[+/-] : China crude steel output falls 17% year-on-year

LONDON (Metal-Pages) 24-Nov-08. China's crude steel production in October fell 17% year-ony-ear to 35.9 million tonnes, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China.

Crude steel output for the first 10 months of the year totalled 427.29 million tonnes, which was up 3.9% from a year ago.

Steel products output for the month hit 42.93 million tonnes, down 12.4% compared with the same month in 2007. Steel production January-October totalled 487.91 million tonnes, which was 5.9% higher year-on-year.

In October 2008, China produced 67.85 million of iron ore, which was a 12.5% increase from the same month in 2007. The country's total iron ore output for January to October 2008 was 654.18 million tonnes, which was an increase of 18.8% year-on-year.

China produced 730,300 cars in October, edging down 0.7% from the same month in 2007, while it produced 8.22 million cars January-October, up 12.4% year-on-year.

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[+/-] : European antimony trioxide market receives some interests

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 27 Nov 08 – As some people are leaving office in the middle of December for winter holiday, the European antimony trioxide market sees some activities.
A trader source disclosed to Asian Metal that they closed a deal of 99.5%min non-brand named antimony trioxide at USD4,500/t CIF European port. And according to him, 99.65%min standard grade two antimony ingot is offered to him at USD5,200/t CIF Rotterdam. Antimony trioxide price is normally about 82-85% of the metal price, so the source holds that USD4,500/t is a reasonable price.
Prior to this deal, the source had not concluded any deal for several weeks, so he thinks there may have some interest in the market before European leaves for Christmas holiday. Due to the weak economy, most European manufacturers will have longer holidays than they normally do, so this may be the last purchase for them this year.
Another European trader also received inquiries of small volume for next January delivery. He received offers from China in the range of USD4,500-4,700/t CIF Rotterdam depending on different qualities and brand names. "Price fall fast in this month because the market remained quiet for very long time," said the trader and he takes that there is not much pressure on antimony market as other commodities because the supply of raw material, antimony concentrate, is still tight in China.
"Compare to other metals, antimony price was relatively stable in October," said the source, and he thinks we are seeing close to the end of the falling price as there are some buying activities, although inquiries are in small volume. He expects the antimony trioxide price would fall by another USD200/t before it rebounds. ...
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[+/-] : Zinc borate

Zinc borate, also named Flame Retardant FB, has dozens of different varieties. The most common variety is ZB-2335, also named Firebrake ZB. Molecular formula: 2ZnO·3B₂0₃·3.5H₂0, molecular weight 434.68. It is non-toxic, has low water solubility, high thermal stability, small particle size, low specific weight, good dispersibility. It is a highly efficient fire retardant widely used in plastics, rubbers and coatings.

Use

ZB2335 not only has low smokiness and good fire resistance, but also can greatly reduce the ash of rubber products (air-duct, belt conveyer) after burning. So it is the ideal substitute of antimony trioxide. It can achieve better fire retarding effect when used together with antimony trioxide.

1. Plastics: PVC, PVC ebonite foam, phenolic aldehyde, polyester, reinforced polyamide, polyurethane, polystyrene, PP, PE, ABS, epoxy resin, polyvinyl acetate etc.

2. Rubbers: natural rubbers, Styrene Butadiene Rubber, chloroprene rubber etc.

3. Paints: non-intumescent paints and intumescent paints.

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[+/-] : MSDS (MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET) OF ZINC BORATE

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
CAS NO.	: 1332-07-6, 138265-88-0, 149749-62-2
EINECS NO.	: 215-566-6
FORMULA	: 2ZnO.3B2O3.3.5H2O
MOL WT.	: 434.62
TOXICITY	: Oral rat LD50; 10000 mg/kg
SYNONYMS	: Boric acid, zinc salt; Borsäure, Zinksalz (German);

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL STATE	White crystalline powder
SOLUBILITY IN WATER	Insoluble
pH	7.6
STABILITY	Stable under ordinary conditions
Specific Gravity	2.7
Melting Point	650C/1202F
Solubility in Water	<0.28% @25C

Precautions for Safe

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Not applicable for products in purchased form. Wood dust generated from sawing, sanding, drilling, or routing of these products may be vacuumed or shoveled for recovery or disposal. Avoid dusty conditions and provide good ventilation. Use NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirator and goggles where ventilation is not possible and the allowable exposure limits may be exceeded. Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: No special handling precautions are required for products in purchased form. Avoid repeated or prolonged breathing of wood dust. Products with 100% MDI adhesive release no formaldehyde and have no measurable uncured isocyanate monomer. Store in well-ventilated, cool, dry place away from open flame.

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[+/-] : APPLICATION OF ZINC BORATE

Zinc Borate has been used extensively in flexible PVC as a partial replacement for antimony oxide, such as wall coverings, wire and cables, roofing membranes, conveyor belts, carpet backing, auto upholstery, and tenting materials. In contrast to antimony trioxide, this material has a refractive index similar to that of most polymer systems, which allows the use of lower pigment loading.

Zinc Borate has been used as a fire retardant in polyolefin wire & cables, as well as electrical parts. In halogen-containing systems, Zinc Borate is used in conjunction with antimony oxide, while in halogen-free systems, it is normally used in conjunction with alumina trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide, or red phosphorus. It should be noted that the use of Zinc Borate can also improve elongation properties of polyolefins.

