China as an industry guideChina now consumes more than 50% of the global output of zircon sand and produces in the region of 90% of the global output of zirconium chemicals. This means a look at the import and export statistics for China can also give an insight into the general condition of the zirconium industry. The demand for zircon in China has remained stable over the last year with imports for Q3 2014 being 256,792 mts compared to Q3 2013 of 243,681 mts. Zircon sand imports into China are still in the region of 80% from Australia and South Africa with some supplies from Indonesia, Madagascar, Kenya and Mozambique among others. After a number of years of volatile prices the last year has seen zircon prices stabilise at around USD 1100/mt. Zirconium Oxychloride is the highest volume zirconium chemical produced in China and the starting point for most specialist zirconium basic chemicals and chemical grade zirconium oxides. While China produces some added value chemicals such as zirconium basic sulphate, zirconium basic carbonate and zirconium oxide, a large amount of zirconium oxychloride is exported to other parts of the world for the production of added value zirconium products. Exports of zirconium oxychloride was 13,125mts in Q3 2014 compared to 11,917mts in Q3 2013. Japan and the USA are the largest importers of China’s zirconium oxychloride at around 75% of output. The zirconium oxychoride is used for the production of titanium pigments or is converted to zirconiuum basic carbonate for antiperspirants, paint driers or other compounds for catalyst applications. It is also converted to specialist monoclininc and stabilised zirconia powders for advanced ceramic applications. The price of zircon sand is expected to remain steady during the first half of 2015 and this will lead to stable prices for the downstream zirconium chemicals and zirconium oxides. A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at Zircomet 11th December 2014 Date : 11-12-2014 |
