Despite limited spot trades, the Chinese silicon price continued to inch higher on Friday January 26 on tightened supply in the local market, while the European market was stable on muted activity.
Metal Bulletin assessed China's grade 553 silicon metal, basis 98.5%, export price at $1,940-2,000 per tonne on Friday, up 0.5% from previously. Most silicon refineries in southern China halted operations at the end of November which marks the start of dry season when facilities are unable to benefit from cheaper hydro power. This has resulted in a sharp decline in the supply of low-grade silicon metals, such as grade 553 which is largely produced in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. Operations at refineries in northern China remain stable, but these refineries mostly...