US zircon sand prices have surged higher this month as suppliers raise prices in line with increases made by Australian and South African producers for the third quarter in response to ongoing strong global demand and tight supply.
With effect from 1 July, US ex-distributor prices stand at $2,495-2,550/tonne. This compares to a US price of $1,650/tonne in the second quarter, and a price of $850-950/tonne at the end of 2010. Even at high prices, supply remains limited with established customers receiving priority, US suppliers told IM.