Operating rates at Chinese silicon metal plants fell to 49.5% in February

SHANGHAI, Mar 17 (SMM)—Operating rates across Chinese silicon metal producers fell 4.5 percentage points on the month, but up 22% on the year to 49.5% in February, showed an SMM survey. A large-scale producer in Xinjiang reduced operating rates in February due to maintenance of its power station, but is expected to step up production in March to the January level. Producers in Yunnan and Sichuan also cut output during the low-water period. 
Operating rates across Xinjiang silicon metal plants are likely to fall slightly in April as many medium-scale plants have maintenance plans during March to May. 
Plants in Yunnan Baoshan are still in operation, while those in Dehong suspended production from early February due to high electricity costs. Plants in Nujiang have postponed resumption due to rising power tariff.