Zinc Borates with different chemical compositions that provide flame retardant properties and improved resistance against electrical degradation processes in many flame retardant polyamides. The combination of zinc and borate moieties provides unique functionalities. Zinc Borate also perform as synergists with brominated flame retardants to tailor FR properties and CTI. These combinations have also been shown to increase melt stability, and can be used in regrinding processes without a reduction in the original CTI values.

Zinc Borate has been used extensively as a fire retardant in elastomers for applications such as conveyor belting, wire & cables, roofing membranes, flooring material, and foamed insulation products.

Zinc Borate is a flame retardant synergist of halogen sources such as chlorinated resins, decabromodiphenyl oxide, and tetrabromobisphenol-A. Depending on the halogen source used, Zinc Borate can either partially or completely replace antimony oxide. Zinc Borate has been used extensively as a fire retardant in epoxies for applications such as intumescent coatings, glass-reinforced laminates, and encapsulation of electrical components. ...
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[+/-] : OVERVIEW OF ZINC BORATE

Flame Retardant are substances that can be chemically inserted into the polymer molecule or be physically blended in polymers after polymerization to suppress, reduce, delay or modify the propagation of a flame through a plastic materials. There are several classes of flame retardants; Halogenated Hydrocarbons (Chlorine and Bromine containing compounds and reactive flame retardants), Inorganic flame retardants ( Boron compounds, Antimony oxides, Aluminium Hydroxide, molybdenum compounds, zinc and magnesium oxides ), Phosphorous containing compounds (Organic phosphate esters, phosphates, halogenated phosphorus compounds and inorganic phosphorus containing salts).

Zinc Borate is a boron-based fire retardant with a chemical composition of xZnOyB2O3zH2O. The most commonly used grade have following structure 2ZnO.3B2O3zH2.3,5H2O.

Zinc Borate can be used as a fire retardant in PVC, Polyolefins, Elastomers, Polyamides, Epoxy resins. In halogen-containing systems, Zinc Borate is used in conjunction with antimony oxide, while in halogen-free systems, it is normally used in conjunction with alumina trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide, or red phosphorus. In some particular application Zinc Borate can be used alone.

Zinc Borate act through :

• Zinc halide or zinc oxyhalide that accelerate the decomposition of halogen sources and promote char formation.
• by the B2O3 moiety released, a low melting glass, that can stabilize the char. B2O3 released can also promote the formation of ceramic formation in systems containing ATH or magnesium hydroxide.
• the endothermic, stepwise release of water that can promote the formation of foamy char.

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[+/-] : Chinese ferro Vanadium suppliers raise their offers

Some Chinese vanadium suppliers have raised the offer of the material in the past two days, but the demand from buyers remains slow.
A Liaoning-based trader reported that they raised the offer of ferrovanadium 50% from RMB110,000/t (USD7.30/b) ex works to RMB120,000/t (USD7.96/b) ex works and vanadium penoxite flake from RMB100,000/t (USD6.64/b) ex works to RMB106,000/t (USD7.03/b) ex works. The source thinks the demand from buyers is slow now.
"In fact, we have no idea why the price of the material could go up. As some suppliers raised the offer of the material, we just followed suit," reported the source.
The source also reported that they have concluded less than 20t of ferrovanadium this month. After the price increase, they received some enquiries from buyers but no orders.
A Hunan-based smelter confirmed the market situation. The source also raised the offer of ferrovanadium 50% from RMB110,000/t ex works to RMB120,000/t ex works but revealed no deal has been reached so far.
"The supply of the material is tightening because a lot of smelters have halted production in the past few months, and I believe that should be the main reason for the price increase," said the source.
The source used to run with an output of 60t of ferrovanadium per month but halted production in the previous month.
However, a Sichuan-based smelter believes that there is no reason for the price of the material to go up at the present time, as the market is still lack of demand now. He thinks the price of the material should be stabilized at RMB110,000/t ex works for ferrovanadium 50% and USD8/b FOB CMP for vanadium penoxite flake. But he also believes that the price of the material will not come down, as a lot of smelters have halted production and the present price is already close to the production cost. ...
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[+/-] : Asianmetal Chinese ferromolybdenum market stable

As more consumers are back to the market to purchase ferromolybdenum this week, participants report that there are more buying activities, and the market tends to stable. Though big mines have increased the offers for molybdenum concentrate to RMB1,600-1,700/mtu (USD10.64-11.31/lb), many people still believe there is not enough momentum for the price to rebound further.
A Liaoning-based smelter with a capacity of 300tpm offered RMB125,000/t (USD30.55/kg) for ferromolybdenum 60% Wednesday, but admitted that their concluded prices were in the range of RMB108,000-115,000/t (USD26.39-28.1/kg) depending on the quantity. The source reported that offers for molybdenum concentrate have gone up to RMB1,500/mtu (USD10.00/lb), while major miners offer RMB1,700/mtu (USD11.31/lb) for the material. "The truth is, market is stable now, and the price is not really going up significantly," said the source. "The mainstream price should be in the range of RMB110,000-115,000/t (USD26.88-28.1/kg) ex works for ferromolybdenum 60%."
Meanwhile, another Liaoning-based smelter with a capacity of 5,000tpy for ferromolybdenum disclosed to Asian Metal that it is still workable to purchase molybdenum concentrate 40% at RMB1,450/mtu (USD9.65/lb). "No matter how high the offer is, only the concluded price matters," remarked the supplier.
The source concluded 20t of ferromolybdenum 60% at RMB110,000/t (USD26.88/kg) in a tender Tuesday, suggesting that the market has not gathered enough momentums to go up. "I think the market would remain stable for some time, and the future is still up in the air," said the source. However, the source pointed out that there are more buyers in the market compared to last month. ...
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[+/-] : Chinese ferromolybdenum market stops falling

