Chinese iodine prices firmed through January on tight prompt supply driven by limited seaborne arrivals, disciplined Chilean allocations and pre-holiday buying. Early-month shipments were sparse, with Chilean quotes contributing to a bullish tone. Mid-month customs clearances slipped versus December; port congestion extended handling times, while a stronger renminbi softened landed-cost pressure. Traders and converters secured prompt lots late in January ahead of Lunar New Year cargo gap and mid-February shutdowns, leaving the spot market firmer into February. Demand remained supportive, with pharma and electronics buyers most active: formulators increased call-offs for iodine-based contrast media and povidone-iodine solutions amid higher hospital procurement, and electronics manufacturers advanced purchases of polarising-film grade iodine ahead of holiday shutdowns. In contrast, photovoltaic pilot-line demand remained a marginal influence. Chilean output remains dominant, and domestic brine constraints further pinch prompt availability. Looking ahead, analysts foresee a modest near-term pullback but with upside risks from logistics and seasonal buying, with a cautious recovery later.
