Industry News
[update: 18-Dec] Chinese silicon metal price rises on continued buying
Date：2018-12-18 View：622
China
The Chinese grade-553 silicon price range narrowed upward by $10-20 per tonne to $1,600-1,680 per tonne this week from the previous week.
Japanese traders continued to buy cargoes for delivery in the first quarter of 2019, prompting the slight rebound in the price.
Europe
Grade-441 and grade-553 silicon prices in Europe were unchanged, with all deals concluded within the range.
Market participants reported robust demand for both grades, with some offers heard above the current range for silicon grade-553 at around $1,920 per tonne although no one has accepted at that level yet. It is not clear if the price will rise before 2019 because most buyers have already purchased enough material to last for the rest of the year.
Some traders are confident that prices will recover in 2019, citing a brighter outlook for the aluminum industry and growing demand for silicon from the automotive and chemical industries.
- “We heard that Chinese 553 silicon export price was stronger than last week the inquiries and trades significantly increased so we plan to finish our procurement for first-quarter production as soon as possible” - Japanese trader
- “I heard that the chemical industry will purchase more in the spot market - they are in need of material” - European trader
The Chinese grade-553 silicon price range narrowed upward by $10-20 per tonne to $1,600-1,680 per tonne this week from the previous week.
Japanese traders continued to buy cargoes for delivery in the first quarter of 2019, prompting the slight rebound in the price.
Europe
Grade-441 and grade-553 silicon prices in Europe were unchanged, with all deals concluded within the range.
Market participants reported robust demand for both grades, with some offers heard above the current range for silicon grade-553 at around $1,920 per tonne although no one has accepted at that level yet. It is not clear if the price will rise before 2019 because most buyers have already purchased enough material to last for the rest of the year.
Some traders are confident that prices will recover in 2019, citing a brighter outlook for the aluminum industry and growing demand for silicon from the automotive and chemical industries.
Key information:
- “The Chinese domestic demand was rapidly increased to avoid tight supply and booking before Chinese New Year, the smelters have positive attitude toward price” - Chinese trader
- “We heard that Chinese 553 silicon export price was stronger than last week the inquiries and trades significantly increased so we plan to finish our procurement for first-quarter production as soon as possible” - Japanese trader
- “I heard that the chemical industry will purchase more in the spot market - they are in need of material” - European trader
