June 28, 2012

China's bismuth exports rise 46% in May

As a shipment delayed from April left the country, China's bismuth exports rose by 46% on-month in May.

China exported 638.91 tonnes of bismuth in May, up 46% from April but 13.9% lower than a year ago, according to Chinese customs figures.

"One company signed a long term contract in March-April, but for some reason it failed to deliver the goods in April and its volume in May includes that of the previous month," one source told Metal Bulletin.

Belgium was the top export destination, importing 461.96 tonnes of Bismuth from China in May. Export to the US was 114.61 tonnes, though market participants say most material actually went to the same buyer as in Belgium.

"This is basically a one-man party. 5N Plus is the only company still active in the bismuth market because of an annual contacts signed earlier," one bismuth producer said.

5N Plus also bought around 100 tonnes of bismuth from Mexico in May under annual contract, according to market sources.

"The spot market is quieter than silence, both at home and overseas. I expect the June number will be around 550 tonnes at most," another market participant said.