[Ferro-Alloys.com]Minor metals prices persisted in their usual pattern last week. Chinese suppliers of antimony, bismuth and indium were quoting higher prices, while the rest of the world was contending with consumers who want price breaks. Spot antimony prices in the US fell to $5.10-5.12 per lb compared to $5.38-5.41 on a smattering of sales. A trader in Europe reported a small tonnage sale at $11,650/mt. Traders are hoping that prices have bottomed out and are poised to move upward. The Chinese have raised their prices, citing severe winter weather conditions that have reduced output.

 

Bismuth prices rose to $8.40-8.50 per lb compared to $8.35-8.45. Chinese suppliers have raised their prices, and more Western consumers have returned to the market. One supplier said he stopped selling at below $8.50. Selenium prices held at $40-44 per lb. There is some talk about prices firming on the back of Chinese buying. One supplier said he had not seen any increased buying interest, but ironically, he had seen evidence of Chinese offering to sell selenium. While the Chinese do not normally export selenium, he figured that some consumers may be releasing stocks to get cash prior to the Chinese New Year. Indium prices remain solidly under $500 per kg, and business continues to be paltry.