Silicon tetrachloride

Market Dynamics Intelligence on Silicon Tetrachloride

I. Price Trends
- Domestic Market: Over the past week, the mainstream transaction price of silicon tetrachloride in China ranged from 3,200 to 3,500 RMB/ton, representing a week-on-week increase of approximately 3%. In some regions with tight supply, prices reached 3,600 RMB/ton.
- International Market: The price of silicon tetrachloride in Asia stood at 480–520 USD/ton (CFR China), up 2% from the previous week; European prices ranged from 550–600 EUR/ton, with an increase of about 1.5%.

II. Supply Situation
- Domestic Capacity: China’s total installed capacity for silicon tetrachloride is approximately 1.2 million tons/year. Operating rates have recently remained around 75%. Some enterprises have seen reduced output due to equipment maintenance or raw material supply constraints.
- Import Status: Weekly imports amounted to approximately 2,000 tons, a 15% decrease compared to the same period last month, primarily due to tight international supply and exporting countries prioritizing their domestic demand.
- Inventory Levels: Major domestic producers’ inventory levels were approximately 8,000 tons, down 10% from the previous week, remaining at relatively low levels.

III. Demand Situation
- Downstream Industries:
- Silicone Rubber Industry: Demand remains stable, accounting for 40% of total silicon tetrachloride consumption. Recent slight price increases in silicone rubber products have driven demand for silicon tetrachloride.
- Optical Fiber Preform Industry: Demand has grown significantly, accounting for 30% of total consumption. Accelerated 5G base station construction has boosted optical fiber preform production, thereby driving silicon tetrachloride demand.
- Other Industries: Including white carbon black, silicone oil, etc., these account for 30% of demand and remain stable.
- Export Status: Weekly exports reached approximately 1,500 tons, a 10% increase compared to the same period last month, primarily to Southeast Asian markets.

IV. Cost Analysis
- Raw Material Prices:
- Silicon Powder: Prices ranged from 12,000 to 13,000 RMB/ton, up 2% week-on-week, due to restricted silicon mining and tight supply.
- Chlorine Gas: Prices remained stable at 800–900 RMB/ton, though supply tightened slightly in some regions due to environmental inspections.
- Production Costs: Including raw materials and energy, the comprehensive production cost of silicon tetrachloride was approximately 2,800–3,000 RMB/ton, an increase of about 100 RMB/ton from the previous week.

V. Analysis and Judgment
- Supply Side: Affected by equipment maintenance and raw material supply constraints, domestic supply is unlikely to increase significantly in the short term; reduced imports further exacerbate market supply tightness.
- Demand Side: Growing demand from downstream silicone rubber and optical fiber preform industries, particularly the latter, significantly drives silicon tetrachloride demand.
- Cost Side: Rising raw material prices have increased production costs, providing support for silicon tetrachloride prices.

VI. Forecast
- Price Trends: Over the next week, silicon tetrachloride prices are expected to continue rising, with domestic mainstream transaction prices potentially reaching 3,600–3,800 RMB/ton; international prices will also follow suit, with Asian prices potentially reaching 520–550 USD/ton (CFR China).
- Supply Situation: As equipment maintenance concludes and raw material supply recovers, domestic supply is expected to gradually increase, but short-term demand is likely to outstrip supply.
- Demand Situation: Downstream industry demand will continue to grow, with robust demand from the optical fiber preform industry.
- Market Risks: Attention should be paid to the impact of raw material price fluctuations and environmental policy changes. Significant raw material price increases or stricter environmental inspections could further drive up silicon tetrachloride prices.