International market prices of rare metals show signs of rebounding. The prices have leveled off since the first week of March as total. Some metals price is still weak. On the other hand, heavy rare earths, antimony and tungsten (ammonium paratungstate, APT) prices seem to rebound, those which are mainly supplied from China.
International market prices are weak for light rare earths while the price is showing a rebounding sign for heavy rare earths. Among light rare earths, cerium oxide price is 12% lower at US$ 29.5 per kilogram in the first week of April than a month ago. Japanese rare metal trading house said the market price of light rare earths might decrease more. Metallic neodymium price also decreased by 5% to around US$ 180 per kg. Market price of metallic dysprosium, heavy rare earth, decreased by 6% to around US$ 2,200 per kg in a month. However, in China, the premium is recently rising for the export license. Japanese trader source told they haven’t received price reply from Chinese suppliers though they sent offers. The market price might rebound soon. Antimony market price levels off at around US$ 13,000 per tonne. Antimony refineries in Guangxi Province, China have suspended operations due to environment pollution problem. Then the market price surged in February while the price stayed at the level in March. Meanwhile, Japanese rare metal dealer source suggested Chinese suppliers are strengthening the offers. The market price seems to surge up. As for APT, the market price is presently weak to reflect decreasing demand for tungsten in Europe. However, ferrotungsten market price is rising. Japanese major rare metal trader analyzes the market price could turn upward when economic trend improves.
