The imbalance of strong supply and weak demand is hard to change, and magnesium prices continue to fall [SMM Analysis]

Published: Oct 30, 2024 16:55
Source: SMM
Affected by the continuous weakness in the prices of raw material ferrosilicon, coupled with factors such as insufficient downstream orders leading to low purchasing enthusiasm, the overall magnesium market is in a stalemate with a weak trend.

Affected by the continuous weakness in the prices of raw material ferrosilicon, coupled with factors such as insufficient downstream orders leading to low purchasing enthusiasm, the overall magnesium market is in a stalemate with a weak trend. As the month is about to end, some magnesium ingot smelters have appropriately released some low-priced orders to alleviate financial pressure. However, mainstream factories are not strongly inclined to lower prices due to production cost factors. Downstream end-use demand remains weak, with customers mainly replenishing inventories based on immediate needs, and price suppression is quite evident. Intermediaries' operational enthusiasm is also relatively low, and the market is mostly cautious and observant. As of the time of writing, the mainstream transaction prices for 90 magnesium ingots in the main production areas are 17,450-17,550 yuan/mt.

[Magnesium Ingot Supply and Demand Situation] As the month is about to end, the expected peak season of "September-October" is gradually falling short, and the imbalance of strong supply and weak demand is hard to reverse in the short term. The stalemate in the magnesium market is likely to continue. Weak downstream market demand results in low purchasing motivation, and a strong sentiment of caution prevails. Magnesium prices lack upward momentum, and the price-maintaining policy implemented for nearly a month in September has made industry insiders more aware of the current downstream demand situation in the magnesium market. Intermediaries' operational enthusiasm remains low, and the market is mostly cautious and observant, making it difficult for the weak magnesium market trend to improve, with bearish sentiment continuously spreading within the industry.

[Magnesium Ingot Raw Material Situation] As of the time of writing, the mainstream ex-factory prices for 75 ferrosilicon in Fugu, Shaanxi are 6,700-6,800 yuan/mt. The ferrosilicon market demand has not significantly improved, and the ferrosilicon market is expected to fluctuate rangebound in the short term. SMM analysis indicates that considering the recent alleviation of financial pressure on magnesium ingot smelters and the magnesium price reaching the important period of 17,500 yuan/mt again, the sentiment to stand firm on quotes among magnesium ingot smelters is expected to recover in the short term. The short-term magnesium ingot market prices are expected to remain stable, and SMM will continue to monitor downstream demand and market transaction conditions.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Weekly Magnesium Production Drops 0.5% MoM, Operating Rate at 78.7%
Apr 30, 2026 18:36
Weekly Magnesium Production Drops 0.5% MoM, Operating Rate at 78.7%
Read More
Weekly Magnesium Production Drops 0.5% MoM, Operating Rate at 78.7%
Weekly Magnesium Production Drops 0.5% MoM, Operating Rate at 78.7%
[SMM Weekly Magnesium Production Flash Report] From April 24 to April 30, the weekly production of sampled magnesium plants nationwide was 23,996 tons, with a weekly operating rate of 78.7%, down 0.5% month-on-month.
Apr 30, 2026 18:36
Magnesium Market Sees Increased Trading, Inventory Down 0.1% MoM Despite High Production Levels
Apr 30, 2026 18:35
Magnesium Market Sees Increased Trading, Inventory Down 0.1% MoM Despite High Production Levels
Read More
Magnesium Market Sees Increased Trading, Inventory Down 0.1% MoM Despite High Production Levels
Magnesium Market Sees Increased Trading, Inventory Down 0.1% MoM Despite High Production Levels
[SMM Weekly Magnesium Inventory Flash Report] This week, manufacturers' inventory decreased by 0.1% month-on-month. The trading enthusiasm in the magnesium market has significantly increased this week, and the inventory of some primary magnesium smelting enterprises has been reduced. However, the current daily production level of magnesium ingots is relatively high, which has dragged down the overall market's inventory reduction pace, resulting in a limited decline in overall inventory.
Apr 30, 2026 18:35
World's First 1,000-Ton Magnesium Hydride Plant Under Construction in Yulin
Apr 30, 2026 18:29
World's First 1,000-Ton Magnesium Hydride Plant Under Construction in Yulin
Read More
World's First 1,000-Ton Magnesium Hydride Plant Under Construction in Yulin
World's First 1,000-Ton Magnesium Hydride Plant Under Construction in Yulin
[SMM Magnesium News] On April 27, at the construction site of the 1,000-ton-level high-efficiency magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage material demonstration project of Fude Jinyu (Yulin) Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd. Large machinery was operating in an orderly manner, transport vehicles were shuttling back and forth, and construction workers were each performing their duties. The main foundation works were basically completed, and the erection of internal and external scaffolds for the substation, analysis and testing laboratory, etc. was in progress. The 2,000-ton/year magnesium hydride large-scale production plant and supporting public auxiliary facilities under construction are the world's first 1,000-ton-level magnesium hydride production line.
Apr 30, 2026 18:29
The imbalance of strong supply and weak demand is hard to change, and magnesium prices continue to fall [SMM Analysis] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)