The procurement of many minor metals can become a challenge in the face of growing demand and uncertainties due to China's export controls. Two international trade events in China and Singapore address this development in raw materials, also known as technology metals.
Minor Metals like Gallium, Germanium and Indium may have "minor" in their name, but their importance for industry and everyday life is by no means negligible. The metals are essential components of numerous high-tech applications, from electronics and renewable energies to medical devices. Gallium is primarily used in the production of LEDs and solar cells, while germanium is indispensable in fibre optic cables and as a semiconductor in electronic devices. Indium, on the other hand, is used in touchscreens and flat screens and also plays a role in photovoltaics. Demand is growing as these technologies become more widespread in our modern lives.
China's export controls and the uncertainty in the supply of minor metals
The supply situation for many of the so-called by-metals is a challenge. China plays a key role in a number of metals and is considered one of the most important, if not the most important producer. In recent months, however, China has Export controls imposed on certain raw materials such as gallium and germaniumThis has led to considerable market movements, including supply bottlenecks and price increases.
Europe's answer: The Critical Raw Materials Act
In this context, the Introduction of the Critical Raw Materials Act by the EU which includes metals such as gallium and germanium. The law aims to promote the domestic extraction and processing of 17 strategic raw materials, including many minor metals. The EU initiative is also intended to help reduce dependence on imports from non-EU countries that are rich in raw materials.
Solutions for a secure supply of raw materials
Until the Critical Raw Materials Act takes effect, companies must actively respond to the sometimes uncertain supply situation. A review of the purchasing and warehousing strategy could help to mitigate supply problems for strategic raw materials in the short and medium term and ensure production continuity. Although storage space and warehousing tie up capital, this can make more economic sense than taking the risk of a production stop due to a lack of materials. It is crucial to react flexibly to changes in the supply situation.
TRADIUM supplies the entire range of raw materials from Minor Metals. TRADIUM also holds large quantities of selected technology metals in cooperation with a partner company in a high-security warehouse in Frankfurt - and thus centrally for the whole of Europe.
Two international specialist events on minor metals discuss raw material topics
Current developments, challenges and solutions in this market segment are the focus of the annual MMTA Minor Metals Trade Association Conference. Experts from the raw materials industry will come together in Singapore from 17 to 19 April for this important industry meeting. As every year, TRADIUM will be attending this event to exchange ideas with partners and find out what is happening on the commodities market.
On 28 and 29 March, the In Bi Ge Ga Forum by Asian Metal in Ningbo, China. This specialist conference, which also takes place annually, focuses exclusively on the four minor metals indium, bismuth, germanium and gallium. TRADIUM has long-standing relationships with many Chinese raw material producers and represents some of them exclusively in Europe. Participation in the forum serves to maintain and expand these contacts.
