Polysilicon Prices Refreshed This Year’s High Amid Short Supply

SHANGHAI, Apr 27 (SMM) - According to SMM statistics, as of April 25, the quotations of domestic polysilicon manufacturers rose to 257 yuan/kg, an increase of 2.5 yuan/kg when compared with the previous trading day.

The rise in polysilicon prices was mainly due to strong demand in the first quarter of this year. From January to February, the output of silicon wafers, cells and components reached 40 million kilowatts, 39.5 million kilowatts, and 33.6 million kilowatts, respectively, an increase of 40%-55% year-on-year. The total export value of China's photovoltaic products (silicon wafers, cells, modules) was about $7.28 billion, a year-on-year increase of 109%. The release of new polysilicon capacity failed to meet growing demand, leading supply in a deficit.  

According to SMM statistics, the production of two polysilicon plants in Sichuan and Xinjiang will decline slightly in April due to small-scale maintenance. In April, 60,000 mt of new capacity at three polysilicon plants ramped up, slower than expected.

SMM believes that the current polysilicon supply-demand gap will only be alleviated after the release of new capacity in June. Until then, polysilicon prices may continue to run high. Some major manufacturers have raised the offers of polysilicon under long-term orders for delivery in May to 260 yuan/kg.