SHANGHAI, Jul 16 (SMM) – Prices of low-grade silicon nudged up on Monday July 16 for the first time since late May as producers held offers firm on high energy costs, SMM learned.

SMM assessed #553 silicon metal at Huangpu and Tianjin ports at 11,400-11,500 yuan/mt and 11,300-11,500 yuan/mt, respectively, both up 50 yuan/mt from last Friday.

Higher power costs, than the same period last year, forced silicon producers to maintain their offers. Stable demand in short term also supported prices.

Some transactions at ports were heard at 11,500 yuan/mt today. Some traders were keen to purchase as their delivery date approached while others took a watch-and-wait stance as their clients had yet to accept current offers.