Strong Ti Sponge Market Price for Steel Making

Market price of low-grade titanium sponge is surging for steel additive. The supply is tightening worldwide since sponge supply is recently increased for rolled titanium products and Some of the suppliers are raising the offer prices. The international market price currently exceeds US$ 10 per kilogram and some producers offer as high as US$ 15. Meanwhile, in Japan, titanium scrap market price levels off for steel making under inflow from the overseas.

Low-grade titanium sponge market price declined to US$ 6-7 per kg after Lehman Shock due to the weak demand. The price upturned to US$ 8-9 in mid 2010 and presently exceeds US$ 10 to reflect the supply tightness. Sponge makers in China or Kazakhstan are said to be raising the offer price. Japanese trader source pointed out some makers offer as high as US$ 16-18. The price trend is strong.

In Japan, price trend for titanium scrap is strengthening as an alternate for low-grade titanium sponge added in steel making. However, the price upsurge is weak since the supply and demand balance is not tight. Additionally, a major steel maker in South Korea started export of low-grade titanium scrap generated in its titanium rolling plant to Japan this year. Japanese trader source suggested 100-200 tonnes of import per month.