Prices and demand for raw materials of silicon metal continue to be in the doldrums, while prices of petroleum coke are expected to remain stable with a slight increase in the short term [SMM Weekly Review of Silicon Metal Raw Materials]

Silica: This week, the silica market continued to exhibit weak demand, with prices declining in certain regions. Currently, purchases in the silica market are primarily driven by small, essential orders, and there is a strong sentiment to drive down prices, leading to slight price reductions in some areas. Currently, the mine-mouth price of high-grade silica in Jiangxi ranges from 410-450 yuan/mt. In Yunnan, the mine-mouth price of low-grade silica ranges from 330-350 yuan/mt. In Guizhou, the mine-mouth price of high-grade silica ranges from 290-330 yuan/mt. In Hubei, the mine-mouth price of high-grade silica ranges from 350-380 yuan/mt. In Inner Mongolia, the mine-mouth price of high-grade silica ranges from 320-370 yuan/mt.

Silicon coal: This week, the silicon coal market experienced a wave of price reductions across multiple regions, with an overall negative market sentiment. Prices of non-caking silicon coal in Xinjiang dropped significantly by 170 yuan/mt, with the average price reaching 710 yuan/mt. In Gansu, silicon coal prices decreased by 50 yuan/mt, with the average price of mixed coal reaching 970 yuan/mt and the average price of granular coal reaching 1,130 yuan/mt. In Ningxia, silicon coal prices fell by 80 yuan/mt, with the average price of mixed coal reaching 960 yuan/mt and the average price of granular coal reaching 1,200 yuan/mt. In other regions, prices decreased by approximately 80-100 yuan/mt, with the average price of silicon coal in Shaanxi reaching 710 yuan/mt and in Inner Mongolia reaching 950 yuan/mt. The main reasons are the recent downturn in the silicon metal market, which has led to further contraction in demand from downstream silicon plants. Purchases have become more cautious, primarily driven by essential needs, resulting in intensified regional competition and increased pressure on suppliers. Market expectations have turned negative, prompting suppliers to adjust prices to adapt to market changes.

Petroleum coke: Currently, the petroleum coke market has seen a continuous decline in prices to low levels due to cautious purchasing by downstream enterprises and poor sales by refineries in the early stages. However, downstream buying sentiment has improved somewhat, and refinery sales have significantly picked up. This week, the prices of mid and high-sulphur petroleum coke have shifted from decline to increase. SMM data shows that the average price of petroleum coke at local refineries is approximately 2,434 yuan/mt, up 0.7% WoW. There has been no significant fluctuation in the trading of Formosa Plastics petroleum coke during the week, with weak downstream buying sentiment. Currently, the market price ranges from 1,200-1,250 yuan/mt. Overall, many petroleum coke refineries are currently undergoing maintenance shutdowns, providing bottom support for petroleum coke prices. Additionally, the enthusiasm of downstream enterprises to enter the market has improved somewhat. SMM expects that in the short term, petroleum coke prices will remain stable with a slight upward trend.

Electrodes: This week, electrode prices have come under pressure and declined. Affected by the low operating rate of silicon metal, the previous weakness in petroleum coke prices, and inventory pressure, the prices of ordinary power electrodes have declined under pressure. During the week, the quoted prices for ordinary power carbon electrodes with diameters of 960-1,100mm were 7,300-7,500 yuan/mt, a decrease of 200 yuan/mt from the previous week. The quoted prices for electrodes with a diameter of 1,272mm were 7,800-8,000 yuan/mt, a decrease of 100 yuan/mt. For ordinary power graphite electrodes with diameters of 960-1,100mm, 1,272mm, and 1,320mm, the quoted prices were 10,500-11,500 yuan/mt, 11,500-12,500 yuan/mt, and 12,500-13,500 yuan/mt, respectively, all decreasing by 500 yuan/mt. Currently, the overall market demand is relatively weak, and supply is in surplus. Therefore, in the short term, the electrode market will continue to be in the doldrums.

If you would like to know more detailed market information and trends, or have other information needs, please call 021-51666820.

》View SMM silicon product quotes

》Subscribe to view the historical price trends of SMM spot metal

》Click to view the SMM metal industry chain database