Price

Indium Pricing and Market Data

Indium prices have ranged from $150-700/kg over the past two decades, with a major spike above $1,000/kg in 2005 during the LCD boom. Current prices of $250-400/kg are reported by Fastmarkets. The LME lists indium but liquidity is very low. Demand is driven by display manufacturing (ITO coatings for LCD and OLED screens) and semiconductor applications (InP). The shift from LCD to OLED displays has moderated indium demand growth, as OLEDs use thinner ITO layers. High recycling rates from spent ITO sputtering targets (~35% of supply) provide a significant buffer against primary supply disruptions.

Pricing Mechanisms

Indium is priced using benchmarks from Fastmarkets/London Metal Exchange. Indium pricing operates through a combination of exchange-based benchmarks, price reporting agency assessments, bilateral negotiation, and long-term offtake contracts. The specific mechanism depends on product form, grade, and the buyer-seller relationship.

Price History and Notable Market Events

The Indium market has been shaped by the following key events:

Price Drivers

Key factors influencing Indium prices include production levels in China (57% of global supply), demand from indium tin oxide (ito) for touchscreens and flat panel displays, inventory levels, energy costs, and government policy actions such as export restrictions or strategic stockpiling.

Spot vs. Contract Pricing

The Indium market features both spot transactions and longer-term contracts. Spot prices reflect current conditions and are more volatile, while multi-year offtake agreements provide supply security for both producers and consumers. Current spot pricing is in the range of 300-500 $/kg.