star in October that resulted in the closure of its mines.

Producers raised their offers in the wake of the closure, but consumers' reluctance to buy metal above $6,000 has put pressure on spot prices this week, traders said.

"The market price is a bit softer – some of the smelters have reduced their offers in order to make some sales," one trader said, reporting business at the low end of the new MB quotes.

Hsikwangshan's production is still suspended, sources said, but they agreed that weak demand from end-users is offsetting the effect of the closure.

Both major antimony consumers in Europe, Sica and Campine, have not been active in the spot market for several weeks, market participants said.

Lower spot prices for antimony ore are adding to the weakness in the metal market, the trader said.

"The ore price has been coming down for a bit," he said.

While buying from Sica and Campine has been slack, consumers in Japan and Korea are buying steady volumes of metal, Asian sources said.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Chinese ferromolybdenum price falls 7% on weak buying interest

Shanghai 29 October 2009 02:41

Chinese molybdenum concentrate prices fell 150 yuan ($22) per tonne, extending weeks of declines caused by poor demand.

Prices dropped to 1,900-1,950 yuan ($278-286) per mtu, from 2,050-2,100 yuan per mtu last week.

"We haven't purchased any concentrate recently as prices dropped very quickly and we also have some inventory which will last until next month," said a ferro-molybdenum producer in Huludao, Liaoning province.

Domestic ferro-molybdenum prices also dropping rapidly these days as no buyers want to buy, the ferro-molybdenum producer added.

"Most stainless steel mills are unwilling to buy ferro-molybdenum because of poor sales for their own products. And the anti-dumping issue on Chinese stainless steel pipe is also making them hesitant to buy ferro-molybdenum," said a major ferro-molybdenum producer in Luoyang, Henan province.

Ferro-molybdenum is now trading at around 126,000-131,000 yuan per tonne, down as much as 6,000 yuan from last week, according to producers.

While demand is thin, supply is more than adequate, trader said.

"There is a lot of concentrate and ferro-molybdenum inventory in the market now, so some ferro-molybdenum producers have cut operating rates to reduce output," said a major molybdenum concentrater producer in Shanxi province. Many molybdenum miners are producing at loss now, he added.

Another ferro-molybdenum producer in Liaoning province told MB his company has cut production and is only supplying long-time customers in order to maintain relationships.

Market sentiment was also hit by lower European molybdic oxide prices, the Huludao producer said, adding that he has no intention of buying molybdic oxide for the time being. MB's prices for drummed molybdic oxide fell to $10.50-11.50 per lb on Wednesday.

China imported 5,067 tonnes molybdenum concentrate and molybdic oxide in September, down 17% month-on-month, taking nine-month imports totalled 51,350 tonnes, according to customs.

Most market players expect further price declines as there is no sign of buyers returning in any great number to make purchase in the near future.

"Concentrate prices may drop to 1,700-1,800 yuan or even to 1,500-1,600 yuan," the second Liaoning producer said.

"In the current market, I reckon that concentrate prices could drop to 1,700-1,800 yuan in the coming months," said the Luoyang producer.

U.S. molybdenum prices drift lower but bottom seen

NEW YORK 04 November 2009 16:29

U.S. molybdenum pricing remains volatile, but many in the trade believe that a floor has been established on the back of another market dip.

Spot prices for molybdic oxide are now in a range of $10.50 to $11 per pound, down from $12.30 to $12.70 two weeks ago, while ferromolybdenum is between $12.75 and $13 per pound, down from $13.90 to $14.10, traders said.

Moly prices have been on a roller coaster ride for the past six months. Molybdic oxide, which hit a low of $8.55 a pound in April, climbed to $18.25 in August but since then has given back about 40 percent.

"Have we fallen to the floor? Everybody is trying to figure that part out," a U.S.-based trader said. "The Chinese haven't shown too much interest in purchasing but they're not sellers either, so it's a little bit difficult to gauge what is going on."

A second trader said there's not really any spot activity to speak of as most buyers are safely covered for the fourth quarter. "But there is a growing sentiment that we've reached a bottom, but the problem is that we're entering a seasonably slow period," he said. "Things are going to be pretty sleepy here from Thanksgiving through the holidays."

Raw steel production in the United States fell last week for the first time since June, with the average capability utilization rate easing back to 62.7 percent from 63.2 percent a week earlier, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute, Washington.

"It feels like the demand for steel, looking at the utilization rates, is slacking off a small bit," the first trader said. "But that's not unexpected; we've been anticipating that November might be softer than October."

A third U.S.-based ferroalloy trader was significantly more bullish. "This ship is starting to turn around," the trader said, noting that he made a number of sales of moly oxide at $11.25 per pound. "The Chinese have come in and are buying, contrary to what other people are saying. There's a little more buying going around, just in general. Consumers are seeing a really cheap price and are being enticed to buy. I'm not seeing the lower numbers in the range anymore."

The first trader said that he hadn't seen any significant Chinese buying activity and their buying decisions would drive prices in the fourth quarter. "If the Chinese aren't buyers, then the market's going lower just based on the fundamentals and the fact that fourth-quarter (demand) is shaping up to be pretty soft. If they are buyers, depending on the extent, it could be a flat market."

However, he noted that prices won't actually go up until consumers return in bulk to the spot market. Currently, nearly all ferroalloy purchasing is being conducted through long-term contracts.

