2011-2012
Iluka Resources made another price increase for Q4 2011 to take the price up to USD 2700/mt CIF China port. Due to a slowdown in demand for zirconium chemicals such as zirconium oxychloride and zirconium basic carbonate the factories have had to drop their prices slightly to compete for the available business.
The longer term outlook for zirconium chemical prices in 2012 looks firm with raw material prices remaining high.
2010-2011
Iluka reported a very strong rebound in demand for zircon sand in 2010, with China exceeding pre global economic crisis levels and Europe and the USA also showing good recoveries. This sharp increase in demand has led to a very tight supply in the market with many companies not able to secure their full requirement for zircon sand during Q4 2010 and Q1 2011.
Iluka reported a 30% increase in weighted average pricing for zircon sand during 2010 and also an increase of 20% at the start of 2011.
It is expected there will be further increases on a quarterly basis during 2011.
Zircon sand is the starting raw material for the production of the majority of Zirconium Chemicals and Zirconium Oxides, including Zirconium Oxychloride, Zirconium Basic Sulphate, Zirconium Basic Carbonate, Zirconium Acetate, Zirconium Nitrate, Zirconium Oxide, Yttria Stabilised Zirconia. For further information on Zirconium Chemicals and Zirconium Oxides, please contact us on: Tel +44 (0)1440 709709, zirconia@abscomaterials.com.
