US silicon output, shipments climb in February

Production of silicon metal and alloys in the US rose by 19pc in February from the prior year period, matching greater shipments.

The US produced 43,600 metric tons (t) of silicon alloys and metal in February, up from 36,500t a year earlier, according to the US Geological Survey.

Net shipments increased by 33pc to 29,900t in February. Producer stocks totaled 30,500t at the end of the month, down from 40,800t a year earlier.

Imports of all silicon metal grades were down by 10pc at 7,990t by content during the month. The US imported 7pc more of silicon metal (Si 99-99.99pc) for a total of 5,640t by content, which failed to offset lower volumes non-specified metal and silicon (Si greater than 99.99pc). Imports of metal (Si 99-99.99pc) from Canada declined by 31pc to 1,400t, while Brazilian volumes increased to 2,510t from 935t.

Total imports from the four nations under dumping investigation at the time, Brazil, Australia, Norway, and Kazakhstan, fell by 31pc to 4,189t from the prior year period.

The US imported 19,800t across all ferro-silicon grades in February, up from 8,570t by contained weight. Imports of ferro-silicon (other Si 55-80pc) were primarily responsible for the rise and increased to 17,800t from 7,110t in the prior year. Imports of Russian alloy totaled 13,100t by content, up from none a year earlier and more than offset lower volumes from other nations, including Kazakhstan and Iceland.

US exports of silicon metal declined by 41pc to 3,220t in February from a year earlier. Aggregate ferro-silicon exports decreased to 831t from 906t by content.