"The trade is getting a little bit ahead of this with the thought that it's bottoming. The feeling is that people are cautiously optimistic for what is going to happen in the first quarter," the trader said.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand

    Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand
    We have pleasure in giving you our present price as follow:

     1;Price: FOB HUANGPU 5950USD/MT
     2,Product: Antimony Trioxide 99.5%MIN,
     3,Specification:Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand
     4,Packing: Packed in 25kgs Kraft paper bags with the inner of PE bag, 1000kgs on wooden pallet with plastic-film protection.
     5,Minimum order quantity: 20MT in FCL
     6,payment terms: 30% advance payment within three working days after signed the contract, balance by T/T within Five working days after receive the copy of B/L.
    7,Shipment:Prompt shipment.the goods is ready for shipment in Huangpu port.China.
    8,Validity of quotation: for 3 days.   contact:    samjiefu@gmail.com

    If you have any question, please don't hesitate to ask.  Looking forward to hearing from you soon and establish Long-Term cooperative relationship with you.Thanks and Best regards.


Antimony market slow as consumers hold out for lower prices

London 27 October 2009 11:41

The antimony market has been slow so far this week, with major European buyers staying out of the market until prices fall.

Trioxide-grade antimony has been trading at $6,275-6,475 per tonne for the past two weeks, while standard grade II metal has been changing hands between $6,250 and $6,450 per tonne.

Prices are trading at their highest level this year amid tight Chinese supply following the fatal accident and subsequent mine suspension at Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star in China's Hunan province.

But the European spot market has been quiet this week with traders and consumers keen to avoid paying the higher prices ahead of the winter in the northern hemisphere, traditionally a period of lower consumption.

With so little buying in the spot market, some Chinese suppliers are being forced to lower their offers, sources told MB.

"We have done small lots around $6,350 or $6,400, but everything's within the range. Sica and Campine are staying out of the market and they're trying not to stimulate prices," one trader said.

Offers are around $6,300-6,400 per tonne, compared with highs of $6,500-6,700 per tonne two weeks ago, sources said.

"We are not buying, but we believe we will be able to buy lower soon," one consumer, who was unable to report booking any business so far this week, said.

"I think the game's up on antimony," a second trader said. "Some people were talking $7,000, but we're not going there yet."

The second trader is booking small parcels of metal within the MB ranges, he said, while the first trader agreed that volumes have been low in the market for the past week.

"I am not sure how long they're going to stay out of the market, but they don't want to encourage the prices to go up to $7,000," he said. "People don't seem to be that excited anymore, I can see prices coming back to more realistic levels."

Monday, November 2, 2009

Chinese ferromolybdenum traders eager to replenish

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 2 Nov 09 – As Chinese ferromolybdenum prices have been dropping for more than three weeks and steel mills remain placing orders on a need-only basis, participant believe that ferromolybdenum price will not rebound sharply in the rest of this year. Traders appeared more interested in replenishing their stocks more or less currently.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 332H
A trader from Hebei told Asian Metal that he will keep a wait-and-see attitude towards the ferromolybdenum market and will not sell the materials in a hurry this week, because he feels that dealers are ready to come back to the market for replenishing.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 7A38
"I think most traders have been watching and waiting for lowest prices for a long time, and the current price level has been more and more closing their interested level," said the source. "Though the price of ferromolybdenum has been continuously dropping for several weeks, I believe it is able to increase one day."
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com QL7S
The source still has 10t of the material in hand but does not hurry to sell the material to get cash, reporting that another trader has about 100t of ferromolybdenum in hand, which were bought at around RMB80,000/t (USD19.52/kg Mo) long time ago.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 58EN
A source from Beijing, with a production capacity of 350tpm of ferromolybdenum, confirmed that traders have been eager to purchase ferromolybdenum since the middle of last week. "We sold more than ten tons of ferromolybdenum 60% to traders at around RMB127,000/t (USD30.99/kg Mo) last week, and I think more and more traders will come back to the market in the coming days," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com LFPJ
Furthermore, the source stopped offering for ferromolybdenum and ferrovanadium last Friday, because they were not sure with the future market but expressed that ferromolybdenum market hasn't touched the bottom yet and the price may drop further this week.

European FeMo market set to stir again

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 2 Nov 09 – With around 100t of ferromolybdenum material concluded to Korea and Taiwan late last week, the market firmed as it was difficult, if not impossible to find offers below USD25.50/kg despite its seesaw trend earlier in the week.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com A943
Responding to the backward-and-forward motion the market witnessed last week, a European dealer with enquiries worth 15t on the table Friday decided to wait until wait until the trend becomes clear, hopefully at opening of trading session this morning, but indicated he might not offer material at below USD26.00/kg Mo d.p. and would expect a firm bid at a few cents lower. "It should curve up this week having been on the low side for long," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com JRQY
Another source offered 5t at USD26.50/kg Mo d.p. Friday with extended payment term but was still awaiting final bid as at the press time. The source defended his offer of extended payment term of forty-five days alluding to fear it could be that some traders are covering for short again and any stir in activity might be short-lived. "I would hope this is a real bottom-out," said the source. "We'd have to see."
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 2B07
In the same vein, molyoxide price have firmed and according to participants, it was difficult to get offers at below USD10.70/lb. A European dealer who had earlier dismissed an offer at USD10.90/lb by bidding the material at USD10.75/lb was caught unawares as the supplier had withdrawn it by close of business Friday.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com E446
Generally, however, an insider was of the view there have been more talks than action and it could still be possible to get firm bids at USD10.70/lb, especially from dealers who need cash to meet pressing commitments.