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GermanyQ1 2025
In Q1 2025, the price of germanium experienced a notable decline, dropping by $2,833,920 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai which represents a 0.61% decrease. This price movement, while relatively modest in percentage terms, reflects significant underlying market dynamics, especially given the high value of germanium. The downturn could be attributed to several factors, including a potential easing of supply constraints, reduced demand from the semiconductor and fiber optics industries, or strategic stockpile releases by major producers. The slight percentage change juxtaposed with the large absolute drop highlights the premium nature of germanium and underscores how even small shifts in market sentiment or industrial consumption can have outsized pricing effects.
Q4 2024
In Q4 2024, the price of germanium experienced a significant surge, increasing by 2,851,316 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai which marks a notable 24.19% rise compared to the previous quarter. This sharp price escalation can be attributed to a combination of supply constraints, heightened demand from the semiconductor and fiber optics industries, and intensified geopolitical tensions impacting key production regions. Additionally, China’s tightening of export controls on critical minerals, including germanium, has further strained global supply chains, driving prices upward. The substantial price increase reflects both the strategic importance of germanium in advanced technologies and the market’s sensitivity to disruptions in its availability.
Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, the price of germanium experienced a significant surge, increasing by $2,296,000 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai which represents a sharp rise of 42.31%. This substantial price movement suggests heightened demand or a constrained supply, likely driven by strategic stockpiling, geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains, or increased usage in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, fiber optics, and infrared optics. The spike may also reflect tightening export controls or reduced output from key producing countries like China, underscoring germanium’s growing importance in advanced manufacturing and green technologies. Investors and manufacturers will likely face increased cost pressures and supply uncertainties in the near term.
Q2 2024
In Q2 2024, the germanium market experienced a notable surge, with prices increasing by approximately $1,613,333 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai reflecting a 4.09% rise. This uptick was primarily driven by tightening global supply amid growing demand from the semiconductor and fiber optics sectors. Export restrictions from key producing countries, such as China, alongside increasing investments in renewable energy technologies that utilize germanium, contributed to the price escalation. Additionally, speculative interest and strategic stockpiling by manufacturers anticipating further constraints further pressured the market, underscoring germanium’s critical role in high-tech and green energy applications.
Q1 2024
In the first quarter of 2024, the price of germanium experienced a significant uptick, increasing by 2.88% to reach approximately $1,550,000 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai. This price surge reflects tightening supply conditions, largely driven by China’s continued export restrictions on critical minerals, including germanium, which is vital for semiconductor, fiber optics, and solar cell manufacturing. The market’s sensitivity to geopolitical and supply chain disruptions has further intensified demand pressures, especially as global industries push for more secure access to key raw materials. The price movement in Q1 highlights germanium’s growing strategic importance in advanced technology sectors and signals a potentially volatile but upward-trending market trajectory.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
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• Product Description: Germanium is a semiconductor material widely used in fiber optics, infrared optics, electronics, and solar cell applications. It is essential for high-speed telecommunications, infrared imaging, and radiation detection. Additionally, germanium is used in polymerization catalysts and as an alloying agent in specialized applications.
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Incoterms Used
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PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Parameter | Specification |
| Purity | ≥ 99.999% (5N) or ≥ 99.9999% (6N) |
| Form | Ingot |
| Color | Metallic grey |
| Density | ~5.32 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 937.4 °C |
| Electrical Resistivity | 47 Ω·cm at 20°C |
Applications
Supply and demand in key industries such as telecommunications, semiconductors, and infrared optics.
Raw material costs, including zinc and coal byproducts, which are primary sources of germanium extraction.
Technological advancements, geopolitical tensions, and shifts in market demand.
The availability and cost of feedstock materials like zinc ore and coal ash directly influence germanium production costs and pricing.
Germanium prices generally rise with inflation due to increased production and refining costs, but strong demand in high-tech applications helps maintain pricing stability.
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