As some consumers are back to the market purchasing ferromolybdenum, and major suppliers adjust their offers up a little bit this Tuesday, Chinese ferromolybdenum appears to have bottomed out for the first time after two months' continuous price crash. Offers for ferromolybdenum 60% rebound slightly to RMB115,000-120,000/t (USD28.1-29.33/kg), and suppliers informed that there are more buying activities seen in the market.
It is learnt that a consumer in Inner Mongolia purchased 300t of ferromolybdenum at RMB106,000/t (USD25.9/kg) on a long-term contract recently, and the delivery time lasts until next March. It is disclosed that the consumer signed a long-term contract with foreign buyers, so they would like to assure the supply of ferromolybdenum. Though it is not a large quantity given the delivery time, it makes many people think that buyers are ready for positioning. One should realize that the demand has not come to the real recovery, and the final market direction still depends on the general demand from steel industry.
A Liaoning-based smelter with a capacity of 4,000tpy disclosed to Asian Metal that they sold small batches of ferromolybdenum 60% at RMB112,000-113,000/t (USD27.37-27.61/kg) onTuesday morning, and then raised their offer to RMB120,000/t (USD29.33/kg) in the afternoon. "We offered 10t of ferromolybdenum 60% at RMB120,000/t (USD29.33/kg) to a foundry, but the buyer didn't come back," said the source. "I don't think it would push up the price much, because the demand remains sluggish, but it is so good to see the price stop falling any longer."

The source indicated that mines resist low prices at present, offering RMB1,500-1,600/mtu (USD10.00-10.64/lb) for molybdenum concentrate, and the floor price should be above RMB1,400/mtu (USD9.31/lb). "The government investment of RMB4 trillion (USD586 billion) rebuilds people's confidence to some extent, and I hope the market could stabilize, so that we could resume normal production," said the source.
Another Liaoning-based smelter with a capacity of 100tpm told Asian Metal they concluded a 5t and another 10t of ferromolybdenum at RMB115,000/t (USD28.1/kg) this Monday, and they increased the offer to RMB120,000/t (USD29.33/kg) Tuesday. "I think the market has turned around, though buyers are watching after hearing the offer of RMB120,000/t (USD29.33/kg)," said the source. He also disclosed that a major supplier of molybdenum concentrate has raised their offer for the material to RMB1,600/mtu (USD10.64/lb), giving support to the price rebound for ferromolybdenum.
However, an Anhui-based smelter questioned the increased offer for ferromolybdenum, suggesting that the price could not go up in view of the sluggish demand. ...
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[+/-] : Uncertainty pervades European ferromolybdenum market

According to several sources, even though ferromolybdenum market appears to be stable in the range of USD23.00-25.00/kg Mo d.p. in warehouse Rotterdam, uncertainty still clouds buying activity as there have been talks of molyoxide material slipping to as low as USD7.00/lb.
A source reportedly sold 10t of ferromolybdenum at USD24.50/kg Mo d.d.p. (delivered duty paid) and was of the view there appeared to be enough material in warehouse and, therefore, expects more unsolicited offers in the coming days. "Everything is not certain and the price of molyoxide should determine where we go from here in the coming days," said the source.
Another source sold several smaller tonnages of 2-3t in the range of USD25.00-28.00/kg Mo d.p. and agreed the market is yet to bottom-out as one could be made to believe, citing market rumor of molyoxide at around USD7.00/lb. "It is still a rumor though, many participants are not taking it with levity," remarked the source.
An European converter differed and reported Chinese suppliers were still offering material at as high as USD11.00/lb but added should molyoxide prices go to USD7.00/lb, it could make ferromolybdenum prices go as low as USD19.00/kg Mo d.p., all things being equal and, given the cost of old inventories, it would be difficult for him to put any material on offer.
And commenting on the outlook in the near term of four to six weeks, market insiders see ferromolybdenum price falling to the level it was three-four years ago as many steel mills have scaled back production and ferromolybdenum smelters have to find one way or the other to push stock to end-users. ...
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[+/-] : ferro vanadium market stabilizing at USD32/kg

