Silicon metal highlights

摘要

The European silicon metal market has been stable, extending a period of consolidation from the start of this quarter despite very slow business activity. European consumers have no interest in the spot market as they have their needs covered in longer-term settlements and underlying consumption has been weakening. US silicon metal buyers are approaching 2013 with relatively light inventories but also with little desire to rush to lock in prices given lacklustre market conditions. Few silicon metal producers are optimistic that silicon metal prices will go up in 2013, however, most believe prices are at or near a bottom. China's silicon metal market has been quiet as demand is slow and transaction prices are at low levels in response to slow demand from the aluminium sector despite producers' attempts to increase silicon metal price offers due to high production costs.