Antimony Market Price Weakening around Osaka

Antimony market price keeps flat with potential decrease at 700-750 yen per kilogram around Osaka. The market price lowered by 100 yen within a month when the international price declined and Japanese yen became stronger against other currencies. Antimony dealing price in European market, researched by Reuter, is currently US$ 5,700-5,900 per tonne for 99.65% purity. The mid price downed by 10% from the recent peak a month ago and became below US$ 6,000 for the first time in a half year.

Antimony price is widely decreasing in China, the world largest antimony producer. A Japanese dealer source said Chinese producers are offering much cheap price to gain cash and cover stock loss. Chinese domestic price seems even lower than international price. The price is expected to decline more.

Antimony supply is easing when explosive usage was reapproved after the Beijing Olympic. On the other hand, antimony demand is concerned to weaken from automotive battery additives and antimony trioxide for frame retardant. The supply and demand balance might become easier.