Wereldbelegger schreef op 20 november 2021 16:29:
Magnesiumtekort toch minder erg dan gedacht?
Of een welbewust leugentje om bestwil voor beleggers in de Europese autoindustrie?
magnesium is used in small amounts to add strength to aluminium alloys, which are then used in building supplies and packaging. This accounts for around 40% of the world’s magnesium production, according to European Aluminium, an industry body. A similar amount is used to cast parts, used mostly in cars, such as gearboxes and seat frames. It goes into planes, expensive laptops and other goods too. The price of magnesium had come down to $5,300 by November 13th, but some manufacturers are jittery. On a recent earnings call Volkswagen’s head of purchasing said a magnesium shortage “will happen definitely”. Matalco, one of America’s largest aluminium producers, has warned customers that it may have to ration deliveries next year. What explains the price spike, and are manufacturers right to be worried?
Europe is particularly vulnerable. It gets 95% of its magnesium supply from China. Last month WV Metalle, a German metals trade association, said it expected the country’s magnesium reserves to run out by the end of November.
But not everyone is so concerned. Both BMW and Stellantis (a carmaking conglomerate whose largest shareholder, Exor, partly owns The Economist’s parent company) told Reuters last week that they have a plentiful supply. Semiconductor shortages are the more pressing worry for the auto sector, says James Reilly of Capital Economics, a consultancy.
bron:
www.economist.com/the-economist-expla...