Silicon market slows as inventory rises and cost pressures mount

This week, the silicon market remained sluggish, with sparse trading activity. New orders held steady in price, while only a few inventory products saw slight price reductions. Even with further price cuts, silicon wafer manufacturers remain hesitant to stockpile, with most sticking to their pricing strategies.  

According to industry insiders, 12 companies are still undergoing maintenance or operating at reduced capacity. Data from Solarbe Consulting indicates that this week’s estimated silicon supply is around 28,900 tons, with operational rates continuing to decline. As the dry season approaches, electricity prices in Sichuan and Yunnan are expected to rise, driving up production costs and exerting downward pressure on silicon prices. Additionally, the launch of polysilicon futures in the fourth quarter may attract more participants, potentially disrupting inventory levels and market balance.  

In the wafer sector, prices fell this week. Lower utilization rates at downstream cell manufacturers have delayed wafer shipments, causing inventories to surge to nearly 50 billion pieces. Some companies, facing inventory pressure, tight cash flow, and shipping needs, were forced to sell products at reduced prices, further impacting market rates. Wafer production schedules for November have been scaled down, suggesting continued production cuts and a sustained downward price trend in the near term.  

In the solar cell sector, prices remained stable this week. However, with production costs exceeding selling prices, manufacturers have scaled back production. While there is a supply-demand gap between the cell and module segments, intense competition in the downstream market has led major firms to lower prices to clear inventories. In the short term, cell prices are expected to remain stable, with limited room for increases.