Market Overview The fluorite market is currently in a weak equilibrium as the month-end cycle approaches. While prices have downside support, they lack upward moment, leading to intensified negotiations between buyers and sellers.
Supply-Side Dynamics
· Suppliers are strongly defending prices despite shipment pressures
· High mining costs are forcing processing plants to maintain price floors, with some even testing small price increases
· Suppliers are attempting to create a sense of tight supply by controlling shipments to push prices higher
Demand-Side Weakness
· Persistent softness in demand remains the biggest drag
· Core downstream sectors show weak demand with scarce new orders
· Downstream factories are maintaining only essential purchases with low inventor buildup
· The hydrofluoric acid industry continues to struggle under the dual pressures of high costs and weak demand
· Widespread losses in HF production have led to reduced operating rates, further suppressing demand for fluorite powder
Price Reference (97% Fluorite Powder)
· Jiangsu/Zhejiang: RMB 2,950-3,000/ton
· Shandong: RMB 3,000-3,200/ton
· Inner Mongolia: RMB 2,950-3,000/ton
Market Outlook
The fluorite powder market is caught between "cost ceilings" and "demand floors." While suppliers are firmly supporting prices under loss pressure and even attempting small increases, the persistently weak downstream demand means the market lacks substantial upward momentum. The current characteristics are deadlocked transactions and strong wait-and see sentiment. In the short term, fluorite prices show strong resistance to declines and are more likely to rise than fall. However, whether prices can effectively break through the current range depends on whether downstream demand shows better-than-expected improvement.