----Interview with Lior Metzinger
Executive Vice President
Fluorsid S.P.A.
Fluorsid, established in 1969 on the Island of Sardinia, Italy, is a global industrial group with a core product portfolio that includes high-density aluminum fluoride (with an annual capacity of 160,000 metric tons), sulfuric acid (340,000 metric tons), high-purity calcium sulfate (450,000 metric tons), and hydrofluoric acid (15,000 metric tons). FLUORSID has achieved continuous growth through in-house expertise, significant investments in innovation, and strategic acquisitions. Today, the Group operates two factories in Italy, one in Norway, and a logistics company in the Kingdom of Bahrain. With over 200 employees and a strong export-oriented business model, FLUORSID continues to consolidate its leadership in international markets.
Asian Metal: Thank you for joining the interview. Could you please briefly introduce your company’s business?
Lior Metzinger: Fluorsid is an Italian chemical company specializing in the production of fluorochemicals, primarily used in the aluminum and steel industries. We operate three production facilities—two in Italy and one in Norway. Aluminum fluoride is our core business. Excluding China, we are the world’s largest producer, with a total production capacity of 160,000 tons per year—120,000 tons in Italy and 40,000 tons in Norway. In 2024, our actual output reached approximately 145,000 tons.
Asian Metal: How do you view the changes in European demand for aluminum fluoride in 2024 and 2025?
Lior Metzinger: Demand has remained relatively stable. Our main markets are in Northern Europe, particularly Norway and Iceland, although there are also significant consumers in France and Germany. I estimate that the total European demand for aluminum fluoride this year will remain steady at around 55,000 to 60,000 tons, similar to last year.
Asian Metal: What is your export market distribution? Have you made any adjustments over the past two years?
Lior Metzinger: The Middle East is our largest export market, accounting for approximately 40% of our exports, followed by Europe with around 25%. Looking ahead, we plan to expand further into markets such as Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India.
Asian Metal: How has the aluminum fluoride production capacity in Europe changed in 2024 and 2025?
Lior Metzinger: Excluding Russia, I believe the total aluminum fluoride production capacity in Europe has remained stable over the past two years, at around 200,000 metric tons. No major capacity expansions are expected this year.
Asian Metal: Chinese prices dipped slightly in early June. What are the mainstream aluminum fluoride prices in Europe for June, and what is your price outlook for Q3?
Lior Metzinger: In Europe, our pricing is based on full production costs, and we typically source raw materials on medium- to long-term contracts. As a result, aluminum fluoride prices tend not to fluctuate significantly. Currently, mainstream prices in Europe are around USD 1,750–1,800 per ton FOB. I expect prices may rise in Q3 due to increasing costs of aluminum hydroxide and sulfuric acid.
Asian Metal: What are the key advantages and disadvantages of aluminum fluoride supply in Europe?
Lior Metzinger: The main advantage is geographic location, which offers strong logistical benefits. We can efficiently supply markets in the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. The disadvantage, however, lies in the higher costs of raw materials and overall production. For example, land logistics within Europe take only 1–3 days, and shipping from Italy to the Middle East takes about 15–20 days, whereas delivery to Asian countries such as India, Indonesia, and Malaysia takes around 70 days.
Asian Metal: Chinese aluminum fluoride exports have increased in 2024. What’s your perspective on this trend?
Lior Metzinger: The primary factor is pricing. Chinese producers can offer lower prices due to cost advantages and different commercial strategies. Another key factor is geographic proximity to emerging and significant markets such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia.
Asian Metal: What was the typical price gap between Europe and China last year?
Lior Metzinger: On average, the price gap between China and other supply regions was about USD 300 per ton last year, mainly due to cost differences in raw materials like fluorspar and aluminum hydroxide. However, this gap varies quarterly. For instance, fluorspar prices in Europe are currently around USD 100 per ton higher than in China.
Asian Metal: How can European producers enhance their competitiveness?
Lior Metzinger: We need to reduce production costs while continuously improving product and service quality for our customers. I also believe the EU should play a more active role in protecting strategic industries by defining a clearer and more long-term industrial policy.
Asian Metal: Have the Russia-Ukraine conflict or U.S. tariffs had any impact on your business?
Lior Metzinger: U.S. tariffs have had minimal impact, as our sales to the U.S. are limited (Mexico remains the primary supplier there). Regarding the war in Ukraine, it has negatively affected us; prior to the conflict, we exported 5–10% of our production to Russia. That volume has now dropped to zero.
Asian Metal: Thank you for joining us, and we wish you continued success in your aluminum fluoride export business.
Lior Metzinger: Thank you. By the way, our company participated in the Aluminum Raw Materials Summit held by Asian Metal on May 22–23 in Xiamen. It was a very insightful event, and we believe it boosted the cooperation between China and other countries.
