China’s Zhangyuan Tungsten released its offer levels for the second half of September: ammonium paratungstate (APT) was quoted at $ 214.00/mtu, up $20.5/mtu compared with first half of this month; tungsten concentrate was stopped quoting.

Xiamen Tungsten’s offers for the second half of this month: APT was $231.20/mtu.

The tungsten prices in China continue to climb boosted by the rise in new guide prices and persistent tightening availability of raw materials. On the one hand, sellers are reluctant to sell due to stricter environmental protection inspection before the holiday of National Day. Some of them even stop quotation, waiting for large profit margins; on the other hand, although market inquiry becomes active with firm cost side, transactions are not increased accordingly. Smelting factories face pressure of price inversion and the market has prices but no sales.