A new report by Merchant Research & Consulting has stated that as new technologies for copper production emerge, the availability of tellurium is decreasing and bringing about higher prices for the material. The company noted that as tellurium supply continues to fall, the price for it will significantly grow, a pattern which is expected to maintain through the next five years.

　　Merchant Research acknowledged that tellurium has several substitutes, but claimed that none of the replacements hold the same high application quality. Furthermore, thin-film solar cell production heavily relies upon the material and is considered the primary end-use industry, driving the demand for tellurium.

　　The tellurium market report reviews tellurium production and consumption trends and volumes, prices during different periods and trade activities. Further information on the report can be found here.