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The market for hafnium is comparatively small. As the metal is mainly obtained as a by-product in the production of zirconium, its supply is closely linked to the demand for zirconium. Accordingly, global availability is limited and can only be slowly expanded as part of zirconium production. Countries in which hafnium is extracted and processed as part of the zirconium industry include China, France, India, Russia and the United States.
As hafnium is used in certain strategically important technologies - such as nuclear technology and the semiconductor industry - it is considered a critical or strategic raw material in many countries. The combination of limited supply and specialized applications means that the market can react sensitively to changes in supply and demand. The market for this technology metal has come under additional pressure as a result of China's stricter restrictions on the export of hafnium in 2024. Together with rising demand from the aviation and chip industries, the price has risen sharply recently.
Due to the strategic importance of hafnium in the defense industry, the US is considering expanding domestic production. Overall, however, it can be assumed that the limited availability of the metal and its close link to zirconium production will remain a structural bottleneck.
IEA and OECD report shows progress, but ongoing barriers such as high costs and lack of international standards.
According to the Financial Times, quoting U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, countries seeking to diversify their supply chains would have to be willing to pay a premium for materials sourced outside China.
Current trade data from China indicates a noticeable change in the supply of the strategically important metals gallium and germanium.
Chinese customs authorities published a series of data on foreign trade in critical raw materials and components made from them.
In March, only a few countries such as Russia and Germany received shipments of these critical raw materials.
The latest trade data from China indicate a noticeable change in the supply of the strategically important metals gallium and germanium.
The Chinese customs authorities this week released export data on the foreign trade of critical raw materials and components derived from them.
U.S. Antimony Corporation receives funding to expand the full supply chain. The company is already supplying the National Defense Stockpile.
Presidents Lula and Lee aim to expand cooperation on raw materials and other strategic areas.
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