智通财经网·2025-09-25 08:04Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that American Antimony has secured a significant contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for antimony ingots, with the first delivery expected to be completed this week, highlighting the strategic importance of antimony in the supply chain [1][2] - The contract reflects U.S. concerns over antimony supply chain security and emphasizes the metal's strategic value, as antimony is classified as a critical mineral by multiple countries, including the U.S., EU, and Japan [2][3] Group 2 - Antimony prices experienced fluctuations this year, rising from 143,000 CNY/ton to 240,000 CNY/ton between January 1 and April 17, 2025, a 68% increase, before declining to 176,000 CNY/ton by September 22, 2025, due to high prices leading to negative feedback on demand [3] - The increase in antimony prices was driven by low inventory levels, difficulties in raw material replenishment, and strong demand from the photovoltaic sector, particularly following new policies that boosted demand for photovoltaic glass [3][4] Group 3 - China's antimony export volume accounted for 35% of its production in 2023, but exports significantly declined from May to July 2025 due to government crackdowns on smuggling, with exports recovering to 198 tons in August, a 168% increase month-on-month [4] - The outlook for domestic antimony prices is positive, with expectations of price increases as compliance-based exports resume, despite limited supply growth due to resource constraints [5]