Tungsten market holding firm despite sluggish demand

摘要

Higher offer prices and tighter spot supply of concentrate feedstock has pushed up Chinese tungsten prices in recent weeks, despite sluggish demand reducing spot trading activity, with many market participants expecting prices to hold steady in the near-term. Argus yesterday assessed prices for 65pc grade wolframite concentrate stable at 79,000-81,000 yuan/t ($170-175/ mtu), a high last seen in early April, while the range for 88.5pc ammonium paratungstate (APT) rose to Yn122,000125,000/t on 19 May and then held stable this week. Prices for 99.7pc carbide were unchanged at Yn190-192/kg exworks.