We gather together on the bank of Xiang River, with revival of all nature in April, to discuss the future and driving forces of selenium and manganese markets.
Asian Metal welcomes all of you to the “base” of selenium and manganese industry: Changsha, China.
Focusing on the ups and downs in the manganese market
In 2013, the total production capacity of electrolytic manganese in China reached 2.5Mt, however, the operation rate was below 50%. China removed the export duty on the material yet market prices recorded the lowest level since 2008; Chinese manganese enterprises manifested great ambitions but shutdown and losses prevailed in the industry.
In the year of 2014, will capacity place pressure prices? Or new techniques will support the market?
Will export increase? Or will domestic potential demand improve?
Will competition increase? Or will leaders extend their advantage?
Observations on selenium market
Both selenium and selenium dioxide prices in China were in the downtrend in 2013 with slight bounce back in Jul-Sep, the former sliding to below RMB400/kg at the end of the year from over RMB700/kg earlier this year and the latter to below RMB250/kg from over RMB500/kg. Considering an inactive market, Chinese importers reviewed their import strategy - purchasing through long-term contracts or releasing operations in the spot market? Meanwhile, greater output of selenium from domestic copper plants placed severe pressure on selenium market. Moreover, suppliers of selenium dioxide were forced to realize low operation rates despite downstream electrolytic manganese industry saw higher production capacity.
Whether selenium market can improve or not in 2014? How will selenium importers compete with foreign producers? What should domestic producers act to expand outputs? Whether higher production in manganese plants can promote the restart of selenium dioxide market?
Welcome to Changsha to talk about selenium and manganese market outlook!
