Limited price movements in the main markets

摘要

As the second quarter of 2006 draws to a close, spot prices in the United States and in the European Union are not materially different in local currency terms than they were at the beginning of this quarter. However, due to the recent strengthening of the euro, silicon metal prices in the European market have risen significantly in US dollar terms since April. Meanwhile, spot prices in Japan have recovered somewhat over the past month, but remain well below the levels posted towards the end of the first quarter of 2006. In the USA, standard secondary aluminium-grade silicon metal of domestic origin still is offered at a minimum price of 75 cents/lb (1,636 dollars/tonne) f.o.b. shipping point. Imported material reportedly is available from some sources at slightly lower prices, although it is difficult to establish a definitive price range due to the limited volume of transactions.