Aluminium fluoride raw material costs rebound; Short-term recovery possible but long-term trend remains weak

During the February cycle (February 6 to March 6), despite the increased support from raw material costs, aluminium fluoride prices still experienced a significant decline due to the impact of previous price drops and the continued weakness in downstream demand. As of now, SMM aluminium fluoride prices closed at RMB 9,900-10,600 per tonne, while SMM cryolite prices were quoted at RMB 6,500-7,200 per tonne.

Image Source: https://proluke.com/alfluoride/

On the raw material side, for fluorite, the delivery-to-factory price of 97 per cent fluorite powder for aluminium fluoride enterprises is currently concentrated at RMB 3,500-3,800 per tonne. During the cycle, fluorite prices mainly increased slightly. Although overall market fluctuations were relatively small, the continued low operating rates of miners and beneficiation plants, coupled with the impact of environmental protection policies and the upcoming Two Sessions, imposed certain constraints on supply, limiting fluorite availability.

Additionally, with a slight rebound in downstream hydrogen fluoride enterprises, SMM expects fluorite powder prices to rise in March. Currently, SMM records the average delivery-to-factory price of 97 per cent fluorite powder at RMB 3,625 per tonne, up 0.22 per cent from February 6.

Moreover, SMM reports that the prices of other raw materials for aluminium fluoride, such as aluminium hydroxide, hit bottom during the cycle and rebounded slightly. Currently, SMM records the ex-factory average price of aluminium hydroxide at RMB 2,185 per tonne, down 12.07 per cent from February 6. During the cycle, aluminium fluoride costs remained in a downward phase.

Note: This article has been issued by SMM and has been published by AL Circle in its original form without any modifications or edits to the information.