Chinese brown fused alumina prices are firming. Higher energy prices, which have been mentioned before, are curtailing production and increasing costs.
For example, IM has had indications of brown fused alumina, 95% min Al2O3, FEPA F8-220 Grit, as high as $760/tonne, FOB China, up from $700/tonne in June, and 95% Al2O3, refractory sized material in the $630-700/tonne range, FOB.
White fused alumina prices are moving upwards in Europe with material now priced at $1,150-1,280/tonne, CIF.
There is increased interest in sourcing calcined alumina replacements, after Almatis filed for bankruptcy at the end of April (IM 30 April 2010: Almatis files for bankruptcy). Although the speciality...