China: Ferro silicon prices diverge as weaker costs pressure lower grades

• Weaker semi-coke prices, slow demand weigh on Si: 72% prices
• Stable demand, balanced supply support higher-grade prices

China’s ferro silicon market saw mixed price movement in the week ended 1 October 2026. Ferro silicon (Si:75%) prices in China remained stable w-o-w at RMB 6,160-6,340/t ($919-946/t) exw, inclusive of taxes and acceptance. Meanwhile, Si:72% prices fell by RMB 75/t ($11/t) to RMB 5,650-5,850/t ($843-873/t) exw.

Weaker semi-coke prices reduced production cost support, while slower steel mill buying put further pressure on Si:72% prices. Si:75% prices remained stable as its supply and demand balance was relatively steady.

Market updates

Lower costs pressure Si:72% prices: Semi-coke prices in major producing areas declined, reducing support for ferro silicon production costs. Steel mills also slowed immediate purchases, and bidding activity remained weak, putting further pressure on lower-grade material.

Stable demand supports Si:75% prices: Higher-grade ferro silicon continued to see a more balanced supply-demand situation, with some producers making material only as needed. This helped Si:75% prices remain stable despite weaker overall market activity.

Outlook

Ferro silicon prices are likely to remain range-bound with a slight downward bias. Si:72% may face further pressure, while Si:75% prices are likely to remain stable.