Editor: Adam Zhang
Chinese exports of silicon carbide fell in October, according to Chinese customs data, while price ranges for the material in Europe have all made slight gains.
Silicon carbide exports from China fell in October from the previous month, which reflected the imposition of environmental controls by local authorities - part of a long-running crackdown on polluting industries in the country.
Chinese exports decreased by 15.62% in October to 32,784 tonnes from 38,852 tonnes in September. Still, the average value per tonne of silicon carbide exported from China held steady at $755 per tonne, according to customs data.
While Chinese exports dipped, European silicon carbide prices have slightly increased. Reduced availability was the main factor in the rise, market participants told Industrial Minerals
The refractory grade min 95% silicon carbide DDP Europe price rose at the bottom end of the range by €15 on November 15 to €1,015-1,100 per tonne, where it has held since that date, from €1,000-1,100 per tonne since November 1, according to Industrial Minerals' market assessments.
And the refractory grade 98% silicon carbide DDP Europe price stands €1,050-1,250 per tonne, having risen by $50 per tonne on October 11 to from €1,000-1,200 per tonne on September 27.
There were also small increases in the silicon carbide FEPA grades. FEPA 8-220 Green min 99.5% SIC DDP Europe rose to €1,854-2,060 per tonne November 15 from €1,800-2,000 per tonne on November 1. It has held at that level since then.
The price of FEPA 8-220 Black min 99% SIC Europe acid washed material climbed €10 per tonne at the bottom end of the range on October 25 to €1,310-1,500 per tonne from €1,300-1,500 per tonne on October 11 and has since remained at that level.
The water washed silicon carbide material price is €1,250-1,350 per tonne, having risen to that level on October 11 from €1,200-1,300 per tonne on September 27.