Japan's reliance on China in ferrosilicon imports during the first half of 2012 was 57.2%. Importers and distributors are actually trying to secure as much quantity as possible in stock for emergency and also to have the contracted cargoes shipped as soon as possible. On the other hand in China, major ferroalloy producers are to get together holding a nation-wide conference on October 18 and 19 in order to promote sales, domestically and to the world, of Chinese-made alloys by saying therir supply is stable and their prices are competitive. The issue on the islands may turn out just no worry on the alloy/metal trading business.

Apart from the Diaoyu Island issue, the market is still weak, keeping it a buyers' market. The price of Chinese origin, the most commonly offered, is currently US$1,340 - 1,350/ton CIF, which merchants/distributors regard as a start line for negotiation, as Chinese domestic demand is quiet and sellers may want to sell out from stocks relatively cheap before the mid-autumn harvest festival.

 

Quotations for Imported FeSi in Japan on September 14