In China, the silicon metal price continues to be at a high level, and the price as of the end of March rose by CNY200 - CNY300 from the end of last month. However, as the southern region goes in the high-water season from April when the cheap electricity rate will be available, there are strong expectations that the price of silicon metal will drop back.

 

As to export, many of producers have raised offer prices taking this as the last chance before the price dropping back. Some of market watchers see the increase in consumption of silicon metal arising from operation of new plolysilicon plants in South Korea is a factor for price hike, but it is a remote possibility that this will directly link to shortage of supply as 5.5.3. grade is meant for aluminium secondary alloy.

 

Although the trading in Japan continues to be thin, the price has gone up by about US$40 compared with the middle of the month and the contract price has come to around US$2,100 per ton.