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In the first quarter of 2025, the silicon metal market experienced a notable price decline of $1,716 per metric ton, FOB Shangai marking a 2.83% decrease. This downward trend was primarily driven by softened demand from key sectors such as aluminum alloys and polysilicon production, alongside a surplus in global supply due to ramped-up output from major producers in China and Brazil. Additionally, improved energy availability and reduced production costs in key regions helped alleviate pricing pressure. Buyers adopted a more cautious procurement approach amid uncertain macroeconomic signals, further dampening short-term demand. As a result, the market adjusted accordingly, reflecting a temporary oversupply and cooling momentum in industrial consumption.
Q4 2024
In Q4 2024, the global silicon metal market experienced divergent trends across key regions. China saw a decrease in silicon metal prices, influenced by weaker demand from the steel and solar sectors, coupled with slower economic recovery. In contrast, the UK and USA markets showed a slight increase in prices, attributed to steady demand from the automotive and renewable energy sectors, where silicon metal is crucial for manufacturing electric vehicles and solar panels. The combined trends indicate a varied global market response, with emerging market conditions shaping regional price fluctuations.
Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, the global silicon metal market experienced a mixed trend across key regions. China, a major player in the silicon metal market, also witnessed a downward trend, driven by slower industrial growth and increased competition in the sector. In contrast, the UK and the USA experienced a slight increase in prices during the same period, supported by steady demand in the electronics and renewable energy sectors. These regional variations indicate a balancing act in global supply and demand, with markets responding differently to local economic and industrial conditions.
Q2 2024
In Q2 2024, the global silicon metal market witnessed a notable decline across several major regions. China, as the largest producer, experienced a downturn due to weaker domestic consumption and a slowdown in key manufacturing sectors like electronics and construction. This trend was mirrored in both the UK and the USA, where decreased industrial activity and lower demand from the renewable energy and automotive industries contributed to the overall drop in prices. The combined effects of slower economic growth, high energy costs, and reduced production in these countries led to a general decrease in silicon metal prices in the second quarter of 2024.
Q1 2024
In Q1 2024, the silicon metal market displayed region-specific trends, reflecting varied economic and industrial dynamics. China’s market experienced a marginal decline due to an oversupply and reduced downstream demand from the polysilicon and chemical sectors. Meanwhile, both the UK and USA observed a moderate increase in prices, attributed to robust demand from the automotive and renewable energy sectors, along with restocking efforts. These trends underscore the complex interplay of supply-demand dynamics and regional economic factors influencing silicon metal pricing.
Q1 2025
In the first quarter of 2025, India’s silicon metal market experienced a notable decline in prices, with a decrease of $641 per metric ton, CIF Nhava Sheva equating to a 1.63% drop. This downturn was influenced by several factors affecting both domestic and international markets. It was driven by a combination of favorable import policies, increased competition from Chinese suppliers, and subdued demand in key industrial sectors. These factors collectively led to a more cost-effective market for consumers, while posing challenges for domestic producers.
Q4 2024
In Q4 2024, the silicon metal market in India experienced a notable price decline, with rates dropping by $652 per metric ton, CIF Nhava Sheva representing a 0.57% decrease. This decline reflects a combination of softer global demand, easing raw material costs, and a stabilization of supply chains post-pandemic. Contributing factors also include increased production output from key exporting countries like China and Brazil, which has led to greater market availability and competitive pricing. Domestically, subdued demand from end-user industries such as aluminum alloys, electronics, and solar photovoltaics further pressured prices. Overall, this marginal percentage decrease, though seemingly slight, signals a trend toward market correction after periods of volatility earlier in the year.
Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, India’s silicon metal market experienced a notable decline, with prices decreasing by approximately $656 per metric ton, CIF Nhava Sheva equating to a 5.85% drop. This downturn was primarily attributed to a combination of reduced demand from key industrial sectors and challenges in local production. The automotive and manufacturing industries, which are significant consumers of silicon metal for producing aluminum alloys like ADC12, faced decreased demand, leading to a slowdown in consumption. Additionally, production constraints and logistical issues contributed to the overall market slowdown.
Q2 2024
In the second quarter of 2024, India experienced a notable decline in silicon metal prices, with a decrease of approximately $696 per metric ton, CIF Nhava Sheva equating to a 7.24% drop. This price reduction was primarily driven by a combination of factors, including reduced demand from key sectors, increased supply from major exporters like China, and rising freight costs.
Q1 2024
In the first quarter of 2024, silicon metal prices in India experienced a modest increase, rising by $751 per metric ton, CIF Nhava Sheva which corresponds to a 0.63% uptick. This price movement was influenced by several factors, including supply-demand dynamics and regional market conditions.The rise in silicon metal prices was primarily driven by increased demand from downstream industries, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors. Additionally, supportive government policies promoting local manufacturing contributed to the positive market sentiment. However, it’s important to note that despite the price increase, the overall market remained stable, with no significant volatility observed during this period.
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These events highlight the vulnerability of the silicon metal market to global economic and geopolitical shifts, emphasizing the need for flexible strategies to manage market fluctuations.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
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HS Code
Molecular Formula
Silicon metal is a key raw material derived from quartz and carbon used extensively in the production of aluminum alloys, semiconductors, solar panels, and silicones. Known for its high purity and versatile applications, silicon metal is essential in industries like automotive, electronics, and renewable energy. Its thermal stability, conductivity, and resistance to oxidation make it an indispensable material for advanced manufacturing processes.
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Incoterms Used
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PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specifications |
| Chemical Formula | Si (Silicon) |
| Purity Grades | 98% – 99.999% Si |
| Density | 2.33 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1414°C |
| Boiling Point | 3265°C |
Applications
Several factors can influence the price and production of silicon metal, including:
• Supply and Demand: The global supply and demand dynamics for silicon metal are significant drivers. Increased demand in industries like electronics, solar energy, automotive, and construction can push prices higher, while a surplus may result in price decreases.
• Energy Costs: Silicon metal production is energy-intensive, particularly in the high-temperature furnaces used during the process. Fluctuations in energy prices, especially electricity and natural gas, can impact production costs and influence pricing.
• Raw Materials: Silicon metal is primarily produced from quartz and carbon sources. The availability and cost of raw materials like quartz, petroleum coke, and coal can affect production costs.
• Exchange Rates: Since silicon metal is traded globally, currency fluctuations, particularly the US dollar (in which prices are often quoted), can influence pricing.
• Geopolitical Factors: Political instability in key silicon-producing regions, such as China, the US, or Russia, can disrupt supply chains, leading to price volatility.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in production methods, such as more energy-efficient furnaces, can lower costs, thereby influencing silicon metal prices.
• Environmental Regulations: Stringent environmental regulations and carbon pricing can raise production costs, affecting the price of silicon metal.
• Global Economic Conditions: The global economic environment plays a key role. Economic growth drives industrial demand, especially in electronics, energy, and construction, while a slowdown can depress demand, affecting prices.
Feedstock prices, particularly quartz, petroleum coke, and other carbon-based materials, directly affect the cost of producing silicon metal. A rise in the cost of these feedstocks increases the overall production costs of silicon metal, which can result in higher prices in the market.
Silicon metal prices are influenced by inflation through increased production costs (raw materials, energy, labor) and potential currency depreciation. Inflation can dampen consumer demand, particularly in industries like construction and automotive, which may affect silicon metal prices. However, factors such as rising energy costs or tighter raw material supply chains may still push prices upward despite inflation.
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