China’s antimony metal output in December rose from a year earlier, as most producers in the main production hubs of Hunan and Guangxi provinces maintained or increased run rates to complete annual production target.

December metal production rose by 32.24pc to 5,464t from 4,132t the previous year but down by 18.57pc from 6,710t in November, data released by the China nonferrous metals industry association show. Output totalled 78,145t in 2020, down by 5.94pc from 83,079t in 2019 on an ore supply shortage. December production rose by 38.08pc to 9,833t from 7,121t the previous year and up by 10.24pc from 8,920t in November. Output totalled 93,037t for 2020, up by 1.69pc from 91,487t in 2019.

Prices for antimony metal were last assessed at at 49,000-50,000 yuan/t ($7,577-7,732/t) ex-works, up from Yn46,5000-47,500/t ex-works assessed on 21 January. The ore shortage and renewed stockpiling demand ahead of lunar new year holidays have pushed the market to hit a two-year high. Prices are expected to stay firm with limited trading activity because of logistics squeeze during holidays.