Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) and ferro-vanadium prices had a strong start to 2018 last week, with supply concerns in focus as the markets came back from the Christmas break.
Chinese V2O5 prices soar with upstream constraints in focusFerro-vanadium leads the way in Europe US ferro-vanadium prices higher but spot activity 'just getting started'Vanadium prices in China jumped last week amid limited supply and rising purchasing interest ahead of the Chinese New Year (February 15-21). Ferro-vanadium prices were assessed at $48-50 per kg, fob China on Thursday January 4, an increase of 8.9% week on week. Demand within China also increased with steel mills looking to restock before it becomes difficult to secure deliveries around the Chinese New Year holidays. "Though the Chinese New Year holiday break is only one week, some smelters will take maintenance during that period or prolong breaks as a reward for their workers, and more importantly, the inadequate transportation capacity around the break usually lasts one month, so consumers will replenish raw materials in advance," a market source reported. Price gains for...