Gallium pricing is complex, influenced by purity grades, forms, and market conditions. This page provides insights into current gallium pricing.
Current Pricing Overview
Gallium prices vary significantly based on:
- Purity Level: 4N, 5N, 6N (99.99%, 99.999%, 99.9999%)
- Form: Metal, oxide, nitride, or arsenide
- Volume: Bulk vs. small quantities
- Market Conditions: Supply/demand balance
- Geopolitics: Trade tensions and regulations
Typical Price Ranges
Note: Prices fluctuate based on market conditions
| Purity | Form | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 4N | Metal | $400-600/kg |
| 5N | Metal | $600-900/kg |
| 6N | Metal | $1,500-2,500/kg |
| 4N | Oxide | $300-500/kg |
| 4N | Nitride | $400-700/kg |
Pricing Factors
Supply Dynamics
- Limited primary production
- Byproduct economics
- Refinery capacity utilization
- Chinese supply dominance
Demand Fluctuations
- End-market growth (5G, EVs)
- Seasonal variations
- Technology adoption rates
- Economic conditions
Market Structure
- Long-term contracts vs. spot market
- Few major producers
- Geographic concentration
- Limited spot market liquidity
Price Discovery
Gallium prices are discovered through:
- Contract Negotiations: Long-term supply agreements
- Spot Market: Limited spot trading
- Industry Reports: Price indices from research firms
- Producer Announcements: Direct pricing from refiners
Investment Considerations
When evaluating gallium pricing:
- Expect volatility compared to traditional commodities
- Price trends reflect technology adoption cycles
- Supply constraints may support prices long-term
- Demand growth from EVs and 5G is structurally supportive
Price Forecasting Challenges
Accurate gallium price forecasting is difficult due to:
- Limited historical data
- Rapidly changing technology
- Supply shocks
- Geopolitical factors
- Industrial demand variability