[Ferro-Alloys.com] Most minor metals prices are poised to go up, traders said, but they will stay unchanged unless there is actual business. Selenium consumers did come into the market last week, and prices widened to USD42-45 per lb compared to USD42-44. Producers are more willing to raise offer prices now that they have made some substantive sales. Western antimony traders continue to complain that Chinese traders have raised their prices at the same time that some Western traders are unloading metal at low prices to capture business. One trader reported that he could buy from the Chinese for shipment to the US at $12,500 per mt, delivered to Baltimore. At the same time, sales in Baltimore have been made at under $5.60 per lb.

 

A large antimony tonnage sale reportedly was concluded in Europe for USD12,000 per mt, but the metal is believed to have been purchased several weeks ago. "We have lowered our prices to the USD5.60s," said a US trader, "but our customers say they can buy at USD5.50."

 

Japan’s Dowa Electronics Materials kept its September domestic 99.99% indium price unchanged for the third consecutive month at RMB51,000 (USD651) per kg for major users and RMB56,000 (USD714) for medium/minor users.

 

Chinese indium suppliers have raised their prices in the wake of government environmental inspections that could result in plant closures. Chinese indium prices for 99.99% In rose to rose to RMB3,550-3,650 (USD563-578) per kg, VAT included, compared with 3,500-3,600 per kg. Crude indium producers have opted to wait for higher prices. They say they have enough cash flow and in addition, few producers are operating. Crude indium prices last week were RMB3,200-3,300(USD507-523) per kg, VAT included.