Silicon metal highlights

摘要

US silicon metal prices are being held low amid thin trading conditions and weaker price offers for imported material. We expect the market to receive more direction towards the end of March as some consumers may be forced to cover any supply gaps from the spot market after mostly holding off annual contracts due to a shaky domestic economy. European spot silicon metal prices have been unmoved amid slow trading, with the market at nominal values and seen potentially weaker in the short term as Europe struggles with huge financial debts and deep economic cuts. The Chinese silicon metal market has also been quiet recently, though prices did improve in early February. Export demand is very weak and market sentiment is cautious. Some producers and traders are pessimistic about a recovery in the coming weeks due to weak demand and competing business in the black market.