April 30, 2025 – Industry Insight from China-Based Refractory Exporters
As global economic uncertainty deepens with the US debt crisis and renewed China–US tariff tensions, procurement professionals in the steel, cement, and foundry industries are navigating a fragile supply landscape. Refractory raw material prices from China, including Silicon Carbide (SiC), Fused Magnesia (FM), White/Brown Fused Alumina (WFA/BFA), and High Alumina Cement, are entering a volatile pricing phase — creating both challenges and opportunities for buyers.
✅ Current Price Trends in Chinese Refractory Materials (Q2 2025)
Silicon Carbide (SiC 98% min): Prices remain stable but firm, around $900–980/MT FOB China, supported by tight energy quotas in Ningxia and environmental checks.
Fused Magnesia (FM 97%): Moderate rebound to $370–400/MT, as production in Liaoning faces constraints due to government inspections.
Tabular Alumina: Slight increase due to rising calcination fuel costs, now $720–750/MT.
High Alumina Cement (HAC 70%): Demand from Southeast Asia and LATAM keeps prices steady, approx. $310–340/MT.
✅ Key Factors Impacting Prices:
US interest rate hikes → Global currency fluctuations
Tariff reimposition risks on Chinese minerals
Export freight cost volatility (though currently lower than 2021 highs)
✅ Top 3 Buyer Pain Points in 2025
Uncertainty in Long-Term Cost Planning
Commodity-linked volatility and FX risk are complicating contract pricing for large projects.
Tariff Risk on Chinese-Origin Materials
Some US and EU buyers are facing renewed political pressure to diversify suppliers — but at the expense of higher prices and longer lead times.
Inventory Management vs. Cash Flow Constraints
Buyers want to avoid overstocking but are wary of stockouts due to potential export delays or sudden price hikes.
✅ Proactive Procurement Strategies for Refractory Buyers
As a frontline exporter, we recommend these strategic actions:
✅ Lock-in Prices for Q2–Q3 Deliveries
Negotiate 2–3 month forward contracts with volume flexibility. We offer price protection windows to shield buyers from sudden market shifts.
✅ Use Mixed Container Strategies
Optimize freight cost per ton by mixing multiple refractory SKUs in one shipment: e.g., SiC + HAC + WFA.
✅ Explore RMB-Based Pricing
For buyers in LATAM, Middle East, or Russia, settling in RMB can reduce exposure to USD fluctuations and offer better terms.
✅ Request Real-Time Market Updates
We provide weekly pricing and production trend insights to our long-term clients — helping procurement teams anticipate moves.
Stay Connected for Updates & Offers
Visit our official website for updated FOB pricing: www.okgmineral.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/refractory-exporter
Contact us directly for your custom sourcing plan or free market consultation.
⚠️ 2025 is not the year to “wait and see.” In volatile times, informed and agile procurement is your edge.
