Selling Your Converters as You Buy to Benefit from Current Market Trends

Recycled catalytic converters are valuable because of the precious metals they contain. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium are commodities traded on the market and like every other asset, their prices depend on supply and demand. But the years of market stability are gone.

To the dreamers and the believers, it’s hard to accept the volatile market trends of today. We can reminisce on the good days before 2020, when Rhodium was trending upwards and new model cars were bought right off the car lot.

But the truth is, a new reality has set in.

What is Happening on the Metal Market Today?

Metal market trends for platinum, palladium, and rhodium are in a highly volatile state. No one can predict if this volatility will stabilise, but one thing is clear: this market is changing faster than ever.

Because of recent Russian disruptions and substitutions of palladium and rhodium in the automotive sector, 2022 was a year of epic highs and epic lows for the PGM market. And most importantly, 2022 saw a historical downfall of end-of-life vehicles entering the scrap yard due to high car prices for newer models. So, let’s look at how quickly the metal market can change.

Rhodium

In today’s new market, rhodium shifted from highs of $15 000 to lows of under $6000 – all within the year. That’s because rhodium was in surplus last year, and as a result, non-automotive demand dropped by 43%.

Rhodium has been in a downwards trend since October 2022.

Platinum

Platinum prices are more volatile than ever, ranging from highs of $1100 to lows of $836 in 2022. Opening 2023 at a high of $1090, platinum quickly fell to $900 by February.

With increased supply risks, platinum climbed and fell all year round, leaving market observants unable to predict platinum’s next move.

Palladium

The metal started 2022 at a rocket-high of almost $3000 in February and fell to a low of $1600 in late December. Palladium opened 2023 at $1700 and declined to a low of $1500.

With palladium in deficit last year, it caused the metal to become volatile on the market in the first half of 2022. As more palladium deliveries were disrupted by geopolitical conflicts, the price of palladium fluctuated even more, even in today’s market.

But what does all this market information tell us? This year’s low demand and high supply of platinum, palladium, and rhodium has led market prices to fluctuate more than ever. That’s why you should be selling your catalyst material as you buy if you want to benefit from the market and not let it play you.

But how can you effectively price, ship, and get paid for your converters without letting good market opportunities slip by?

Having the Right Processing Partner

When you partner with a processor who’s in it for the long run, you get a true ally that helps you succeed, even when market times are tough. At PMR, we believe in empowering recyclers with comprehensive buying tools, the right information, and personalized assistance to help you realize your full potential.

Because when you have the right tools for your business, you can benefit from any market forecast.

Buying Tools

It’s important to use comprehensive buying tools. This way, you can price converters profitably and confidently. This makes it easier to collect material and ship it as quickly as possible. You’ll be able to hedge your metal ounces that much quicker and make sure that you’re benefitting from current market trends.

PMR offers extensive buying tools like photo grading, VIN/TRIM, master catalog, and a price list. These tools update as the market changes, giving you live prices. This helps our suppliers price converters profitably and remain competitive, even in today’s market.

Knowledge

With the right information, you can optimize your business in no time. Crucial data like assay and grading reports are effective to help you understand your profits and your material.

At PMR, we believe in providing detailed assay sheets that give you all the necessary information to understand your material and elevate your operations. For suppliers with larger volumes, our converter experts offer quarterly business reviews to help them understand their material, their profits, and optimize their operations for the next quarter.

Personalized Assistance

Get the right advice to help you identify your unique needs and help you make the most informed decisions for your business. At PMR, for example, our team of Representatives offers tailor-made solutions for all our suppliers’ unique challenges and stands by their side even when they’ve overcome them.

Having the right processing partner that offers all these tools will help you stay one step ahead and benefit from a moving market in no time.

Stop the Nostalgia

Selling as you buy your material is critical in today’s market. Stop sitting on years’ worth of material, hoping the market will change. Get the right tools, partner, and knowledge to benefit from today’s market trends and keep elevating your business.

PMR wants help you succeed, even when the market is extremely volatile. We’re committed partners, and that’s why we care about your converter successes. That’s why we empower you with comprehensive buying tools and expert knowledge so you can keep optimizing your business in any market climate.

For more information, visit PMR’s Resource Center or contact a PMR Representative.