TOKYO -- Gallium prices are surging after China said it would start requiring permits to export the key metal and other chipmaking materials in August, signaling a potentially significant impact on the industry.
The benchmark price for gallium in the U.S. and European markets reached $332.50 per kilogram on July 20, according to U.K.-based Argus Media -- up 18% from the end of June, before China made its announcement on July 3.
and
The price for germanium, another material affected by the permit rule, is on the rise as well. The benchmark in the U.S. and European market had increased 4% since the announcement to around $1,390 per kg as of July 13.
Will China restrict exports of REEs next? If it does, the move in REEs prices could be massive (as it was back in 2010). It will be interesting to see how this plays out over coming months.
GRL Price at posting:
4.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
A personalised tool to help users track selected stocks. Delivering real-time notifications on price updates, announcements, and performance stats on each to help make informed investment decisions.
(20min delay)