Indium Market Price Keeps Flat at 45,000-50,000 Yen/t, Tokyo

Indium market price maintains flat at 45,000-50,000 yen per kilogram for low grade ingot used such for metal alloys around Tokyo. The current market price in Europe surveyed by Reuters, the international indicator, is reported at US$ 540-580 per kg but the actual price seems US$ 520-530 for low grade and US$ 550-560 for high grade.

The price trend is weak since ITO (indium-tin-oxide) makers, the largest users of indium, are lowering their operations to 80% level. Meanwhile, one ITO maker says inventory adjustment would finish in a short term and their operations could return full in early 2011. The market price is expected to decline only slightly. ITO demand is relatively stable for smartphone’s touch panels.

Japanese rare metal trader analyzes some of indium users seem to pull down the market price before conclusion of long-term contracts for 2011. The market mood is not so negative. The trader says the firm plans to procure indium when the market price stays at the current low level. The market price would rebound sooner or later.