Chinese ferro-silicon prices strengthened in the week ended Friday May 18 against persistent cuts in production due to imposed emissions cuts, while European prices slipped in quiet trading conditions after second-quarter contract negotiations were concluded.
Chinese prices add gains in line with lower production Chinese production cuts due to tough pollution controls European prices drop, more losses expected Metal Bulletin assessed Chinese export ferro-silicon (basis 75% silicon, 7.5% carbon) prices as rising $50 to $1,400-1,450 per tonne fob China on Friday, from $1,350-1,400 per tonne fob China a week ago. The highest deal was reported at $1,450 per tonne fob China for a 150 tonne parcel. Offers in the Chinese export market for ferro-silicon were said to have jumped on tight supply and steady demand, traders said. "Chinese environmental regulations have been a strong factor in keeping supply down," a trader said. According to sources, production at most ferro-silicon plants were said to have been reduced to about 70% of operating capacities due to strict environmental regulations that required lower emissions readings. Current short supply coupled with strong...