Supply concerns bolster low-grade silicon prices in May

SHANGHAI, Jun 13 (SMM) – Prices of low-grade silicon metal across Chinese markets inched up in May, as the postponed reopening of producers in Sichuan and Yunnan and production cuts in Xinjiang tightened spot supplies.

Prices of 553# that did or did not undertake oxygen-refining edged up last month, while prices of higher-grade cargoes, such as 4402#, 3303# and 2202#, extended their declines from April.

Despite a short-term rebound, silicon prices are generally on a downturn as the low season across organosilicone, aluminium alloy and polycrystalline silicon kept demand low. Demand is unlikely to recover until the second half of July, at the earliest.

Silicon prices are unlikely to pick up in June-July, as the resumption of southern producers will grow social inventories, and weigh on prices.