Introduction
Beryllium is an important engineering material widely used in nuclear, aerospace, electronics, machinery and automotive industries. With China's rapid economic development, the demand from downstream applications has been increasing steadily. This article will analyze the current status of China's beryllium and beryllium copper industry based on data, summarize its development history, key indicators and major issues, and predict future trends.
Beryllium Application and Market Segmention
The main applications and market segments of beryllium include:
(1) Beryllium copper alloys (76.76% market share): Used for connectors, relay sockets in electronics, auto and other industries.
(2) Beryllium oxide ceramics (5.35% market share): Used as heat sinks and insulators in electronics, LED lighting, etc.
(3) Beryllium and beryllium alloys (17.89% market share): Used in defense, aerospace, nuclear industries.
These main applications are driving the growth in demand for beryllium and beryllium alloys. Key downstream sectors such as electronics and automotive have also been expanding rapidly in China providing a booming market for beryllium materials suppliers.
Current Status of Beryllium and Beryllium Copper Industry
Capacity distribution of China
Major beryllium production bases are in Xinjiang, Hunan, Guangzhou provinces. China's beryllium production capacity reached about 74 tons in 2022, up nearly 25% from 2017. Key players include Xinjiang Nonferrous Metals Group and Hunan Nonferrous Metals.
Production and sales of China
In 2022, China's beryllium production was about 74 tons, imports were 16.05 tons, and total consumption was 90.05 tons. Among which, beryllium copper alloy accounted for 76.76%, beryllium oxide ceramics 5.35%, and metallic beryllium 17.89%.
Market scale in China market
Beryllium price from 2017-2022
From 2017 to 2022, China's total beryllium industry scale expanded from CNY2.5 billion to CNY4.81 billion, representing a compound annual growth rate of 13.92%. Key downstream sectors include industrial components 20%, consumer electronics 18%, automotive electronics 16%.
Enterprise layout
China's beryllium industry is highly concentrated, with major players like Xinjiang Nonferrous Metals Group(100% government own, only supply to government user, cannot export), Hunan Nonferrous Metals Group(100% government own, only supply to government user, cannot export) and DL Industry Group(Private Enterprise, can export). More than 80% beryllium copper master alloy from China is directly or indirectly export by DL Industry Group.
Future prospects
Driven by fast growth in downstream sectors, China's beryllium production capacity is projected to reach around 80 tons by 2025, with the industry scale exceeding CNY6 billion.
Global Beryllium Industry
The global beryllium industry is relatively small, with a total production of around 270 metric tons per year. The major producers of beryllium are China, the United States, and Kazakhstan. China is the largest producer of beryllium, accounting for over 50% of the global supply.
Beryllium Copper Master Alloy Supply and demand of China market
The supply of beryllium copper master alloy has been in short supply for a long time. Delivery time is 30-90 days after full payment is made. The main reason is that with the development of China, the demand for beryllium and beryllium copper is increasing year by year. At the same time, all beryllium copper master alloy manufacturers in China are state-owned enterprises. These manufacturers give priority to supplying beryllium copper master alloy to downstream state-owned enterprises, and the government prohibits these manufacturers from exporting beryllium copper master alloy to any country (unless the other party obtains a quota from the Chinese government). DL Industry Group is the only private enterprise exporting beryllium copper. Other Chinese exporters export directly or indirectly through DL Industry Group.
Beryllium Copper Master Alloy Supply and demand of Global Market
For well-known reasons, Russia's demand for beryllium copper has increased dramatically. This resulted in Kazakhstan supplying all its national production to Russia but still being unable to meet its needs.
Due to the large global demand and the unstable supply of beryllium raw materials, the only beryllium copper master alloy manufacturer in the United States has unstable supply all year round, and the supply has long been lower than China's output.
Many beryllium copper master alloy demanders have turned to China in order to purchase good quality and stable supply.
Analysis of the Only Four Legal Suppliers of Beryllium Copper Master Alloy in China
(1) Xinjiang Nonferrous Metals Group
Basic information: The largest beryllium producer in China, with mining and processing facilities mainly in Bayinguoleng Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang. Annual capacity is about 50 tons, producing beryllium concentrates and beryllium copper alloys.
Advantage: 100% government own company
Disadvantage: 100% government own company, only supply to Chinese government consumer, cannot export
(2) Hunan Nonferrous Metals Group
Basic information: Its subsidiary Hunan Beryllium operates a 10-ton facility in Shaoyang City, Hunan. Key products include high-purity beryllium powder and beryllium copper alloys.
Advantage: 100% government own company
Disadvantage:100% government own company, only supply to Chinese government consumer, cannot export
(3) DL Industry Group
Basic information: The sole private enterprise in China is exporting beryllium copper master alloy. Almost 85% beryllium copper master alloy from China is directly or indirectly export by DL Industry Group.
Advantage: can export beryllium copper master alloy, and the sole one who export beryllium copper master alloy.
Disadvantage: private enterprise
(4) China Minmetals Corporation
Basic information: Directly or indirectly holds shares in Hunan Nonferrous Metals Group. The biggest metal supplier in China.
Advantage: biggest metal supplier in China, 100% government own company,
Disadvantage: 100% government own company, only supply to Chinese government consumer, cannot export
Beryllium and Beryllium Copper Master Alloy Industry Outlook
All projections point to steady long-term growth in global and Chinese beryllium demand driven by its use in strategic emerging industries and green technologies. Key growth areas include renewable energy, electric vehicles, aerospace, etc. The total Chinese beryllium market size is forecasted to reach over 6 billion RMB by 2025 with a CAGR over 10%.The industry should optimize structure, boost upgrades and consolidate its position. Emerging sectors like new energy will sustain beryllium demand growth. By 2027, China's beryllium industry value may reach RMB10 billion.
