China’s Indium Exports Decline in July Amid Market Caution and Upcoming U.S. Tariffs

China's exports of indium metal experienced a notable decline in July compared to the same month last year, largely due to market saturation and anticipation of new U.S. tariffs. Buyers and traders outside of China had stocked up sufficiently on indium during May and June, leading to a reduction in demand in July. Many chose to halt further purchases and monitor market conditions, particularly ahead of the U.S. imposing new Section 301 tariffs on Chinese indium, which took effect in August.

According to customs data, China exported 32,147 kilograms of indium metal in July, marking an 11% decrease from 35,979 kilograms in the same month last year. From January to July, total exports reached 344,149 kilograms, a slight 1% decrease from the 347,286 kilograms exported during the same period in the previous year.

The market remained relatively stable in July, with only minor price fluctuations. Producers maintained firm pricing aligned with elevated levels on the Changzhou Zhonglianjin trading platform. However, export prices for 99.99% grade indium metal saw a slight dip early in the month, from $360-375 per kilogram (fob) on July 2-4 to $360-373 per kilogram (fob) on July 9, due to a lack of spot purchases.

As the month progressed, prices rebounded to $360-380 per kilogram (fob) by July 23, driven by producer responses to higher prices on the Changzhou Zhonglianjin platform and a tight supply of feedstocks amid local environmental checks. Prices stabilized at this level until the end of July. However, a slight easing of feedstock supply pressures in August led to a modest decline in prices, which fell to $360-375 per kilogram (fob) by August 13, where they remained stable through August 22.