On fairly effective cap on supply to spot market ferrovanadium prices seemed to have stabilized at USD32.00/kg V d.p. in warehouse Rotterdam having falling by up to USD2.00/kg V d.p. in the past several week.
A western trader disclosed he sold 5t of FeV 80%min grade material at USD32.80/kg V and would offer another 5t by mid-week at USD32.60/kg V d.p. in warehouse Rotterdam for prompt delivery. "we are seeing reasonable demand though trade margin is low," said the source.
Another source reportedly sold a truckload at USD32.20/kg V d.p. and was waiting for confirmation of another 5t at USD33.20/kg V but with extended payment terms. The source thinks there is no panic on the side of dealers any more as "days of many unsolicited offers appear to have gone for the moment."
In a related development, however, vanadium pentoxide material is being offered at USD9.20/lb but some suppliers reported to have accepted bid at USD8.50/lb. A western trader lamented the slow movement of the material in the past three weeks and said it was risky to have taken positions on the market for the fact that enquiries from end-users were almost non-existent.
With or without demand, two sources close to Chinese suppliers revealed to Asian Metal there were not many material shipped from China at beginning of the month, so it is speculated there could be some two to three weeks of low inventory in warehouse next month, and this could benefit the dealers with material though everything else depends upon volume of orders in the market at the time. ...
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[+/-] : Manganese flakes market summary Nov 3-7

Manganese market sees no changes all through the week with the price lingering at around RMB10,500-11000/t (USD1,540-1,613/t) ex works. Most smelters are closed for the moment but due to the weak demand as a result of the whole economic recession, the downstream stainless steel market also keeps stagnant. Sources reported to Asian Metal that few deals are concluded during the period and most smelters still in operation just relies on contracts signed earlier.
Manganese smelters are generally out of the market now for no profits for them at all while the price stays at below RMB11,000/t (USD1,613/t) ex works. Some suppliers being pressed by the cash turnover while the financial situation in the global market is worsening, start to sell at prices of almost RMB10,000/t (USD1,466/t) ex works. Some participants even predict the price would go below that level as the future market would remain in the downturn. As most participants see, the current market slack would last for another three to four months, while the downstream stainless steel market would be dull in the coming one to two years.
Most buyers have already arranged enough materials for the production in the rest of the year and thus few deals have been reported since October. We learnt from the Customs that over 6,000t of the material is exported to Netherland, with another 5,000t to Japan and 4,000t to South Korean in Septemberr. And still there are small quantities of material delivered to foreign countries according to long term contracts. As a result, few foreign buyers are still in the market though the Chinese suppliers offer quite a low price of around USD2,100/t FOB. Some traders still in the market just purchase very few materials and they keep pressing the price down to around USD2,000/t FOB.
Manganese price in Rotterdam holds at around USD2,300-2,400/t and that offers from China slide to around USD2,100-2,200/t CIF Rotterdam though few deals are concluded during the period. There are still reports that some buyers fail to pay in time or try to renegotiate for lower prices. ...
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[+/-] : European antimony prices slide further

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 12 Nov 08 – Although Chinese government closed many antimony mines and smelters in Lengshuijiang areas last week, antimony prices did not stop falling. Market participants reported lower prices to Asian Metal.
A European trader disclosed that the latest offer he received from Chinese supplier was USD5,800/t CIF Rotterdam for 99.65%min low bismuth antimony ingot, and the material is about two weeks away from Rotterdam. "Most offers are in the range of USD5,800-5,900/t CIF Rotterdam, but consumers are not responding," said the source.
According to him, one of the major consumer told him two weeks ago that they would be interested when price fall below USD6,000/t, but now he is expecting price to fall below USD5,500/t. "When the market is falling, consumer adjust their target price frequently." The trader believes the closure of mines and smelters in Hunan area is not having effect, because the problem is on demand side of the market.
Another European trader is offering 99.65%min standard grade two antimony ingot at USD5,800/t CIF Rotterdam or other European port to his customers, but received no inquiries. "Market is very quiet at the moment, and many consumers are already long in stock from long-term supplies, so they are not interested in buying from spot market," the trader remarked.
He holds that the European consumers will not in spot market for the rest of the year due to the weak economy and slow demand, then they will end with some stockpiles by the end of the year and consume the inventory in the first quarter of next year. By the time of second quarter, there will be too much material available in market; therefore, he told Asian Metal that the European antimony market will not see any recover before September of 2009. ...
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[+/-] : Chinese antimony trioxide exporters see more inquiries

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 11 Nov 08 – Some antimony trioxide exporters reported that they receive more inquiries from foreign buyers, though some concluded deals and some are not.
A licensed antimony trioxide exporter with a monthly export volume of at least 200 tons told Asian Metal that they receive more inquiries in the recent several days. They have concluded two deals of around 40-50 tons of antimony trioxide 99.5%min at around USD5,000/t CIF Rotterdam last Thursday, delivered right after the end of Christmas holiday.
The source revealed that the clients who have just place orders are worried about the antimony price to go up around the Chinese New Year's time and also about the potential price bounce caused by the clampdown of the illegal plants.
However, the source stated that not many buyers send inquiries to them and they also could not conclude every deal with foreign buyers sent inquiries. Demand remains weak and the export price is decreasing further too.
Another licensed exporter who mainly lives on long-term contracts and has an average export volume of around 300 tons confirmed that they received slightly more inquiries from European buyers, but they have not concluded even one deal. They quoted USD5,200-5,300/t CIF Rotterdam last week and believe that it is possible to conclude deals with buyers around USD200-300/t lower than that price.
The source believes that it will take some time for the economy and the antimony market to return warm. However, as the consumers have not purchased much for around two months, they may finally come back to the market so that the antimony price may bounce slightly in the coming month. ...
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[+/-] : Clampdown of illegal antimony plants suspends

