Summer torpor hits industrial minerals early

Domestic Chinese prices for bromine rose as high as Chinese renminbi (Rmb) 19,670/tonne ($3,172/tonne*) in May, up from Rmb 17,775/tonne ($2,868/tonne) at the end of January, but have since settled back to around Rmb 18,741/tonne ($3,023/tonne). IM assesses flake graphite prices for 94-97% C (FOB Qingdao), +80 mesh, to be around $900/tonne after dropping from the highs of $1,050/tonne seen at the beginning of the year. The price of +100 mesh to -80 mesh, 94-97% C (FOB Qingdao) is $750/tonne, while -100 mesh, for the same carbon content, stands at $650/tonne (FOB Qingdao). IM 's prices for DBM, 90% MgO currently stand at $220-250/tonne, FOB China. Ex-works Chinese prices for this grade are reported to be around Rmb 780-820/tonne ($125-132/tonne).