SMM China Silicon Industry Chain Output Data February Review And March Forecast

Silicon metal

According to SMM statistics, China's silicon metal output in February 2024 was 345,000 mt, down 1,000 mt or 0.4% MoM but up 64,000 mt or 22.7% YoY.

Judging from the monthly output by province, output was largely stable in most provinces of China. Xinjiang province led with output growth of 5,000 mt due to hiking operating rates of leading plants, while the rest saw output rise by merely 100-1,000 mt.

Heading into March, silicon metal output will increase in most regions, with total output likely exceeding 370,000 mt. Some silicon metal plants in north China may have plans of production expansion and resumption in late February or March, while a few in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan, may have maintenance or brief maintenance plans in March.

Polysilicon

Actual scheduled polysilicon production in February was 163,000 mt (+2.58% MoM) in China. With normal polysilicon production even during the CNY holidays, silicon wafer production scheduling surged in February-March. Boosted by expected rise by over 10% in silicon wafer output and passable profits, polysilicon production scheduling is estimated to be nearly 170,000 mt in March.