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 11 Nov 08 – The clampdown of the illegal antimony plants in Lengshuijiang region has been suspended due to the confrontation between local smelters and the police forces and the law-enforcement personnel last week. It is4informed that the clampdown will be resumed this Sunday on 16 November, 2008.
A Loudi-based smelter with a monthly production capacity of around 400-500 tons told Asian Metal that the clampdown has been suspended as the local smelters prevented the action from carrying out, which finally led to riot. Several police forces and local law-enforcement personnel were injured in the confrontation and were sent to the hospital. Now the government transfers to find those local smelters and the clampdown will resume on this Sunday.
The source also revealed that there will be 59 illegal plants in the first list of tearing down and three to five plants will be luckily kept, among which two are likely to be Loudi Xinghua Non-ferrous Smelting Co.,Ltd and Hunan Zhenqiang Antimony Co.,Ltd.
At present, except for the above mentioned two smelters and Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star as well as several others, almost all the smelting plants have been cut off water and electricity and are in suspension.
"We hope that the antimony price may become stable after clampdown of the illegal smelting plants. However, we are still not sure what results we are going to get," said the source who hold around 60 tons of antimony ingot on hand. Currently there is only one production line running with a monthly production capacity of around 20-30 tons.
The source holds that the antimony offers range widely from RMB33,000/t (USD4,832/t) to RMB37,000/t (USD5,417/t). They heard some deals concluded at the lower side.
Another smelter with a monthly production capacity of around 400 tons in Hunan , near the Lengshuijian region, confirmed the current situation of the Lengshuijiang region and the current status of the plants in the area. The source stated that as many other suppliers and traders are watching closely on the development of the clampdown action with high expectations that it may result in good influences to the whole antimony market.
The source also revealed that offers for antimony ingot range widely. Some smelters quote RMB36,000-37,000/t (USD5,271-5,417/t) ex works, while some others quote as low as RMB30,000/t (USD4,392/t) VAT excluded ex works. The source believes that there is still huge room for the antimony ingot price to drop as the offers for antimony concentrate decreases. Recently some antimony concentrate suppliers are anxious about price of antimony concentrate to decrease because stocks accumulated in the past one to two months when most antimony ingot smelters hesitate to purchase and they quote around RMB20,000/t (USD2,928/t) VAT excluded for antimony concentrate 50-60% at present, down from RMB28,000-29,000/t (USD4,100-4,246/t) VAT excluded around a month ago. ...
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[+/-] : Brominated epoxy broad prospects

With the enhancement of safety and environmental requirements, the main types of fire retardant to bromine flame retardant product category demand. As a new fire retardant epoxy resin which bromide in both domestic and international markets growing in importance. Due to the melting of brominated epoxy excellent flow rate, the higher the flame-retardant efficiency excellent thermal stability and optical stability and make good by the physical and mechanical properties of flame-retardant materials. which was widely used in PBT, PET, ABS, nylon 66, the flame-retardant treatment. Although many domestic research and production units of brominated epoxy, it is as a flame retardant potting. Insulation materials for blocking irrigation sector, as the brominated epoxy flame retardants. there has not been large-scale industrial enterprises in domestic production. Dow Chemical Company in the United States enables the 40,000-ton epoxy resin equipment, Taiwan-funded company in Guangzhou chang Electronic Materials 60,000-ton epoxy resin equipment, Sino-Japanese joint venture company in Wuxi Di Love 15,000-ton epoxy resin epoxy device have a considerable proportion of brominated epoxy, which Dow products sold back to the United States, and for the production of fire retardant. China, an important raw material for the production of Tetrabromobisphenol A brominated epoxy has been slow to develop. only companies in Shandong Forest Fair 5000-ton capacity. ...
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[+/-] : The United States successfully launched the Great Lakes electronic products with brominated polystyrene flame retardant plastic

Great Lakes Chemical Corporation successfully launched the United States with brominated polystyrene flame retardant plastic electronic products. This is FiremasterBP411 polymer is a thermoplastic material adjuvants, The result shows good thermal stability and processing, and high performance-price ratio, widely used in a variety of thermoplastic engineering plastics. as standard or glass reinforced nylon 6, nylon 66 and polybutylene terephthalate. eventually processed with electronic connectors, relays and switches. The launch of the product development to further improve the success of the Great Lakes high-brominated polystyrene flame retardant system. system include brominated polystyrene copolymer, styrene system bromide additives, Thermoplastic polyester and nylon used in high temperature at each show a unique brand thermal stability, and anti - bubbling liquid. ...
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[+/-] : Name of fire retardant products

