Realisation and Impact of Trade Tariffs on Cost and Availability of Key Elements

We are advising customers to the manage their revert effectively, ensuring there is sufficient volumes to meet their PO requirements, revise to a ratio that meets the avaliable levels and/or change the furnace size to allow production of alloy to meet delivery requirements. We also highlight the benefit of using this to reduce the impact from the rising element prices – especially Hafnium (Hf).

Below is further information that has been reported from a recent minor metals conference. Ross & Catherall have secured Hafnium for orders and have availability into 2026, however, we, like other manufacturers are reliant upon market availability and pricing.

Our November newsletter is titled “mitigate the effects from the perfect storm” - if you have revert, use this to reduce the impact of the element price surges, the two currently experiencing rapid change over the past few weeks are Hf & Co.

Realisation and Impact of Trade Tariffs on Cost and Availability

The stream of tariff announcements continues—and so do their effects. These measures are now directly impacting the availability and cost of critical raw materials, which in turn affects casting costs and delivery schedules. If raw materials cannot be sourced in time, delays are inevitable.

China’s dominance in the supply of minor metals and critical elements is amplifying an already volatile pricing environment. Hafnium (Hf) has seen four consecutive weeks of price increases. With the U.S. set to implement further tariff hikes on Chinese imports from 1st November, market instability is expected to worsen.

At this stage, the situation remains unpredictable. Unfortunately, a favourable pricing outcome seems increasingly unlikely.

Key Highlights:

• Hafnium prices have risen for the fourth consecutive week.
• Quoted prices are now outpacing market indices—indices are lagging real-time market movements.
• U.S. prices have surpassed $8,000/kg, with concerns that $10,000/kg could be reached.
• Spot availability is extremely limited.
• Forward availability is even more constrained.
• Uncertainty surrounds China’s export licensing for Hafnium.
• Geopolitical tensions are preventing U.S. companies from securing Chinese export licenses.
• Semiconductor sector demand is reducing Hafnium availability for other industries.

Ross & Catherall has secured Hafnium supply for existing orders and maintains availability into 2026. However, like all manufacturers, we remain subject to market conditions and pricing fluctuations.

Questions to Consider:

• Has your current superalloy supplier increased capacity to meet your growing demand?
• Can they ensure stable pricing and reliable supply schedules?

We’ve expanded our alloy melting and processing capabilities to support rising customer demand through 2026—welcoming new business and reinforcing long-term partnerships.

As casting volumes continue to grow across aerospace, IGT, and other high-temperature sectors, Ross & Catherall is ready to meet the challenge.

If your current supplier cannot meet your requirements or provide these options, speak with one of our account managers about long-term volume commitments with fixed pricing. Contact us via LinkedIn or our “contact us” link