After weeks of protests and road blockades causing transportation disruptions, Bolivia's tungsten concentrate exports are gradually resuming, alleviating market concerns over short-term supply shortages.
Market participants said that in recent weeks, tungsten concentrate transactions in Bolivia have increased as logistics conditions improved. Previously, transportation disruptions led to delays in exports and significant restrictions on spot supply.
A trader told Agence France-Presse today: "Goods are flowing, although at a slow pace, transportation has resumed. The situation is not catastrophic, but it is still very difficult."
This road block protest began in May, initiated by trade unions and other social groups, demanding the government to restore fuel subsidies. At that time, the country was facing broader economic pressures.
Market人士 said that during the protest period, a large number of transportation vehicles were stranded, and road transportation bottlenecks prevented the transportation of goods across borders.
A source said： "During the most severe disruption period, Bolivia's tungsten exports actually stopped for about two months. At least 13 containers of tungsten concentrate destined for different consumers were stranded due to transportation disruptions."
On June 20, Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz declared a national state of emergency, authorizing the military to clear roadblocks and restore transportation.
According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Bolivia's tungsten ore production in 2024 was approximately 1,600 tons. Although it is smaller compared to the global tungsten supply of nearly 80,000 tons in that year, in the current context of intensified global supply competition and market tightness, Bolivia remains one of the important non-Chinese sources of tungsten raw materials for Western markets.
European tungsten concentrate prices rose slightly today, with the delivery price at the Rotterdam warehouse rising to $2,400 - $2,700 per ton, higher than the $2,400 - $2,650 per ton in the previous week. In market transactions, two containers were sold at $2,700 per ton, pushing the upper limit of the price range upward.
However, market participants pointed out that there are still significant differences in quotations for tungsten concentrate of different grades and origins, and most buyers' offers still remain concentrated at the lower end of the price range.
