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Future direction of bismuth in question as prices rise again

May 23, 2011 - 12:14 GMT Location: London

KEYWORDS: Bismuth , Europe , China , production , pharmaceutical , alloys , demand

Bismuth rose on Friday as producers reported strong sales into Europe and Asia, resuming a positive trend seen throughout 2011, but there was uncertainty about how long the rally can run

MB Rotterdam bismuth rose to $11.2-$12.2 per lb on Friday, up from $11.2-$11.7 per lb previously, but market participants were divided over how well demand will hold up in the coming months. A government crackdown on smelters in China has led to a shortfall in crude bismuth supply throughout 2011, giving support to higher prices, a source at...

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