Barytes
Chinese paint-grade barytes prices are reportedly rising to a range of $300-320/tonne, market sources told IM.
A previously reported price range of $235-290/tonne (lump, CIF Gulf Coast-basis) is becoming increasingly “unworkable”, suppliers in China said, a view supported by Europe-based importers.
China accounts for around 52% of global barytes production followed by India, the US, Morocco and Mexico, according to the Barytes Association. With the monsoon season approaching in India, a supply disruption is expected and this is being widely factored in to some Chinese quotations.
“Supply disruption in a key competing market is likely to make short-term price stability difficult to achieve. For Chinese exporters of high-grade barytes, this is a window of opportunity. With no decrease in demand, the market should expect price increases to continue,” one source told IM.
This could be further fuelled by domestic taxes and tariffs in China....