Zircon Sand Export Prices Rise as China Faces Lower Import Supply

Zircon Sand

Zircon sand export prices to China increased for second-quarter deliveries as major overseas mining firms responded to tighter supply, higher freight costs, and a stronger yuan against the US dollar. The move pushed Chinese buyers into a firmer import market after a weaker start to the year.

Zircon sand export prices rose as Australian heavy minerals producer Iluka Resources lifted its quarterly price for 66% zircon sand to $1,680-1,750/t cif China. That compared with $1,560-1,630/t cif China in the first quarter.

Zircon sand export prices also increased from Tronox. The US-based titanium dioxide and zircon producer raised its Australian-origin 66% zircon sand price by $100/t to $1,725-1,750/t cif China and lifted South African-origin material by the same amount to $1,710-1,730/t cif China.

Overseas Supply Cuts Tighten China’s Zircon Import Market

Lower supply has become the main support for higher zircon sand offers. Iluka said earlier this year that it plans to reduce 2026 output of zircon sand, zircon in concentrate, and synthetic rutile.

China’s import data also showed weaker availability. The country imported 120,604t of zircon sand and concentrates in February, down 12% from a year earlier and 45% from January.

South Africa, Nigeria, and Australia were China’s top three suppliers in February, shipping 44,753t, 21,062t, and 18,839t, respectively. Over January-February, China imported 342,177t of zircon sand and concentrate, down 25% from a year earlier.

Domestic Beneficiation Producers Raise Offers

Higher second-quarter export prices quickly fed into China’s domestic zircon market. Domestic 65% zircon sand prices rose to Yn9,400-9,600/t ex-works on 7 April, excluding 13% VAT, from Yn9,300-9,500/t on 31 March.

Zirconium-titanium beneficiation producers raised offers in response to higher overseas mining company prices. This shows how imported mineral sands pricing can quickly influence domestic processing margins and downstream cost expectations.

The price increase matters for ceramics, refractory materials, zirconium chemicals, foundry applications, and titanium-zirconium mineral processing chains. If import supply stays tight, Chinese buyers may face continued cost pressure through the second quarter.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The zircon market is showing a classic supply-led price recovery. China’s downstream demand may not be surging, but reduced overseas supply, freight costs, and firmer producer offers are enough to lift import and domestic prices.