China’s antimony metal exports in September moved up both on the month and on the year after a fall in August, with consumers in Europe and Asia replenishing stocks.

China exported 1,270t of the minor metal in September, up from 511t in August and up from 587t a year earlier, customs data show.

Antimony metal exports totalled 8,345t during January-September, up by 21.38pc from 6,875t a year earlier.

Antimony exports rose in September compared with a year earlier, in line with a rise in restocking demand from international consumers.

The country exported 5,750t of antimony in September, up by 57.53pc from 3,650t a year earlier and up by 118pc compared with 2,640t in August, customs data show. January-September shipments were up by 31.02pc to 35,354t from 26,983t in the same period in 2020, with international consumers stepping into the market for restocking in response to supply tightness anticipation. The expectation of supply tightness was brought about by production shutdowns in Hunan’s Lenghsuijiang city, which saw curbs imposed because of environmental protection measures.

Export prices for 99.65pc grade antimony metal were last assessed stable at $12,500-12,700/t fob this week following a fall of $100/t on 28 October when spot prices went down, as production restarts in Lengshuiiang City brought about anticipation that prices would move down on further renewed supply. But firm concentrate and other feedstock costs prevented producers from making further concessions on prices despite a lack of ample demand from the downstream flame retardant industry. The export range for another grade antimony held at $10,700-10,800/t fob this week, in line with stable domestic prices.