Prices for silicon metal rose again last week on the heels of tighter supply and better-than-expected demand. Downstream users in the aluminum markets have been buying healthy volumes on contract, but with the recent rise in numbers and sustainable demand through year-end, buyers have little choice or room to negotiate in the spot market and were more privy to take a position on material, even at higher figures. One sale, over 100 mt, was penned at 127 cents per lb, ex warehouse. The delivery is scheduled for this week. The range for silicon metal 5-5-3 is 124-127cents per lb. A partial truck load was completed mid-last week at 129 cents per lb. While the sale does necessarily impact the current range, it can be an indication as to the buyer’s willingness to settle at higher prices and not be caught short if downstream demand continues to improve.

 

The US automobile market has largely contributed to the rally, with growing production records being set last month. One clear factor was the improvement in sales in the retail, or individual buyer market, which is a better indicator of consumer sentiment than fleet vehicles, which tend to be inflated by sales to the government and rental agencies.