Symposium on Market Conditions of Energy-Saving Lamp and Phosphor Enterprises Held in Beijing

　　On the afternoon of May 6, the China Association of the Lighting Industry held a symposium on the market conditions of energy-saving lamp and phosphor enterprises in Beijing. Leaders of relevant departments of the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology attended. Persons in charge of fluorescent lamp manufacturers including Zhejiang Yangguang, Xiamen Tongshida, Snowlite, Yuzhong Gaohong, Zhejiang Shanpu, Zhejiang NVC, Shangyu Chenhui, Sichuan Dingji, Hengdian Debang, Changxing Changsheng and Philips, as well as major phosphor production enterprises such as Jiangmen Keheng, Hangzhou Daming and Xi'an Caihong, attended the meeting.

　　In view of the current soaring prices of rare earth phosphors used in lamps, leaders of fluorescent lamp and phosphor enterprises spoke one after another at the symposium, expressing their views and suggestions. To summarize, there are the following points:

　　1. Regarding the rise in phosphor prices, it is considered that price increases are a trend. The previous prices were relatively low, and moderate increases are acceptable and can be absorbed. However, the current increases are outrageous. Originally, prices rose three times a year; now they rise three times a month, and even three times a day. The price has soared from over 250 yuan per kilogram at the beginning of the year to the current 900 yuan per kilogram, breaking through reasonable price levels. The cost of phosphors in fluorescent lamps has risen from 1/3 to 2/3, and is still rising. It is hoped that the government will issue guidance prices to curb the runaway prices of phosphors and protect China's fluorescent lamp industry.

Second, some enterprises believe that price increases also present new opportunities that can consolidate the industry. We need to improve the manufacturing level of fluorescent lamps, develop fluorescent lamps with a lifespan of more than 15,000 hours, and use new technology to absorb the cost increase of phosphor powder. Ultra-long-life fluorescent lamps barely increase the usage of phosphor powder.

Third, we hope the government will crack down on illegal activities such as the smuggling of rare earths, while avoiding monopolistic tendencies in the context of state advance and private retreat, so as not to harm our country's fluorescent lamp industry.

Fourth, strengthen quality supervision, raise national and industry standards, investigate and punish halophosphor lamps, and reduce resource waste.

Relevant leaders of the NDRC and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stated: In response to everyone's opinions and the actual situation we have learned about, we will study and discuss corresponding measures. The powder is more expensive than the lamp, with serious consequences. We should take this opportunity to optimize the structure, form a virtuous cycle, and promote the healthy development of China's fluorescent lamp industry.

Chen Yansheng, Chairman of the China Association of Lighting Electrical Appliances, made a summary, saying: The extent of the price increase of phosphor powder has become abnormal. We recommend that lamp manufacturers communicate more with customers to gain understanding. In recent years, the prices of energy-saving lamps have not increased and should rise to a reasonable level; otherwise, they cannot survive, endangering industry safety. Phosphor powder and lamp manufacturing enterprises are in an upstream-downstream relationship, mutually dependent, and need to coordinate and cooperate for common development. He also stated that he would report everyone's opinions and suggestions to the relevant departments.