London (Asian Metal)2017-3-13 The current mainstream price of 30% tantalum oxide in African tantalum ore market is US$51.50-54.50/lb; because Chinese consumers are gradually accepting higher tantalum ore prices, the market has emerged last weekend $58.00/lb CIF China. As Chinese consumers return to the market for purchases, market participants predict that the tantalum ore market will see a bullish outlook.
A tantalum ore trader in China and Europe said that demand has increased slightly, and they are optimistic about the market outlook. At the beginning of this month, they sold about 24 tons of tantalum 30% tantalum oxide at a price of US$54.50/lb CIF China, and now they have raised their offer to US$58.00/lb CIF China. “This year will be different from 2016, and now that the market is more active, we expect enough room for prices to rise,” the trader said.
The trader executes back-to-back trades, with an average monthly volume of 48 tons, with monthly sales in February, and they expect to exceed the average in March.
A tantalum ore trader in Northern Europe said that at the beginning of the month they sold about 5 tons of tantalum ore 30% tantalum oxide at a price of US$55.00/lb CIF China. He is bullish on the market outlook and intends to raise the price. “Although we cannot be certain of the price increase, we are confident in the market that the upward movement is confirmed,” the trader said.
The trader has an average monthly shipment of 12 tons, and they have traded 5 tons so far this year due to sluggish demand.
