Global Antimony Price Surge Disrupts Supply Chains, Triggering Potential Price Hikes for Laser Marking Additives and Antimony-Based Products
— Chinese Supplier DOME MATERIALS Urges Clients to Plan Procurement Early
March 12, 2025, China — The global price of antimony has soared to record highs in recent months, sending shockwaves through downstream industries. This unprecedented rise is driving up costs and threatening the supply of critical industrial materials, including laser marking additives and flame retardants. DOME MATERIALS, a leading Chinese supplier of laser marking additives, warns that prices for antimony-containing products are poised for significant increases in the coming months. The company urges clients to lock in orders now to mitigate supply chain risks and rising costs.
Antimony Price Surge: A Perfect Storm of Supply Shortages and Policy Shifts
Widening Supply-Demand Gap
Global antimony mine production has been declining since 2011, dropping to 100,000 tons annually by 2024, while demand continues to climb, fueled by growth in photovoltaics, flame retardants, and renewable energy sectors. Analysts forecast a supply-demand deficit of 9,000 to 14,000 tons between 2024 and 2027, representing a shortfall of up to 9%. The situation worsened in 2024 when Russia’s key producer Polyus reported a 53% plunge in antimony output, intensifying global supply constraints.
China’s Export Controls Amplify Global Pressure
As the world’s largest antimony producer, China introduced export restrictions in August 2024, causing overseas prices to skyrocket. By March 2025, European antimony prices exceeded 400,000 RMB/ton, compared to domestic prices of 160,000–170,000 RMB/ton—a staggering gap of over 200,000 RMB/ton. With limited smelting capacity outside China, international markets are struggling to bridge the shortfall, pushing prices even higher.
Explosive Downstream Demand
- Photovoltaics: The 2025 solar installation boom is driving demand for sodium pyroantimonate, with antimony usage in solar glass projected to grow 15% annually.
- Flame Retardants: Surging demand from electric vehicles and electronics has propelled antimony-based flame retardant prices by over 30% year-on-year—outpacing raw antimony price increases.
- Emerging Sectors: Military, AI, and semiconductor industries are increasingly adopting antimony for cooling systems and high-power chip applications, further straining supply.
Antimony-Based Products Under Pressure: Laser Marking Additives Face Cost Surge
Antimony is a cornerstone raw material in laser marking additives, and its price volatility directly impacts production costs. Domestic 2# antimony ingot prices have doubled from 79,500 RMB/ton at the end of 2023 to 161,000 RMB/ton in March 2025. Soaring import costs and reduced domestic smelting output—due to a 67.6% drop in antimony ore imports—have compounded the issue, leaving manufacturers grappling with supply shortages.
Challenges for the Laser Marking Additive Sector
- Rising Raw Material Costs: Antimony now accounts for a larger share of production expenses, squeezing profit margins.
- Supply Chain Instability: Emerging smelting capacity in Southeast Asia cannot yet offset the shortfall, leaving supply chains vulnerable.
- Delayed Price Transmission: While downstream clients may resist immediate price hikes, sustained cost pressures will inevitably trickle down to end products.
Strategic Responses and Procurement Recommendations
Act Now to Secure Supply
DOME MATERIALS advises clients to place orders promptly, as antimony prices remain on an upward trajectory. Early procurement can help lock in current rates and prevent cost overruns shortly.
Diversify Supply Chains
Businesses are encouraged to partner with suppliers offering stable antimony sources or international networks to reduce exposure to market volatility.
Explore Alternatives
While reducing antimony usage or adopting substitutes is an option, companies must weigh performance trade-offs against cost benefits—a process requiring careful evaluation.
4. About DOME MATERIALS
DOME MATERIALS, a top-tier Chinese supplier of laser marking additives, brings over a decade of expertise to the industry. Leveraging a robust raw material network and cutting-edge production techniques, the company delivers cost-effective solutions to global clients. Amid current market turbulence, DOME MATERIALS is optimizing its global supply chain and negotiating long-term pricing agreements with key partners to ensure supply continuity.
Take Action Now
- Visit the DOME MATERIALS website or contact the sales team for the latest pricing and inventory updates.
- Submit procurement plans for Q2 2025 and beyond to secure capacity and preferential rates.
Conclusion
The escalating scarcity and strategic importance of antimony are reshaping the industrial landscape, challenging both suppliers and buyers to adapt. DOME MATERIALS remains committed to tracking market trends and delivering proactive solutions, partnering with clients to navigate this turbulent period.
Sources: CICC, Huachuang Securities, Business Society, Mysteel, China Customs Service.
