Silicon metal market ran weakly and demand kept poor in whole March. At the same time, Si capacity utilization rate was quite low and transaction was not that active in China.
Chinese Si price dropped on different ranges in March. Export price of Si 553# fell to USD1,820-1,850/mt FOB, 441# decreased to USD1,930-1,960/mt FOB, 3303# down to USD2,030-2,060/mt FOB and 2202# was USD2,150-2,180/mt FOB.
Influenced by low prices, added with dry season, Si capacity utilization rate was quite low. Most Si producers showed wait-and-see attitude towards future and dared not to rework. While working mills just started several smelters to produce so that to maintain the demand from old clients.
There were few inquiries and consumers often gave low prices to purchase. Exporters could not accept the new orders on low prices.
According to the data from China Customs, Si export volume decreased compared with Jan. Due to poor demand in Feb., the result may be expected.
Most Si producers worked at great losses. Si price may drop to the bottom line. Supported by high producing costs, it’s predicted that Si price might hold stable in future or Si industry would have the risk of survival.