European antimony metal deals at high prices

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 15 May 08 – As China is controlling explosives and enforcing environmental control measures, antimony price increases in both domestic and export markets. European market participants expect price to increase further in the coming months.
A European consumer reported to Asian Metal that he finds there is material available, but the prices are hard for him to accept. "Most of the Chinese offers of 99.65%min low bismuth grade two antimony ingot I received are above USD6,300/t CIF Europe. Although I still receive a few offers at around USD6,250/t, it is still too high if you think the price one month ago was only around USD5,650-5,700/t."
He thinks the current market situation is not easy for the antimony consumers because Chinese government is taking control of the dangerous items including mining explosives and also environment.
A European trader told Asian Metal that he sold two batches of 99.65%min regular grade two antimony ingot. "One container load was sold at USD6,400/t and a smaller volume was sold at USD6,450/t in warehouse Rotterdam," said the trader and believes this is the prevailing price of antimony in European market.
He disclosed that there are not many offers from Chinese suppliers at the moment and he is looking for material for May shipment. He is concerned about the antimony mines in China by asking, "I know there is already less antimony concentrate produced because of the government explosives control, but had the
earthquake damaged the mines and made the supply even worse?"
Another trader learned that the ports in Vietnam are closed again, and it is difficult to ship material out from China. He also received offers from Chinese suppliers at around USD6,250/t CIF Rotterdam for 99.65%min regular grade two antimony ingot.