Zircon sand prices continue to rise into the fourth quarter but increases have slowed from the unprecedented hikes seen earlier on in the year, market sources told IM.
Imports into China have slowed after the second and third quarters, with Chinese end users stocking up on material in anticipation of tighter supply and higher prices.
Market sources expressed uncertainty over price levels moving into 2012, with fears of a second global recession creating an unclear picture of demand.
Standard grade zircon, FOB Australia, was assessed in a range of $2,400-2,600/tonne, up 9% from $2,200-2,400/tonne reported in July, while premium grade increased 4% to $2,500-2,900/tonne....