Chinese chemical grade silicon metal prices for 4-2-1 and 4-4-1 dropped to RMB12,400-12,900/t (USD2,000-2,080/t) and RMB12,500-13,000/t (USD2,016-2,097/t) delivered respectively in early June and have remained largely stable in the second half of June. As the demand sees no improvement and the supply keeps increasing, the prices go down again into July with 4-2-1 and 4-1-1 to RMB12,300-12,800/t (USD1,984-2,065/t) and RMB12,400-12,900/t (USD2,000-2,081/t) delivered respectively.

A silicon metal producer in Xinjiang claimed that they sold each one truckload of 4-2-1 and 4-1-1 at RMB12,300/t (USD1,984/t) and RMB12,400/t (USD2,000/t) in port respectively late this week, down by RMB100/t (USD16/t) further against the prices in late June. Their quotations for 5-5-1 held stable at RMB11,500/t (USD1,855/t) delivered in the recent two weeks, with few deals concluded. The smelter is running at full capacity with an output of around 1,700tpm and holds a stock of 500t in hand due to the weak demand.

The source noted that most silicon metal smelters in Xinjiang are running at full capacity and the supply in Southern China is also increasing in the rainy season. The demand home and abroad is not strong and it is hard to receive new orders. He thinks that chemical grade silicon metal prices are likely to go down slightly further in July.

A producer in China reported that they sold around 300t of 4-1-1 at RMB12,850/t (USD2,073/t) delivered to a domestic consumer early this week, unchanged against the price of last week. They lowered offer for 4-2-1 by RMB100/t (USD16/t) further to RMB12,200/t (USD1,968/t) ex works late this week due to the dull market. The smelter also produces metallurgical grade silicon metal 3-3-0-3 and the price stands unchanged at RMB12,650/t (USD2,032/t) in ports this week.

They are mainly fulfilling monthly orders from regular customers and few deals are finalized on the spot market. With an output of around 6,000tpm, they hold a stock of around 1,500t in hand at present. “Chemical grade silicon metal market is in oversupply now. It is hard for the market to pick up in the near future,” said the producer