Chinese domestic ferro-silicon prices dropped in the past week, paring gains made the week before amid low key trading activity from a fall in demand; meanwhile, the European market has seen a widening of the spot price trading range amid an illiquid market.
China pares recent gains amid lower demand Dealers eye end to environmental inspections Europe price range widens lower amid slack trading US market firms slightly despite holiday slowdown Metal Bulletin's Chinese domestic spot ferro-silicon (basis 75% silicon) prices fell 100-200 yuan per tonne week on week to 6,900-7,200 yuan per tonne ($1,038.61-$1,083.76) on Friday July 6 compared with 7,000-7,400 yuan per tonne the week before. Sources said there was lackluster demand, with most traders adopting a wait-and-see position on near-term supplies. "The domestic market is beginning to stabilize a little, but we are also on the look out for any further impact from environmental regulations," a source said. It was unclear if Chinese environmental inspections will end in mid-July or at the start of August, a move that would signal renewed production. Major producers of ferro-silicon were said to have cut their offer prices for spot deals...