Silicon Metal Price Gains Slow Down, Short-Term Price To Still Swing On A Strong Note 

Overall silicon market firmed up this week. Downstream buyers’ fears of high silicon price and overseas order shrinkage dented inquiries and trading sentiment this week, thereby slowing down silicon price hike. As of December 28, prices of standard 553# silicon, above-standard 553# silicon, 441# silicon, 421# silicon and 3303# silicon in East China were 15,000-15,200 yuan/mt, 15,500-15,700 yuan/mt, 15,700-15,800 yuan/mt, 16,300-16,400 yuan/mt and 15,800-16,000 yuan/mt respectively, up 150 yuan/mt or 1% WoW, up 250 yuan/mt or 2% WoW, up 200 yuan/mt or 1% WoW, up 200 yuan/mt or 1% WoW and up 100 yuan/mt or 1% WoW.

With the end of replenishing demand from most downstream buyers, silicon market saw minimal transactions and inquiries. Given the Chinese Lunar New Year in mid-February, replenishing demand may come up around mid-January. Meanwhile, environmental protection-related production limits hobbled production in north China, casting a question mark over overall silicon supply. Moreover, in-plant inventory in north China was low. Under this circumstance, it is expected that silicon spot prices may remain strong in a short term. In north China, the operating rate of silicon plants, especially major ones, will deserve to be monitored.