Inquiries and Transactions of Silicon Metal Increased

SHANGHAI, Aug 8 (SMM) - As of last Friday, the prices of 553# silicon without oxygen stood at 16,500-16,700 yuan/mt in east China, up 150 yuan/mt or 1% on the week; 553# silicon with oxygen 17,500-17,900/mt, up 200 yuan/mt or 1% on the week; 441# silicon 18,100-18,300 yuan/mt, up 100 yuan/mt or 1% on the week; and 3303# silicon 18,600-18,700 yuan/mt, up 150 yuan/mt or 1% on the week. At the beginning of last week, the market sentiment improved due to the hydropower supply shortage in Sichuan. In addition, the downstream purchased as needed at the end of the month and some traders tended to stock up cargoes in advance. Moreover, due to the low prices, the transactions of 553# silicon without oxygen were more active and some silicon factories reported that the production schedules can last up to seven-ten days. The transactions of other silicon metal also increased, and the overall shipment improved compared with a week ago. In the past two weeks, silicone monomer manufacturers initiated tenders to buy silicon metal, and the monthly price of chemical-grade 421# silicon stood at 18,500-19,000 yuan/mt (delivery to factory).

On the demand side, as the operating rates of polysilicon changed little, the transaction prices of polysilicon rose slightly by 4 yuan/kg. The operating rates of silicone increased slightly. The transaction prices of DMC fell to 19,000-19,500 yuan/mt due to the weak demand, as of August 5. In this scenario, silicone monomers with high raw material costs suffered losses. The operating rates of primary and secondary aluminium alloy enterprises changed little. Some aluminium alloy enterprises had no plans to ramp up the production amid the stable downstream demand. In terms of exports, the export inquiries and orders increased last week. As the shipments increased amid the concentrated restocking of downstream, the market sentiment improved. Therefore, the supply of low-priced goods decreased.

It is expected that the silicon prices will generally remain stable and the prices of some specifications may increase slightly this week depending on the negotiations between buyers and sellers.