Name of fire retardant products ------- ------
01), antimony trioxide : ≥ 99.8% high purity, ultra-fine 0.4-1.1um. White above 98 degrees (adding flame retardant synergist agents)
02), Tris (2,3 - dibromopropyl) poly isocyanate three differences : TBC, with a total volume of bromine : ≥ 64.5%, the melting point of reference : 110 ℃ (non-toxic fire retardant additives)
 03), MCA : MCA, reading : ≥ 99%, decomposition temperature : 440~450 ° C (non-toxic fire retardant reaction)
 04), tribromide phenol : TBP. Content : ≥ 98.5%, the melting point : ≥ 92 ° C (reactive flame retardant)
05), 3 : poly aluminum phosphate of ATP, APW, APZ, for the production of intumescent flame-retardant coating, the coating (non-toxic fire retardant additives)
06). Tetrabromobisphenoi A:TBBA, bromine content : ≥ 58.5%, the melting point : 180 ° C (added. reactive flame retardant)
07) : SEM tetrabromophthalic anhydride (flame retardant additives)
 08), 5-bromotoluene : PBT (FR-5), the total volume of bromine : "80% of melting points : 275~284 ° C (flame retardant additives)
 09), 5 : PBDPO PBBs ether, bromine content : 62-70 (flame retardant additives)
10), six Central bromine dodecane : HBCD (CD-75P), the total volume of bromine : "73.5%, the melting point : 185~195 ° C (flame retardant additives)
11) : BDDP [Tetrabromobisphenol A Bis (2,3 - dibromopropyl ether) -- bromine content : ≥ 67%, the melting point : ≥ 10.5 ° C (adding flame)
12), 11 Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers : DBDPO containing bromine : 82-83% volume. Melting Point : 300-310 ° C, the United States Great Lakes : DE-83R Domestic : excellent, level Goods (adding flame)
13). phosphoric acid ester of 1,3,5-TCP : (adding flame)
14), 3-(2-chloropropyl) ester : TCPP (adding flame) 15), phosphate (2.3 - dichloro-propyl) ester : TDCP (adding flame)
16), 3-(2-chloroethyl) ester : Tris (adding flame) 17), triphenyl phosphite : TPP (adding flame)
18). Dimethylmethylphosphonate : DMMP (non-toxic fire retardant additives)
19) : FR-P phosphorus flame retardant compound. decomposition temperature : 250-280 ° C (non-toxic fire retardant additives)
20), halogenated compounds : bisphosphorate FR-505, decomposition temperature : "200 ° C (soft polyether foam pieces, molding foam fire retardant) 21). Mixed reaction flame : FR-780 (reactive flame retardant sponge)
22), zinc acid tin : Effect of T-9 (polyurethane foam catalyst)
23), ammonium polyphosphate : APP, P2O5 content : 72-73%. N : 14-15%, decomposition temperature : "270 ℃. Five different degree of polymerization specifications (non-toxic fire retardant additives)
24), water-soluble crystalline flame retardants : (PN-added non-toxic fire retardant)
25), flame retardants : efficient reagents, content : ≥ 99%, decomposition temperature : 440~450 ° C (non-toxic fire retardant additives) 26), aluminum hydroxide : Moderate activity, reading : ≥ 99% (non-toxic fire retardant additives)
27), magnesium hydroxide : chemical, mining, ordinary activity content : ≥ ≥ 63-98.5% (non-toxic fire retardant additives)
28), chlorinated paraffin : 52~70# (non-toxic fire retardant additives)
29), chlorinated polyethylene : CPE (non-toxic fire retardant additives)
30), zinc borate 3.5 Water : Zinc : 37.0-40.0%. 45.0-48.0% : boron content (non-toxic fire retardant additives Association beta-agonists) 31), cenosphere, hollow ceramic beads, Zeeospheres : flame-retardant products filling modifier (particle size specifications)
32), cotton, textiles Ma : Flame Retardant FRCP-1 (perpetual)
33), cotton, textiles Ma : Flame Retardant SFR-CP (perpetual)
34), polyester, nylon textiles : Flame Retardant FRC - 1 (permanent-type)
35), polyester, nylon, cotton, textile general anesthesia flame : SFR-120 (washing-)
36), polyester, nylon, cotton, textile general anesthesia flame : SFR-1 (economic)
37), textiles, plastic fire retardant fabrics : two different specifications directly
38). timber, paper products : Flame Retardant (water-Free Flame Retardant)
 39), fire package sealing material : (organic. Inorganic) 40), all kinds of fire-resistant coating : (steel, wood)
41), flame-efficient machinery and electronics, electrical cleaning agent : FRC--120 (environmentally friendly cleaning agent Live)
 42), a variety of other products Flame Retardant ...
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[+/-] : World consumption of fire retardant and structure

Total world consumption of fire retardant has reached 1.05 million tons, the major consumer countries and regions, market allocation : Europe 33%, U.S. 30%, Asia (excluding Japan) was 19%, Japan 18%. Recent market research shows that the fire retardant market volume will increase to 969 million U.S. dollars is expected this year. with an average annual growth rate of around 5%. Japan polymer additives market in recent years generally have been declining for several years in a row, and flame retardants has increased slightly, However, the year-on-year growth rate of decline in 2001. The consumption structure of flame retardants in various regions of the world, Europe is the largest amount of inorganic flame retardants, and the United States, Japan, Asia (excluding Japan), the largest consumer for Brominated Flame Retardants. The United States and Japan accounted for 35% and 40% of total consumption, as much as 60% in Asia. And country-specific consumption structure in different parts of the world : Europe, inorganic between 33% and 28% of Brominated organic phosphorus 25% Chlorine Series 4% Other 10% United States, 35% of Brominated organic phosphorus by 26%, between 24% inorganic chlorine between 8%. Other 7% in Asia, 60% between bromine, inorganic between 25% and 8% between chlorine and organic phosphorus, 7% in Japan, 40% of bromine system. Inorganic between 30% and 20% of organic phosphorus, chlorine between 2% and 8% other. ...
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[+/-] : Environmental crackdown focusing on Lengshuijiang antimony smelters

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 4 Nov 08 - According to market sources, relevant bureaus in Lengshuijiang, Hunan province, one of the most important antimony production bases started a large-scale crackdown on antimony smelters in the area. The checkup, which is expected to last about one week, aims to shut down smelters with the capacity lower than 5,000tpy or not complied with environmental standard among eighty to ninety smelters in the region.

