SMM China Refined Bismuth Output in February 2023

SHANGHAI, Mar 9 (SMM) - According to SMM survey, the output of refined bismuth in China was 2,419 mt in February, up 15.86% MoM. On the one hand, refined bismuth production recovered after being disrupted by the Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday. On the other hand, many refined bismuth producers were still plagued by raw material shortages, preventing their operating rates from picking up significantly. Bismuth concentrates were still in shortfalls, and there was only small amount of bismuth-containing scrap from the lead industry that was available in the market. Rising refined bismuth prices left bismuth raw material suppliers more willing to sell, though. SMM surveyed 24 refined bismuth producers in February. Although two more producers were shut down than in January and two producers reported sharp decline in their output, significant output increase at six other producers allowed the overall production to rise in February.