Bismuth remained on the upward move this past week as both demand and prices rose further. Sellers continued to indicate little-to-no pushback from buyers as most sought to meet immediate needs. Prices for bismuth are presently at $8.95-9.15 per lb, compared to $8.55-8.75 per lb. Despite the substantial increase week-over-week, most participants anticipate additional increases due to growing demand and investor buying in China. With questions surrounding tighter supply and future price increases, consumers have been steadily seeking supply, and consequently, the added interest has helped propel the added increases. “I am seeing a lot of inquires,” said a seller. “Buyers seem eager to add supply.” The Chinese bismuth market has extended its upward movement over the past week. Spot prices are continuously being pushed up by consumer replenishments and active investment buying on the Fanya Metals Exchange. Western consumers are reportedly stockpiling metal, leading up to the year-end holidays, sources said. Export prices have increased as a result to $8.70-8.90 per lb, compared to $8.30-8.50 per lb. The stock level at the Fanya Exchange has reached 2,913 mt. Hunan Bismuth Group, the largest bismuth producer in China, has 1,213 mt of metal currently stocked in the Exchange.