Indium prices reach decade high amid Chinese speculation and supply concerns
Indium prices hit a decade high as Chinese speculation and supply risks impact the market. Growing demand for solar cells is outpacing global production.
Insights:
Indium prices in Western markets have surged to their highest levels in more than a decade as speculative trading on the Zhonglianjin exchange coincided with falling supplies from China 
CN and South Korea 
KR. This price spike, which remains an ongoing market event, affects a critical material used in the production of touch screens, advanced semiconductors, and new solar technologies. Since September, prices for indium have risen by approximately 55%, with the metal now trading in the range of $500 to $600 per kg, the highest levels seen since early 2015.
CN and South Korea KR. This price spike, which remains an ongoing market event, affects a critical material used in the production of touch screens, advanced semiconductors, and new solar technologies. Since September, prices for indium have risen by approximately 55%, with the metal now trading in the range of $500 to $600 per kg, the highest levels seen since early 2015.The sharp increase in prices reflects both short-term market activity and structural supply constraints in a strategically important niche metal market. According to data from LSEG and market analysis by Argus, the surge is linked to tightening availability from major global suppliers. China accounted for approximately 70% of global refined indium output in 2024, but customs data recently showed a greater-than-23% month-on-month drop in unwrought indium exports in December. Analyst Cristina Belda noted that these supply-side pressures have been exacerbated by the concentration of production.
