Antimony suppliers optimistic

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 19 Oct 06 – Chinese suppliers take high expectations on the future market with antimony ingot prices rising step by step since early Oct.
“A new round of price rise has started, and we’re confident that the price will hit a a new high,” a Guangdong-based trader said to Asian Metal.
The source reported to have received more inquiries lately, but does not quote at the moment. “The price is edging up faster domestically than overseas, so it’s really difficult for traders to conduct business,” said the source.
According to market sources, one of the major Chinese traders currently quotes at USD5,500/t CIF Rotterdam for antimony ingot and holds a positive attitude towards the future market.
A Hong Kong-based trader, who is considering to replenish stocks, described the Chinese antimony market as strong. “Chinese suppliers seem to be confident to see a price hike in the near future and insist on higher prices for the material,” said the source.
The source also received more inquiries from foreign buyers this week, though a few of those inquiries would turn out to be fruitless. “European consumers can still purchase at USD5,3,50- 5,400/t in warehouse Rotterdam or even lower prices for antimony ingot which was stocked at lower cost. However, with the stock of those materials running low, buyers will have to accept higher price,” said the source.
However, the source still thinks that it is too early to say whether the price might break through USD6,000/t in warehouse Rotterdam.