SHANGHAI, Nov 13 (SMM) – Exports of silicon metal in September fell 8.7% in August and stood at 75,000 mt. This climbed from 7.3% in September 2017, showed data from China Customs.

In January-September, exports amounted to 658,000 mt with average monthly exports at 73,000 mt.

The month-on-month decline came in line with SMM’s expectations as summer breaks in Japan and European countries slowed downstream purchases. After China’s rainy season started in May, most overseas buyers stockpiled and maintained high-level inventories of silicon metals, which slowed restocking in September.

The price spread between China and overseas markets widened after domestic producers raised offers significantly in mid-September. This also lowered export orders in September, SMM learned.  

SMM expects the exports of silicon metal to dip further to below 70,000 mt in October.