CITIC Securities research says demand for high‑end zirconia in China should rise
As solid‑state battery supply chains accelerate, SOFCs expand rapidly,
electronic‑grade bioceramics grow and nuclear power enters a recovery cycle.
Yttria (yttrium oxide), the key stabilizer for zirconia, faces constrained
rare‑earth supply after output from Japanese suppliers including Tosoh and First
Rare Element Chemical fell sharply, supporting expectations that Chinese
producers will gain significant share of the global high‑end zirconia market.
Zirconium oxychloride feedstock prices are up about 30% since the start of the
year and downstream zirconia prices have risen roughly 30% YTD. Electronic‑grade
high‑purity nano‑zirconia is quoted at $50–65.7/kg and yttria‑stabilized
zirconia (YSZ) high‑end powders at $50–150/kg. Domestic high‑end zirconia market
is seeing simultaneous volume and price increases.
