Operating rates of sampled silicon enterprises in silicon metal sector decline in north China but increase in south China [SMM Weekly Silicon Metal Survey]

Published: May 8, 2025 19:13

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【Operating Rates of Silicon Metal Sample Enterprises Decline in North China, Rise in South China】The weekly production of silicon metal sample enterprises in Sichuan was 965 mt, with a weekly operating rate of 15%, increasing WoW. This was mainly driven by the production release following the resumption of production by a small number of silicon enterprises in Sichuan at the end of April and May. Currently, the number of operating furnaces in the entire Sichuan region has increased to over 20 (with a total of over 130 furnaces). The enterprises that have resumed production are mainly those supporting silicone or polysilicon production.

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SMM News on May 8: According to market feedback, the weekly production of sample silicon plants in Xinjiang was 25,090 mt, with a weekly operating rate of 52%, a decrease WoW. During the Labour Day holiday, large plants in Xinjiang implemented additional production cuts, and there are currently no production resumption plans for the cut capacity. Silicon prices are sluggish, and enterprises are under pressure, resulting in a relatively weak operating rate.

The weekly production of sample silicon enterprises in north-west China was 10,790 mt, with an operating rate of 80% WoW, showing a slight increase WoW. The statistical scope for north-west China includes Qinghai, Ningxia, and Gansu. The main reason for the increase in operating rate WoW is that individual sample silicon enterprises have recently resumed production, which is not representative.

The weekly production of sample silicon enterprises in Yunnan was 1,810 mt, with an operating rate of 20% WoW, showing a decrease WoW. The deviation in sample selection has resulted in the operating rate of sample silicon enterprises in Yunnan being significantly higher than the overall operating rate in Yunnan. A large plant in Baoshan plans to implement batch production cuts and suspensions in the coming days. The commissioning progress of new capacity is slow, and the operating rate in Yunnan is expected to weaken significantly next week.

The weekly production of sample silicon enterprises in Sichuan was 965 mt, with an operating rate of 15% WoW, showing an increase WoW. This is mainly driven by the production release following the resumption of production by a small number of silicon enterprises in Sichuan in late April and late May. Currently, the number of operating furnaces in the entire Sichuan region has increased to over 20 (with a total of over 130 furnaces). The silicon enterprises that have resumed production are still mainly those supporting silicone or polysilicon production.

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