Silicon Metal (Si≥97%) Year-End Market Remains Weak, Prices Slightly Decline [SMM Analysis]

Under the influence of the weak silicon metal market at year-end, the performance of silicon metal (Si≥97%) this year-end has also been sluggish. Many manufacturers reported weak demand and a recent gradual slight decline in prices.

Affected by the overall weak silicon market, manufacturers indicated insufficient procurement enthusiasm of end-use sectors at year-end. Orders for silicon metal (Si≥97%) were relatively average, with only a few large manufacturers recently taking relatively large volumes of orders. In addition to weak demand, the year-end prices of silicon metal (Si≥97%) also showed weakness. Approaching the end of the year, prices for silicon metal (Si≥97%) have experienced multiple slight declines recently, with current prices falling below the production cost line for most manufacturers. As many manufacturers enter a loss-making period, some have stated that the current prices for silicon metal (Si≥97%) are already at their acceptable limit, and they are not highly willing to further lower quotations. However, some manufacturers mentioned that if prices continue to decline, they may plan to suspend production for maintenance before the Chinese New Year.

This year, the production of silicon metal (Si≥97%) has seen a certain degree of growth in terms of supply. Currently, the monthly production of silicon metal (Si≥97%) has been maintained at over 30,000 mt. Coupled with weak year-end downstream end-use demand, manufacturers of silicon metal (Si≥97%) reported weak orders and significant price suppression sentiment from downstream buyers. In the near term, prices for silicon metal (Si≥97%) are expected to fluctuate downward. At present, the mainstream quotations for 1503 silicon metal (Si≥97%) are around 10,200 yuan/mt, with overall market orders remaining weak and manufacturers generally having short order schedules.