Minor & Light Metals / Rhenium: Market outlook to 2015, 8th edition 2010

The rhenium market went through a significant downward correction in 2009 after a period of strong demand growth and an escalation in prices up to the last quarter of 2008.  The credit crisis and associated recession, particularly in North America and Europe, severely affected the major markets for rhenium and demand dropped by 16% in 2009.  Primary production of rhenium responded by falling by almost 10%, but this was not enough to stop prices plummeting from a peak of US$12,000/kg on a spot basis towards the end of 2008 to around US$4-4,500/kg in mid 2009 before bottoming out.  In June 2010, rhenium metal prices were US$4,500-5,000/kg.

Those economies that were worst affected following the credit crisis are now beginning to recover and the rhenium market is expected to follow suit.  Growth in demand for rhenium is forecast to average around 5%py between 2009 and 2015, driven by a superalloy sector that accounts for almost 80% of rhenium consumption.  Expansions in primary production capacity, greater recycling of rhenium-bearing superalloy scrap and increased use of superalloy ‘revert’ will all contribute to future supply.

Get accurate answers from independent experts

• How quickly will the rhenium market recover from the steep downturn in 2009?

• What are the main drivers for future demand for rhenium in superalloys?

• How will demand for rhenium evolve in the years to 2015?

• How much new mine/refinery capacity will be required to meet future demand and where will it be located?

• What are the trends in secondary production of rhenium?

• What will be the future trends in prices for rhenium to 2015?

This report gives you a full analysis of the key trends, issues and developments in the market, a clear insight into all areas of the industry and an authoritative analysis of its prospects.