The Middle East conflict is set to weigh on the already “hugely tight” market for niche metals used in defence industries, as low stocks and soaring prices raise the risk of shortages.
The price of tungsten, used in electronics and aerospace, has jumped by almost 40 per cent in the two weeks since the conflict started, while germanium, used in military thermal imaging systems, has risen nearly 10 per cent, according to data company Argus Media.
Tungsten and germanium are used in relatively small quantities but are vital in the production of military equipment. Companies do not typically hold large stocks of the metals and face the risk of being unable to obtain them even if they will pay higher prices.
您已阅读17%（709字），剩余83%（3379字）包含更多重要信息，订阅以继续探索完整内容，并享受更多专属服务。