The US market continues to line-up with the European market as both prices and demand have not varied. Prices for US material remain at $4.70-4.80 per lb with few buyers seeking truckload volumes. “Business has been very quiet,” said a seller. “I’ve made a few offers here and there, but nothing substantial to report.” Others have noted a calculated approach from downstream participants as inquiries are regular, but most sales are primarily in small-to-medium sized on a hand-to-mouth basis. “There is some reluctance from buyers because of price trends being seen in China,” said a source. “If China starts lowering prices to prompt business, you can expect domestic sales to slow further; no one wants to buy at a loss.” A truckload sale was reportedly booked at $4.68 per lb; however, the seller was eager to move supply after limited business this month. “Surprisingly, China has been really quiet post-holiday,” said a buyer. “There has been no shift in fundamentals; there is nothing driving prices right now.”

The western indium market has remained relatively flat as sources indicated no notable change in neither price nor demand. There has been some business reported around $710 per lb, but most buyers are not pressed for material and seem willing to postpone procurement as price upticks seem to have subsided. According to sources, overall business has been sustaining, but there has been little interest for prompt spot material. “I would say that the market is mostly flat right now,” said a seller. “There is some steady activity, but no one is really jumping for supply.” Prices are presently in a holding pattern at $690-715 per kg, with no oscillation over the past few weeks. Sources agreed that buyers continue to accept the firm prices, but most are not over-pursuing supply as the Fanya Exchange has slowed its stockpiling activity.

The Chinese indium market has reportedly softened further this week as investment demand has been easing. Spot prices for 4N metal slid to 4,400-4,500 yuan ($721-738) per kg VAT included, compared to 4,500-4,530 yuan per kg last week. A producer in Guangxi province sold 2 mt of metal at 4,510 yuan ($739) per kg earlier last week, yet at week’s close, only a few deals were reportedly concluded as buyers opted to hold back for the time being. The stock level at the Fanya Exchange held at 1,600 mt - no change week-over-week.