How Metal Silicon Powder Is Priced
Metal silicon powder, also called industrial silicon powder, is crushed and milled silicon metal used in refractories, chemical products, aluminum alloys, solar-grade feedstock and metallurgical applications. Its price per kilogram is derived from the price of silicon metal plus the cost of milling, classifying and packaging. Buyers compare offers by looking at the grade, the mesh range, the quoted price and the actual sold price, because the gap between the two reflects the negotiation margin in the market.
China Domestic Price Reference, August 5
The following table shows the Chinese domestic market levels for industrial silicon powder on August 5, expressed in yuan per ton. Two price types are reported: the quote, which is the asking level of sellers, and the sold price, which is the level at which transactions were actually concluded. The figures cover two common specifications: the 553 grade in 16-200 mesh and material with Si content greater than or equal to 99 percent in the same mesh range.
| Specification | Quote (yuan/ton) | Sold Price (yuan/ton) |
|---|---|---|
| 553, 16-200 mesh | 10,600 - 10,900 | 10,000 - 10,600 |
| Si greater than or equal to 99 percent, 16-200 mesh | 10,700 - 11,000 | 10,100 - 10,600 |
The table shows that the 553 grade and the Si greater than or equal to 99 percent grade are priced close together, and that sold prices sit several hundred yuan below quotes, which is normal for a market with ample supply. These figures are a point-in-time reference for August 5 and should not be read as current prices.
Reading the Quote versus the Sold Price
The difference between the quote and the sold price is an important market signal. A narrow gap means sellers are firm and buyers have little room to negotiate. A wide gap, as seen in the reference table, indicates that supply is sufficient and that transactions are concluded below the asking level. For buyers, the sold price is the more realistic planning number. For sellers, the quote is the opening position. Both numbers should be tracked together over time to judge the direction of the market.
Grade, Mesh Size and Unit Conversion
The specification of silicon powder is defined by grade and particle size. The grade number 553 refers to the typical composition of silicon metal, with a nominal silicon content around 99 percent and stated limits on iron and aluminum. The mesh range, such as 16-200 mesh, defines the particle size distribution: 16 mesh is the coarse end and 200 mesh is the fine end of the range. Different applications require different size distributions. Refractory ramming mixes usually need coarser powder, while chemical and coating applications often need finer material, and the price per ton can differ by specification and processing difficulty. Market quotations are usually published in yuan per ton, while buyers often ask for the price per kilogram. The conversion is straightforward arithmetic: a price of 10,000 yuan per ton equals 10 yuan per kilogram, and a price of 10,900 yuan per ton equals 10.9 yuan per kilogram. The same logic applies to any ton-based quote. International offers may be quoted per ton in US dollars, and the local-currency equivalent then depends on the exchange rate, freight and import charges.
What Moves Silicon Powder Prices
Silicon powder prices follow the price of silicon metal, which is driven by polysilicon and solar demand, electricity costs, and supply conditions in the main producing regions. On top of the metal price, milling adds energy and equipment costs, and packaging and logistics add a further margin. Buyers should therefore watch silicon metal market reports, electricity price changes and freight rates to anticipate powder price movements. Because the powder market is regional, domestic Chinese prices and international prices can diverge temporarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grade 553 mean in silicon powder? The grade 553 refers to the composition of the silicon metal: the nominal silicon content is around 99 percent, with controlled limits on iron and aluminum content.
What does 16-200 mesh mean? Mesh defines the particle size range. Material passing 16 mesh but retained by 200 mesh falls in the coarse-to-fine range commonly used for refractories and chemicals.
Why is the sold price lower than the quote? The quote is the asking price of sellers, while the sold price is the level at which transactions are concluded. In a well-supplied market, buyers negotiate below the quote.
How do I convert a ton price into a per-kg price? Divide the price per ton by 1,000. For example, 10,600 yuan per ton equals 10.6 yuan per kilogram.
Do prices differ by mesh range? Yes. Different particle size distributions require different milling and classifying effort, and finer or specially sized powders usually carry a premium.
Are the August 5 prices still current? No. The figures are a point-in-time reference for the reporting date. Silicon powder prices change with silicon metal prices, so current quotes should be obtained from market reports.