Ample supply amid the seasonal summer lull pushed prices down again in both China and Europe, while some market sources believe prices will find a floor to the downtrend after some silicon refiners were unwilling to sell off cargoes, tightening spot supply.
ChinaKey drivers: The Chinese silicon export price declined week on week, extending a downward trend for the fourth consecutive week.Demand has been quiet amid low trading activity in response to the traditional off-season for the downstream car industry in July and August, although some suppliers are less willing to offer below $1,410 per tonne.Domestic silicon refiners in the Sichuan and Yunnan provinces were reluctant to offload cargoes, despite the fact they have to maintain high operational rates at their electric furnaces during the rainy season - the only season with cheaper hydroelectric costs.In...