China Silicon Exporters Watch from Sidelines, and Exports down in May, SMM Reports

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.

China rare earth ore imports recorded 14,400 mt in January-February 2022, down 13% YoY which was mainly attributed to middle and heavy rare earth.

The SHFE and LME nickel prices diverged markedly in the afternoon trading on Tuesday. The SHFE/LME nickel price ratio shrank from 7.28 to 7.07. The import loss widened to $1,000/mt.

According to General Administration of Customs China imported 8.73 million mt of bauxite in December, up 13.32% month-on-month and 16.4% year-on-year.

China imported 4.01 million mt of nickel ore and its concentrate in November, a decrease of 10% from the previous month and a year-on-year increase of 12%, According to General Administration of Customs.

The trades remained subdued, and the Yangshan copper premiums changed little. Many trading companies have closed their accounts and are busy with the year-end settlement, lacking purchasing interest for spot cargoes. Import losses fluctuated between 200-400 yuan/mt during the week against the January contract.

In October steel export volume reaches 4.98 million tonnes, dropping 3.1% and 35.3% on monthly and yearly basis respectively.

Trading improved in the oxygen-free #553 silicon market as China’s National Day holiday nears, SMM finds.

Silicon plants in Zhangzhou and Sanming will also cut, or halt output with nearing of BRICS meeting.