Antimony Ingots: Sourcing, Types, and Buyer's Guide
Antimony ingots are essential raw materials in various industries, from flame retardants to alloy production. As global demand grows, understanding how to source quality antimony ingots becomes crucial for buyers worldwide.
How to Find Reliable Antimony Ingots from China in 2025
China dominates global antimony production, supplying over 80% of the world's needs. When sourcing:
- Verify supplier certifications (ISO 9001, RoHS compliance)
- Request third-party assay reports for purity verification
- Check production capacity and lead times
- Review trade history with Western buyers
Top production hubs include Hunan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where most major refineries operate.
What Buyers Should Know Before Buying Antimony Ingots from China
Key considerations include:
- Purity levels (typically 99.65%-99.85%)
- Packaging standards (25kg ingots common)
- Payment terms (30% deposit common)
- Shipping logistics (FOB or CIF options)
Note: Recent Chinese export controls have increased documentation requirements for antimony products.
Types of Antimony Ingots
Common varieties include:
- Regular Grade (99.65% Sb) - For general industrial use
- High Purity (99.85% Sb) - Electronics and specialty alloys
- Star Antimony - Premium grade with 99.9% purity
- Regulated Antimony - Complies with REACH/ROHS standards
Functions and Features of Antimony Ingots
Key characteristics:
- Blue-white metallic luster
- Brittle texture
- Low thermal conductivity
- High resistance to acid corrosion
Primary functions include flame retardation (in plastics/textiles), lead hardening (batteries), and semiconductor doping.
Scenarios of Antimony Ingots
Major applications:
- Lead-acid batteries (60% of global consumption)
- Flame retardants (30% of usage)
- Alloy production (pewter, solder)
- Chemicals (catalysts, pigments)
Emerging uses include solar panel manufacturing and lithium-ion battery technology.
How to Choose Antimony Ingots
Selection criteria:
- Match purity to application requirements
- Verify supplier testing methods (AAS preferred)
- Check for consistent ingot dimensions
- Assess packaging for moisture protection
- Compare pricing against LME benchmarks
Antimony Ingots Q & A
Q: What's the minimum order quantity for antimony ingots?
A: Most Chinese suppliers require 5-20MT for direct purchase, though traders may offer smaller quantities.
Q: How should antimony ingots be stored?
A: Keep in dry, well-ventilated areas away from acids. Properly stored ingots maintain quality for years.
Q: What's the current price trend for antimony ingots?
A: As of 2024, prices range $8,000-$12,000/MT depending on purity, with volatility due to energy costs and Chinese export policies.
Q: Can antimony ingots be recycled?
A: Yes, about 30% of antimony supply comes from recycled materials, primarily from lead-acid battery recovery.
Q: What documentation accompanies antimony ingot shipments?
A: Expect certificates of analysis, material safety data sheets, and export compliance documents.
