Ferrosilicon Price Update October 9, 2026 - Export Quotes Hold Steady
Oct 9, 2026 | ZhenAn International Co., Limited
China's export ferrosilicon market held stable on October 9, 2026, with both 72-grade and 75-grade quotations unchanged from the previous session. Sellers at Tianjin port maintained their offer levels as overseas steelmakers and foundries assessed restocking needs for the final quarter of the year. The absence of daily price movement points to a balanced market in which supply from Inner Mongolia and Ningxia is adequately meeting international demand at current price levels.
Current Ferrosilicon Price
The following table presents export quotations as of October 9, 2026, on a free-on-board (FOB) basis at Tianjin port. All prices are quoted in US dollars per metric ton (USD/ton).
| Product | Grade | Quotation (USD/ton) | Change | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrosilicon | 72 | 1200–1220 | -- | FOB Tianjin |
| Ferrosilicon | 75 | 1250–1270 | -- | FOB Tianjin |
Note: Data reflects Chinese export market quotations as of October 9, 2026, FOB Tianjin port. The change column shows "--", indicating no daily price movement was reported for this session.
Ferrosilicon Price Trend vs Previous
Ferrosilicon export quotations were unchanged in this update. The 72-grade material remains at 1200–1220 USD/ton FOB Tianjin, while the 75-grade is steady at 1250–1270 USD/ton FOB. With no daily directional movement reported, the market is characterized by balanced supply and demand at current price levels.
Overseas buyers should note that while spot quotes are stable, underlying factors such as silica and coke input costs, electricity tariffs in producing regions, and shipping-rate fluctuations can influence future quotations. Monitoring these fundamentals alongside spot prices provides a more complete picture for procurement planning.
Grade and Market Context
Ferrosilicon is an iron-silicon alloy produced by carbothermic reduction of silica in the presence of iron. The two most common export grades are distinguished by their silicon content.
- Ferrosilicon 72 (FeSi 72) contains approximately 72% silicon. It is the workhorse grade for general steel deoxidation and inoculation in cast iron. Its lower silicon content relative to the 75-grade makes it more economical for applications where maximum silicon recovery is not the primary concern.
- Ferrosilicon 75 (FeSi 75) contains approximately 75% silicon. It is preferred for applications requiring higher silicon units per kilogram of addition, such as inoculation of ductile iron, production of silicon steel for electrical applications, and certain welding-electrode formulations.
China is the world's largest ferrosilicon producer, with major production centers in Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Qinghai, and Gansu. These regions offer competitive electricity costs, a critical input given the energy-intensive nature of submerged-arc ferrosilicon smelting. The production process consumes roughly 8,000 to 9,000 kilowatt-hours per metric ton of alloy, making power tariffs the dominant variable cost. Silica quality and coke reductant specifications also influence final product chemistry, with higher-purity silica yielding cleaner alloys and lower residual aluminum content.
FeSi 72 vs FeSi 75
Choosing between the two standard grades depends on the silicon requirement of the target alloy, the cost per silicon unit, and process constraints in the melt shop or foundry.
| Dimension | FeSi 72 | FeSi 75 |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon content | \~72% | \~75% |
| Typical export price (Oct 9) | 1200–1220 USD/ton FOB | 1250–1270 USD/ton FOB |
| Price premium vs FeSi 72 | Baseline | \~50 USD/ton higher |
| Primary use | General steel deoxidation, cast-iron inoculation | Ductile-iron inoculation, silicon steel, welding |
| Silicon unit cost | Lower per-unit Si cost | Higher per-unit Si cost |
| Melting behavior | Standard dissolution rate | Higher heat release per kg |
| Packaging | 1-ton bulk bags, standard | 1-ton bulk bags, standard |
For most carbon and low-alloy steel producers, FeSi 72 delivers adequate deoxidation at the lower price point. Foundries producing ductile iron and mills rolling silicon steel often specify FeSi 75 to maximize silicon recovery and minimize alloy addition mass.
What Buyers Should Check Before Ordering Ferrosilicon
1. Match the silicon grade to your metallurgical requirement. Using FeSi 72 in a process designed for FeSi 75 increases addition rates and may extend melting time. 2. Verify particle size distribution. Lump size affects dissolution kinetics in the ladle or furnace; confirm that the supplier can meet your specified size fraction (typically 10–50 mm or 10–80 mm). 3. Check for surface contamination and fines. Excessive powder reduces yield and can create dust-handling issues during charging. 4. Confirm FOB loading schedules at Tianjin. Seasonal port congestion and customs inspection backlogs can delay export shipments; align your order with confirmed loading windows. 5. Review the certificate of analysis for aluminum and calcium residuals. High aluminum or calcium in ferrosilicon can interfere with certain steel grades, particularly those requiring low total residuals. 6. Evaluate total landed cost vs alternative origins. While Chinese ferrosilicon is competitively priced, factor in ocean freight, insurance, and import duties at your destination when comparing quotes. 7. Consider lump-to-powder ratio. Some applications require crushed material, while others use standard lump; specify your size requirement to avoid yield loss from off-size material.
