After a slow summer, which saw germanium prices remain relatively strong despite weak demand, prices for germanium metal and germanium dioxide can expect increasing pressure to move downward in the final quarter of 2011.
Demand for germanium metal remains depressed, mainly as a result of the decreasing US and NATO military activity in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In addition, germanium production at China's Shaoguan smelter is reportedly on schedule to resume later this year, which would bring greater supply to a market short on buyers.
With global economic uncertainty beginning to impact metal markets, it is safe to expect end-users to remain cautious in their purchasing, with spot orders being made only as necessary.
Chart courtesy: www.metal-pages.com
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