New orders, higher prices boost resumption of silicon producers in south China

SHANGHAI, Mar 5 (SMM) – More silicon producers in south China’s Fujian and Hunan provinces have restarted operations after the extended Chinese New Year holiday as they newly signed long-term contracts with consumers, SMM learned as of March 5. 

Some silicon plants also resumed production amid the recovery of silicon prices, before the arrival of a rainy season in major production areas of Sichuan and Yunnan boosts silicon supply in the second half the year. 

Prices of metallurgical-grade silicon held firm on March 5, with traded prices of oxidised 553# silicon at Tianjin port stabilising at 12,200-12,300 yuan/mt, SMM assessed. 

Prices of 421# silicon at Tianjin port increased 50 yuan/mt on the day to 13,100-13,200 yuan/mt on March 5, 100 yuan/mt higher from a week earlier.