[Ferro-Alloys.com]European antimony prices increased to $9,875 per mt, in warehouse Rotterdam, compared to $9,475. US prices, however, held at $4.30-4.40 per lb on limited transactions. US consumers are reluctant buyers, and there could be a surge of activity later in the third quarter.With China Minmetals staying active in the spot market, some traders expressed concern about immediate supply availability. “Minmetals has been purchasing large quantities,” said a trader. “It feels as if the Chinese government is trying to remove any excess material from the spot market.” Many sources believe that Minmetals is buying during the slow summer period in order to prop-up post-summer prices. Consequently, some consumers might re-enter the market earlier than usual.

US bismuth prices fell further last week to $7.80-8.00 per lb compared to $8.10-8.20. Sales were reported primarily at the $7.80 mark on very thin trading. Additional decreases are expected in the near-term as weak summer demand should persist. “Bismuth is slumping and everyone is holding back,” said a supplier. “There is really no demand to be found right now.”

Despite lackluster demand, US selenium prices held at $24.50-26 per lb. Most sales were reported at $25 per lb; however, prices could fall further in the near-term as buyers postpone purchases as long as possible. With Chinese manganese metal producers mostly working from stockpiles, there is little expectation for a turnaround, sources said. “Right now, a lot of offers are being rejected as buyers are holding back,” a supplier stated. “There is no sign of recovery. More decreases are possible.”

Western indium prices held last week at $585-600 per kg despite ongoing questions surrounding supply availability. “Western traders are indeed selling to Chinese importers,” said a source. “This will continue to drive the price up, but for how long?” Despite the Chinese speculative craze for indium, US buyers, fearful of a price correction, have been reluctant to take positions. Most US sales were reported at $590 per kg in volumes ranging from 300 kg to 500 kg.

Indium prices in China were steady last week, but a recent river pollution incident involving a small indium smelter could spark another round of environmental crackdowns that could, in turn, send prices upward, sources said. An illegal smelter reportedly was responsible for a toxic spill in Hezhou of Guangxi province.

So far, the market has not reacted, but speculators, who have taken a bit of a break, could pounce on the pollution incident. Indium prices last week were 4,250-4,300 yuan per kg ($694-703), VAT included. A producer sold 500 kg at 4,300 yuan per kg early this week, while deals later were concluded mostly at 4,250 yuan per kg. The supply of crude indium is still tight as producers are withholding material after the pollution incident. The stock level at Fanya Metals Exchange was unchanged at 1,240 mt.