News

[SMM Magnesium Express] On March 3, heightened global uncertainties triggered volatility in oil prices and shipping capacity, driving a rapid increase in freight costs. According to SMM data, magnesium ingot CIF India rose $60 to $2,540-2,600/mt, while CIF Netherlands edged up $10 to $2,510-2,580/mt. Amid price fluctuations, exporters and downstream buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach, seeking market stabilization. FOB Tianjin Port held steady at $2,450/mt.

Silicon metal production in February was 275,700 mt, down 26.6% MoM and 5% YoY. In terms of daily output, the average daily production in February decreased by about 19% MoM from January.It is projected that silicon metal production in March will increase to over 340,000 mt MoM, with an average daily production increase of approximately 13% MoM.

[Trading Pushes Magnesium Prices Upward, Today's Magnesium Prices Hold Up Well] The magnesium market today generally stable with slight rise. In the morning, on the supply side, magnesium plants showed strong sentiment to hold prices firm, with mainstream quotations concentrated at 16,700-16,800 yuan/mt. Some smaller plants were willing to ship at 16,600 yuan/mt, while market inquiries indicated a mediocre performance.

In 2026, China's magnesium exports face dual pressures: Middle East conflicts have spiked freight rates and blocked major trade routes, while tighter controls on dual-use items to Japan limit growth. Despite 420,000 tons exported in 2025, the industry must shift from low-price "involution" to rational quoting to sustain its global dominance.

[SMM Titanium Express] LB Group issued a price adjustment notice. Based on current market conditions, effective March 2, prices for all Billions brand TiO₂ products will increase by RMB 500/ton for domestic market and USD 100/ton for overseas market. Multiple producers including Taineng Chemical, Chemours, Fangyuan TiO₂, and Bengbu GuoTai also announced price hikes today, indicating a broad-based upward trend in the industry.

SMM March 2nd News: According to official information, Nandan County Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd. is offering antimony ingots for sale. Quality specifications comply with the standard: National Standard 2#, implemented under (GB/T1599-2014). Packaging: Fumigated pallets, steel strip or PET plastic strip strapping, approximately 66 tons. The deadline for this quotation is 15:00 on March 3, 2026. Offers submitted after this time will be invalid. There is currently no minimum price set for this official offer.

The chrome ore market performed strongly in the first week after the Spring Festival. Although the March stainless steel tender prices announced by Tsingshan and TISCO on the alloy side were flat, falling slightly below previous bullish expectations, the ore sector was driven by both costs and supply, with futures and spot prices rising simultaneously. Traders hold an optimistic outlook on the future market, showing a clear attitude of supporting prices.

[SMM Titanium Weekly Review: Titanium Market Diverged Post-Holiday, Titanium Dioxide Led Gains While Titanium Products Steadily Recovered] This week, the titanium industry chain showed divergent performance. Titanium concentrate operated steadily, with mines awaiting new March orders. Sentiment for titanium dioxide price hikes remained strong, led by the chloride process; high sulphuric acid costs supported expectations for price increases, though actual implementation still depends on demand follow-through. Titanium slag was in the doldrums, under cost pressure, with prices consolidating at the bottom. Sponge titanium saw weak supply and demand, prices held steady, and future performance relies on downstream restocking to boost recovery. The titanium products market recovered steadily, mainly driven by rigid demand restocking, and is expected to stabilize next week.

[Supply Contraction Drives Up Tantalum Ore Prices, Smelting End Price Increases Temporarily Hindered] Recently, tantalum ore prices have surged significantly due to mine collapses, overseas recovery, and stockpiling with price locking, with the China landed price reaching $160–165 per pound, indicating strong cost support. Tantalum oxide transactions are smooth at 3,900 yuan per kg, with offers following suit. Although tantalum ingots have traded at 5,500 yuan per kg and some manufacturers offer 6,000 yuan per kg, upward momentum is temporarily insufficient due to trader sell-offs. Short-term disruptions do not alter the medium-term upward trend, and tantalum ingots are expected to catch up quickly.