Improving Demand May Shore Up Aluminium Fluoride Prices Slightly

SHANGHAI, May 15 (SMM) - SMM aluminium fluoride and cryolite prices were stable between 8,500-10,000 yuan/mt and 6,500-7,900 yuan/mt respectively last week.

In terms of raw materials, fluorite prices remained high at 3,100-3,200 yuan/mt. Stricter safety checks on mines tightened fluorite supply. However, fluorite imports surged 63.29% QoQ in the first quarter, easing the shortages slightly. Sulphuric acid market was sluggish.

To cope with high costs, raw material shortages and poor profits, aluminium fluoride enterprises maintained low operating rates. The domestic operating aluminium capacity is rising and overseas orders have increased slightly, allowing aluminium fluoride demand to pick up slightly.  

Improving demand may shore up aluminium fluoride prices slightly in the near future.