[SMM Analysis: Germanium Prices Continue to Decline]
SMM, March 7: Recently, domestic germanium market prices have continued to pull back. Low-priced resources of germanium dioxide and germanium ingots have been emerging in the market, with germanium dioxide prices driving the weakening of germanium ingots. Overall, the germanium market prices have shown a continuous pullback trend. Currently, the average price of germanium ingots is 15,450 yuan/kg, and the average price of germanium dioxide is 9,550 yuan/kg.
SMM March 7 News: Recently, domestic germanium market prices have continued to pull back, with low-priced resources of germanium dioxide and germanium ingots frequently appearing in the market. The price of germanium dioxide has driven germanium ingot prices weaker, and the overall germanium market prices have shown a continuous downward trend. Some market participants even revealed rumors that, due to the relatively sluggish germanium prices recently, the market has seen the dumping of low-priced monocrystalline germanium products, with prices even falling below the cost of raw materials. Supply side, sellers have continued to increase shipments to reduce inventory and realize cash flow, with some major manufacturers offering weak external quotations.
Demand side, whether in infrared or optical fiber end-user sectors, the weakening germanium prices have significantly dampened buyers' enthusiasm for purchasing. Recent order activity has been sluggish, and end-user stockpiling willingness has noticeably declined. Buyers' sentiment of observing and waiting has grown increasingly strong, with overall market demand remaining weak and buying interest insufficient. Most market participants admitted that, under the combined influence of supply and demand, the possibility of a fundamental reversal in the short term is relatively small, and the prices of germanium ingots and germanium dioxide are highly likely to continue declining. Currently, the average price of germanium ingots is 15,450 yuan/kg, and the average price of germanium dioxide is 9,550 yuan/kg.