An official from Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star Co., Ltd., the largest antimony trioxide producer in the world welcomed the check up. According to the source, only those smelters who meet the industrial access requirements are qualified to continue producing. The source believes that the check up will help rectify the market order, combat illegal smelting, and protect the profit of state-owned enterprises. Additionally, under the sluggish market, the checkup is likely to stimulate demand and stop the price from falling further.

An antimony ingot smelter based in Anhua, Hunan province learnt the environmental crackdown on antimony smelters in Lengshuijiang. The source also takes it to be a favorable factor for the antimony market which is very slow now. According to the source, the smelter is running regularly with an output of around 300tpm. However, it does not quote for the time being for lack of orders. The source revealed that offers in the spot market have been in decline with some smelters offering a price below RMB38,000/t (USD5,564/t) ex works. Furthermore, quotations made by a few small smelters are lower than RMB33,000/t (USD4,832/t) VAT excluded.

...
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[+/-] : Manganese flakes exportation in stagnation

Manganese flakes market remains dull while the whole economy is in recession. Sources reported that though most suppliers insist on offers of around USD2,200-2,300/t FOB, still few deals are concluded.
A Hunan-based exporter told Asian Metal that they failed to receive any inquiry in the last two weeks while most foreign buyers are just watching and waiting for the price to drop to the bottom line. "Who knows what the bottom line is," said the source reported that the prices the foreign buyers claimed at around USD2,300/t in warehouse Rotterdam is unprofitable for most Chinese suppliers. "We still insist on USD2,300/t FOB. If you are not satisfied, no deal can be concluded."
The source said that most smelters at the moment have already been out of production while those still in operation also bear great pressure of losses if they cannot get a good price. "The Customs would also be a hindrance if the price is too low. You will have to pay higher taxes according to the price floor," said the source who decides to expand some domestic business for the moment while the export market is so dull and volatile.
A trader from East Asia is reported to have cut down their purchasing volume in the coming months. "It's normal for us to reduce the quantity as the stainless steel market is also very low with most mills cutting production," said the source who still hold a very low expectation towards the future market. As the source sees it, most major smelters in China are still in operation though under capacity. "So manganese supply is still sufficient and the price still faces great pressure of dropping from current USD2,200-2,300/t FOB."
The source believes most consumers are already covered with enough materials needed in the rest of the year and few deals would be concluded. "The Chinese domestic market seems to be in better condition and so more suppliers would consider selling in domestic market instead of the export market." As a result, manganese export price might stay at the current price in the near term. ...
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[+/-] : Korean buyers watch magnesium ingot market

Magnesium ingot buyers from South Korea are still away from the market and waiting for lower prices. Sources reported to Asian Metal that few deals are being done in the market, though offers from China have been in decline.
A consumer from South Korea reported that they have not purchased any magnesium ingot since the previous purchase of two containers was closed at USD3,900/t CIF Pusan early October. "We plan to make another purchase before long, but we dare not move as the price is still moving down very fast," said the source.
According to the source, the magnesium price decreased by USD800-900/t within one month to current USD3,000-3,100/t CIF Pusan, scaring many consumers away. If not for urgent need, consumers would not enter the market. Consuming two or three containers of magnesium ingot every month, the source mainly purchases the material from local trading companies.
A trader from South Korea reported that the magnesium market has been on the ebb with offering prices from China decreasing to USD2,950-3,100/t CIF Pusan from USD3,000-3,200/t CIF Pusan a week ago. Facing the fluctuating prices, the source is also very cautious about placing orders.
According to the source, some end users may throw out orders soon for next quarter. "However, we dare not say whether it is the right time to buy in now," said the source, adding that they would like to watch for another couple of days before concluding deals.
The source used to import more than 500t of magnesium ingot from China every month but has not bought any of the material since mid-October for lack of orders. ...
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[+/-] : European ferro molybdenum market crashing to below USD30/kg

From of as high as USD79.00/kg Mo d.p. nearly two months ago, ferromolybdenum prices crashed at close of business last Friday to just below USD30.00/kg Mo d.p., a sharp drop of more 60% and a drop by 23% from USD38.00-39.00/kg Mo last week Thursday and now hanging at USD29.50/kg Mo d.p..
A European dealer source reportedly sold 5t at USD39.00/kg Mo d.p. in warehouse Rotterdam last Thursday but got shocked to loose another deal offering material at USD38.00/kg Mo only to learn another European dealer had accepted bids at USD29.80/kg Mo d.p. in warehouse Rotterdam for prompt delivery.
"I don't know what is happening," said the source unable to comprehend the how bad he had overestimated the market. "Everything is in confusion at the moment." The source also received an offer of a Chinese-origin material at USD28.00/kg Mo d.u. and declined making a bid although the payment term included extended payment terms; something rarely known with Chinese suppliers.
Another European dealer lamented the loss he had suffered as a result of the market crash; he had had to accept bids at USD35.00/kg Mo d.p. last Wednesday for a 10t-deal although it was barely enough to cover the cost. Nevertheless, he took solace in minimizing regrets by liquidating material and remarked, "I am done for noble alloys market until conditions permit otherwise."
And in the same vein, molyoxide prices have dropped from USD20.00/lb at beginning of last week and now at below USD13.50/lb in warehouse Rotterdam for prompt delivery. However, a European converter who received an offer but declined it argued, it would be very difficult for suppliers and producers to convince other converters and steel plants to take in material at this time. This is because there is the general feelings producers could still lower the price to as low as USD7.00-8.00/lb and still make some reasonable margins. ...
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[+/-] : Chinese molybdenum market summary Oct 27-31

