The Chinese ferro-silicon market has been supported by firmer steel prices over the past week despite muted demand for volumes of feed alloy, while in Europe, the market has been steady for two consecutive weeks despite no reported trades, with tighter supply underpinning spot prices.
Chinese domestic alloys prices steady amid firmer steel prices. Chinese export market stable. European market unchanged, awaits renewed demand. US ferro-silicon prices on hold during 2020 talks.Chinese ferro-silicon prices continued their steady performance amid firmer steel prices in China, although consumer demand has been soft.Fastmarkets' price assessment for ferro-silicon 75% Si min, in-whs China was 5,950-6,000 yuan ($849-856) per tonne on Wednesday November 6, unchanged since September 25.The strength seen in the Chinese hot-rolled coil steel market has managed to offset earlier headwinds in demand, while major ferro-silicon producers have been mostly reluctant to sell much material amid tighter supply.Fastmarkets' price assessment for steel HRC domestic, delivered Northern China increased to 3,500-3,540 yuan per tonne on November 8, compared with 3,490-3,510 yuan per tonne on November 1."There are limited numbers of producers of 75% grade ferro-silicon," a producer source said. "If the customers do not accept what we offer...