China's May 2026 Antimony Ore Imports Dip Slightly, Stay Above 10,000 Tonnes

According to customs data, China's exports of antimony oxide in May 2026 amounted to 193.15 tonnes, representing a sharp month-on-month decline compared to April's export volume of 379.385 tonnes.

Antimony market prices continued to weaken this week. As the second half of June sets in, overall market trading activity remains sluggish. While end-users across the board are holding inventories at very low levels, the wait-and-see attitude in procurement remains pronounced, with purchases limited to immediate needs. Certain enterprises continue to offload material, still offering price concessions, with the primary objective being to move product. As of now, SMM antimony average prices are as follows: Grade 2 low-bismuth antimony ingot at 127,500 yuan/tonne, 99.5% grade at 108,500 yuan/tonne and 99.8% grade at 117,500 yuan/tonne.

Antimony prices fell sharply last week. On the supply side, some companies faced mid-year sales performance pressure in June, forcing them to offload inventory and adding to market supply. On the demand side, end-use demand remained weak — flame retardant operating rates declined, photovoltaic glass demand contracted, and polyester operating rates slid — all of which left buying interest among downstream consumers feeble.