Bearish sentiment strengthened in China's silicon export market after plants in southern China gradually restarted operations amid a weak overseas demand, sources said.
Fastmarkets' weekly price assessment for silicon export 98.5% Si min, fob China was $1,370-1,430 per tonne on Friday June 5, down by $20 per tonne (1.4%) from $1,390-1,450 per tonne a week earlier.
China's silicon export price strengthened in mid-May amid the firm domestic price, buoyed on tight spot supply, albeit sluggish overseas demand, sources said.
"We expect the domestic silicon price will weaken starting in June because more plants will begin to produce the material. Meanwhile, we don't see an increase in market demand," a Chinese trader said.
Plants producing silicon grade-553 in...