Bismuth Market Price in Strong Tone, Japan

Bismuth market price is strong in Japan. Chinese customers are offering high spot prices. In domestic market, Japanese smelters’ cheap sale settled down and inventory adjustment finished. The market price was as low as 1,200-1,300 yen per kilogram in early August but rebounded to around 1,600 yen after mid August.

According to Reuters’ market survey, international spot price is currently US$ 5.75-6.50 per pound. The mid price lowered to around US$ 6.00 in mid July and stays at the level. However, in China, the spot price seems jumping to 7.50-8.00.

Japanese trader says Chinese customers’ offer price is very strong. Chinese government is purchasing bismuth for national material stocks within August. Chinese traders are offering very high price to overseas products.

In Japan, bismuth market price turned strong in late 10 days to follow international spot price, said a trader source. Domestic nonferrous metal smelters finished surplus inventory adjustment and cheap sales settled down in mid August. The supply is slightly tightening.

At the same time, several bismuth dealers point out a large-lot customer related to optical lens moved to material procurement. On the other hand, other dealers say the demand maintains stagnant from castings though the substantial demand was expected for lead.