FAQ
What is ferrosilicon used for?
Ferrosilicon serves three principal functions in metallurgy. First, it acts as a deoxidizer in steelmaking, removing dissolved oxygen from liquid steel to prevent gas porosity and inclusions. Second, it is used as an inoculant in cast iron, promoting graphite formation and improving mechanical properties. Third, it functions as an alloying additive in silicon steel and certain specialty alloys where silicon imparts electrical or magnetic characteristics.
What is the difference between FeSi 72 and FeSi 75?
The difference lies in silicon content: FeSi 72 contains approximately 72% silicon, while FeSi 75 contains approximately 75%. The higher silicon grade delivers more silicon units per kilogram, making it preferable for applications where maximizing silicon recovery is important, such as ductile-iron inoculation and silicon steel production. FeSi 72 is the standard choice for general steel deoxidation where cost efficiency is the priority.
How should ferrosilicon be stored?
Ferrosilicon should be stored under cover in a dry environment. Exposure to moisture can lead to surface oxidation and the generation of hydrogen-bearing compounds, which pose safety risks during furnace charging. Bulk bags should be kept on pallets to prevent ground moisture absorption, and inventory should be rotated on a first-in-first-out basis.
Can ferrosilicon be used in aluminum alloys?
Ferrosilicon is not typically used in aluminum alloys because iron is generally an undesirable impurity in aluminum. For silicon addition to aluminum, primary silicon metal or silicon-rich master alloys are preferred. Ferrosilicon is specifically formulated for ferrous metallurgy, where iron is the base metal.
What is the typical minimum order quantity (MOQ) for ferrosilicon export orders?
For export ferrosilicon, the standard minimum order quantity is one twenty-foot container load, equivalent to 20 to 25 metric tons depending on bagging configuration and lump size. Some suppliers accept partial container loads for established customers, though a per-ton premium may apply. Large consumers negotiating annual contracts can secure better unit pricing at volumes above 100 metric tons per shipment. Because ferrosilicon production is concentrated in Inner Mongolia and Ningxia, suppliers with ready inventory at Tianjin port may offer more flexible MOQs than mill-direct orders. Buyers should inquire about current stock levels and container availability when planning smaller trial purchases.
What is the difference between FOB and CIF terms when purchasing ferrosilicon?
Under FOB Tianjin terms, the seller delivers ferrosilicon to the port, loads it onto the vessel, and clears export customs; the buyer assumes responsibility for ocean freight, insurance, and import formalities from that point onward. Under CIF terms, the seller arranges and pays for ocean freight and marine insurance to the named destination port, though risk transfers to the buyer once the goods pass the ship's rail at origin. CIF offers convenience and cost predictability for buyers without in-house freight departments, while FOB provides more control over carrier selection and may yield lower total landed cost for experienced importers. Buyers should compare all-in CIF quotes against FOB price plus self-arranged freight before fixing terms.
For exact pricing tailored to your grade, volume, and delivery point, reach out directly.
Key Takeaways
- Ferrosilicon export quotations held unchanged on October 9, 2026, with both 72-grade and 75-grade stable.
- FeSi 72 is quoted at 1200–1220 USD/ton FOB Tianjin; FeSi 75 at 1250–1270 USD/ton FOB Tianjin.
- No daily price movement was reported, reflecting balanced supply and demand at current levels.
- Buyers should align grade selection with silicon-unit requirements and verify particle size and purity certificates.
- Q4 procurement planning should account for potential input-cost fluctuations and seasonal port logistics.
- Electricity costs remain the dominant production variable, with smelters in low-tariff regions maintaining competitive export pricing.
- Buyers should specify exact lump size requirements to avoid yield loss and dust-handling complications.
Get Your Tailored Quotation
Whether you need FeSi 72 for standard steel deoxidation or FeSi 75 for ductile-iron and silicon-steel applications, we can match your exact specification and volume. Contact us via WhatsApp: +86 15518824805 or email market@zanewmetal.com for a customized quote with delivery scheduling to your port or mill.