The world’s major producers of iodine have raised prices in the first quarter of 2011 as consumption from high-tech industries helped to drive demand back to pre-recession levels.
Growing demand for iodine has been led by liquid crystal display (LCD) and x-ray applications, especially in Asia, while global production remained flat in 2010 with no major capacity expansions.
Iodine crystal (99.5% min, drums, spot & contract) prices increased to $32-34/kg from $31-33/kg, adding to a marginal gain realised towards the end of 2010.
“Iodine consumption has recovered to pre-crisis levels, and continues growing at healthy rates in all applications and markets,” a major producer told IM.
“End users are also rebuilding inventories, which is generating higher demand,” the source added.Global iodine production in 2010 (tonnes) excluding USA*US production withheld by USGS to avoid disclosing proprietary data of companies. The USA is the world’s third...