[Ferro-alloys.com] The bismuth market continued to increase after post-holiday buying resumed over the past couple of weeks. Downstream demand has been on the rise as buyers seem eager to replace inventories. “There were a lot of buyers who stockpiled to close the year,” said a source, “but with production requirements rising, buyers are actively seeking material.” Prices are presently at $9.40-9.60 per lb, compared to $9.30-9.50 per lb the week prior. According to sources, spot transactions are on the rise; however, sales volumes remain relatively low. Buyers seemed focused on supplementing their downstream requirements rather than taking a position in the spot market. “The market is trending up,” added a source. “Spot transactions are on the rise, but volumes are still manageable.” Sources anticipate additional increases in the near-term as small 3- 5 mt lot sales were transacted at $9.55 per lb and above.

 

The Chinese bismuth market has been edging up over the last couple of weeks as consumers have been actively seeking replenishments ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday. Strong investment buying has also aided the upward trend as spot supply has been further tightened. Presently export prices for bismuth metal have increased to $9.30-9.60 per lb, compared to $9.10-9.30 per lb at the beginning of the month. Consumers are busy restocking material, and producers are reportedly withholding sales in order to push prices even higher and, as a result, investors on the Fanya Exchange are continuing to increase stocks. The stock level this week rose to 6,072 mt, compared to 5,612 mt week-over-week.