Chinese ferro-silicon prices have dropped for a third week in a row amid a resumption in production in key producing Ningxia province, while the European market reported deals within the current record high and prices in the United States were also unchanged amid tight availability.
Chinese consumers bid lower for ferro-silicon but most capacity still idled Europe assessment holds at high, eyes on renewed Asian imports US price garners support from tight supplies, outside prices Chinese ferro-silicon prices have dropped again in the third assessment of the year amid a resumption in production in key producing Ningxia province. Downward pressure because of weak spot demand market ahead of the next round of procurement for smelting in February from steel mills has knocked ferro-silicon prices in the past week. The restart of ferro-silicon operations in Ningxia province has also led to a partial return of supply in China. Metal Bulletin assessed Chinese domestic spot ferro-silicon (basis 75% silicon) prices at 7,500-8,500 yuan ($1,171-1,327) per tonne on Friday January 19, from 7,500-9,000 yuan per tonne the week before. Hebei Iron and Steel has announced it will buy an additional 2,000 tonnes of ferro-silicon for January, and set...