Low-grade silicon prices up on limited supply, consumers remained on the sideline 

SHANGHAI, May 7 (SMM) – Spot silicon sellers slightly lifted prices of low-grade silicon metal on Thursday May 7, as the availability of spot cargoes was less than sufficient with major producers in Sichuan and Yunnan operating at low operating rates. 

Downstream buyers, meanwhile, remained on the sidelines and the transaction volumes declined from the level before the Labour Day holiday. 

SMM assessed prices of non-oxidised 553# silicon at 10,300-10,400 yuan/mt in east China on May 7, up 50 yuan/mt from May 6 and up 100 yuan/mt from late-April. Oxidised 553# silicon was quoted as high as 11,000 yuan/mt in east China, 150 yuan/mt higher from the prior day. 

Producers of the low-grade non-oxidised and oxidised 553# silicon are mostly producing to fulfil previous orders, which were arranged till the coming week. 

The shipment costs of raw materials and finished products increased as the national highway tolls resume on May 6. This also prompted silicon sellers to lift prices.