In November, the demand for Zirconium Carbonate declined from previous months, mainly due to lower demand from China and then India; both markets were characterized by an excess of material supply and limited consumer demand to create a cautious market atmosphere. In China, manufacturers continued to operate at a high utilization level, lower costs associated with zircon feedstock, and improved logistics allowed suppliers to maintain a long supply of Zirconium Carbonate, and therefore, Chinese and international suppliers competed aggressively for volume sales. India’s situation mirrored those like China: there continued to be downward pressures on zircon feedstock from China and Australia; significantly improved logistics also created better container access; the government duty regulations were favourably graded towards India. The supply side of the equation provided sufficient material while demand in India was flat, weak and, in most cases, steady – it will continue to remain so until there is a dramatic increase in demand from the ceramic tile, refractories, and specialty applications businesses.
