Solar Installed Capacity in Middle East to Reach 1.3GW in 2017

Based on supply-demand balance calculations, the industry experienced slight destocking from January to February. However, in March, with the increase in operating capacity on the supply side, production rose sharply, while there was almost no growth on the demand side, shifting the balance back to surplus. Polysilicon enterprises with integrated silicon metal capacities have relatively large production scales. Large-scale silicon enterprises (with annual capacities of 100,000 mt or more) increased their supply share, offering greater supply stability compared to small and medium-sized silicon enterprises. The fundamentals of silicon metal are expected to remain characterized by strong supply and weak demand in the near term, keeping spot silicon metal prices at low levels in the short term.

The silicon powder market is crucial for modern industries due to its unique properties, including high purity and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for electronics, ceramics, and alloys. The price dynamics are influenced by raw material availability, production costs, and market demand, with high-purity and ultrafine particle sizes commanding premium prices. Technological advancements have improved production efficiency, reducing costs and optimizing pricing. Demand from key industries such as electronics and ceramics drives the market, with a growing interest in high-purity silicon powders for advanced applications. Emerging uses in aerospace and medical technology are expanding the market, with black silicon carbide powder showing potential for material strength and durability. Research indicates that silica is not inert, necessitating further study into its reactivity. The market is also affected by global economic factors and is exploring new markets and applications, particularly with the use of Iron Oxide Synthetic Powder in innovative ways. Metal.com, established in 2015, is a leading platform providing real-time price information, logistics, and financial services to the silicon powder market, facilitating secure and transparent transactions. Companies can navigate market fluctuations by diversifying sourcing, monitoring supply chains, and investing in R&D to maintain a competitive edge and drive technological advancements.

According to SMM survey, the conversion margins of aluminium billet have been standing high for a long period.

This is a roundup of news in the steel industry for last week.

The new production capacity of lithium resources will be put into operation intensively after 2022-2023, and the production may be lower than expected. It is expected that there will still be a supply shortage of 24,000 mt LCE in 2022.

The silicon metals prices skyrocketed in September and started to fall after the National Day holiday in October. The prices of oxygen-free 553# silicon basically lost all the gains in September, and the prices of high-grade silicon was relatively firm.

Aluminium scrap is set to see tightened supply in 2018 as environmental protection policies weigh in further.

Several changes in the fundamentals of the tin market have sent the SHFE 1805 contract closing 1.6% higher on Tuesday December 26, outshining other base metals.

The surplus may be intensify in Q1, 2018 to 2.09 million wet tonnes. SMM predicts nickel ore price will keep weak.

International Tin Research Institute (ITRI) said on Wednesday, estimated shortage in global refined tin market will increase to 7,300 tonnes in 2018.