Polysilicon market stable despite continued weak demand

PITTSBURGH (Asian Metal) 23 Jun 09 - US polysilicon prices remain stable despite a general lull in the marketplace, active traders note. Most market participants report few deals completed and price levels unchanged USD55-60/kg and USD75-80kg for 6N and 11N respectively.Asian Metal Copyright One small trader with a total distribution capacity of 1.Asian Metal Copyright

Prices have remained solid at current levels since late April when sources reported a slight uptick in demand. Despite the slight uptick in April, the market has largely stayed quiet since then with most traders unable to attract new business.Asian Metal Copyright”A large distributor based in the US last week concluded a deal for just over a ton of 11N material at approximately USD75kg.Asian Metal Copyright

One small trader with a total distribution capacity of 1.5t/m of 6N polysilicon has not concluded a deal since March 2009, but revealed the latest quote from his domestic supplier was approximately USD58/kg.Asian Metal Copyright”A large distributor based in the US last week concluded a deal for just over a ton of 11N material at approximately USD75kg.Asian Metal Copyright

“I had previously thought that once prices stopped contracting there would be more buyers coming back to the market,” the source explained. “I have not seen any indication that was the case, however.Asian Metal CopyrightPITTSBURGH Asian Metal 23 Jun 09 - US polysilicon prices remain stable despite a general lull in the marketplace, active traders note.Asian Metal Copyright We do not have any other choice except to still just wait and watch the market.”

A large distributor based in the US last week concluded a deal for just over a ton of 11N material at approximately USD75/kg. The source was quick to caution, however, that such a deal was not typical in today’s market and overall demand was still very slow.Asian Metal Copyright “I have not seen any indication that was the case, however.Asian Metal Copyright

“We got very lucky,” the source explained. “We have a good relationship with our clients, but most [polysilicon] traders are still having a lot of difficulties.Asian Metal Copyright“I had previously thought that once prices stopped contracting there would be more buyers coming back to the market,” the source explained.Asian Metal Copyright There is a lot of material sitting in warehouse with even more production coming online later this year.”