Price

Thulium Pricing and Market Data

Thulium oxide prices range from $500-1,000/kg. The market is one of the smallest of any element (~3 tonnes/year). No public price benchmark exists; limited data from Asian Metals. The tiny market size means demand from even a single new application could significantly impact prices.

Pricing Mechanisms

Thulium is priced using benchmarks from Dealer (99%+ oxide, FOB China). Thulium 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 Thulium market has been shaped by the following key events:

Price Drivers

Key factors influencing Thulium prices include production levels in China (95% of global supply), demand from portable x-ray machines and laser materials, inventory levels, energy costs, and government policy actions such as export restrictions or strategic stockpiling.

Spot vs. Contract Pricing

The Thulium 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 $4,000 per kg.