With demand remaining weak in Chinese ferromolybdenum market, offers for ferromolybdenum slip further to RMB150,000-155,000/t (USD36.66-37.88/kg) from RMB170,000-175,000/t (USD41.54-42.77/kg) early this week, while offers for molybdenum concentrate slide to around RMB2,000/mtu (USD13.31/lb). No significant tender has been reported to Asian Metal in the week, and more people start to believe that the price would decrease further in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the molybdenum price in warehouse Rotterdam drops dramatically from USD50/kg to USD36/kg in the week; Chinese suppliers generally stop selling materials in spot market. According to participants, few buyers are interested in purchasing anything. As molybdenum oxide price decreases to USD16/lb at the weekend, everyone is watching what would happen in the following week.
Molybdate market keeps declining with few deals concluded in the market. Prices for grade-one ammonium tetramolybdate decreased to around RMB150,000/t (USD22.00/kg) from RMB170,000/t (USD24.93/kg) early this week, and participants still expect it to move down further in the following week. However, sodium molybdate market appears relatively stable, and the price of sodium molybdate 99% stabilizes at RMB140,000-150,000/t (USD20.53-22.00/kg). There are multikilogram deals of ammonium tetramolybdate and sodium molybdate concluded at USD36/kg and USD28/kg respectively this week, and the demand remains low.
Molybdenum products market remains chaotic and downward. Molybdenum powder price decreased further to RMB320-330/kg (USD46.92-48.39), and low offers, such as RMB300/kg also appear in the market. Offers for molybdenum bar, rod and stick are wide-ranged, and suppliers can only watch the price fall. ...
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[+/-] : Antimony ingot market runs slowly in Russia

Sources in Russia revealed that the antimony ingot market has been sluggish recently due to continuously low demand. The price of antimony ingot 99.65%min keeps stable at around RUB190-195/kg (USD7,037-7,222/t) d.d.p. in the spot market, and participants believe that the market may not rebound in the near future.
A trader in Russia, who has a monthly trading volume of around 20t of antimony ingot, said, "We did not conclude any deals in the last two weeks, and received fewer inquiries." The source remains consuming the inventories purchased some material at the end of September.
The source revealed that the devaluation of ruble and the low demand in the market result in few spot deals as some consumers have already reduced the purchasing quantities. "I think the price of antimony ingot 99.65%min keeps stable at around RUB190/kg (USD7,037/t) d.d.p. in the spot market, the same as that of last weekend," said the source.
The source is pessimistic about the antimony ingot market in the following two weeks. "The price of antimony ingot 99.65%min may fall below RUB180/kg (USD6,666/t) d.d.p. in the spot market due to the continuously low demand," said the source.
Another trader in Russia revealed that the offers of antimony metal have been wide-ranged recently as some traders holding stocks have lowered their offers to promote sales for fear of the price falling. "I think the price of antimony ingot 99.65%min keeps stable at around RUB190-195/kg (USD7,037-7,222/t), but few deals are concluded," said the source.
The source disclosed that many end-users have reduced the purchase quantities of antimony ingot due to continuously low demand, and the market may not rebound in the near future. ...
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[+/-] : European ferromolybdenum market drops again to below USD40/kg

As trading session for the first month of the last quarter ends today, ferromolybdenum market drops again to below USD40.00/kg Mo d.p., with many dealers claiming to have voluntarily stopped business for positioning and only active on a back-to-back basis.
A European trader source sold 5t of Chinese-origin ferromolybdenum at USD36.30/kg Mo d.u. in warehouse Rotterdam and disclosed to Asian Metal he was not going to buy material anymore, not only for lack of enquiries but also the high risk and uncertainty pervading the market.
"I cannot buy more material now because it might be difficult to get consumer orders at reasonable margin in a daily weakening market," explained the source that buttressed his argument of receiving many unsolicited offers from Chinese suppliers. "I guess some suppliers also have liquidity problems."
Another European dealer source sold 10t of FeMo 65%min grade material at USD37.30/kg Mo d.d.p. (delivered duty paid) and confirmed the market as stable though with a little correction downwards over the past week. "I do expect current price range of USD35.00-37.00/kg Mo d.p. to hold, provided major producers would continue to not offer material for spot delivery in the price range," said the source.
Currently quoting material at USD18.00/lb, a European molyoxide dealer lamented it had become difficult for him to ink any deal at above USD16.50/lb for immediate release because Chinese suppliers have been offering material at as low as USD15.40/lb. The source added that enquiries from European converters have dropped sharply in the last two months and could continue till next year because any buying activity right now is limited to a period of six weeks for the rest of the year. ...
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