Silicon Metal Price Update October 9, 2026 - Export Quotes Remain Unchanged
Oct 9, 2026 | ZhenAn International Co., Limited
China's export silicon metal market showed no price movement on October 9, 2026, with all five tracked grades holding steady at their previous quotation levels. Overseas aluminum alloy producers, polysilicon manufacturers, and chemical processors continue to evaluate inventory positions as the fourth quarter begins.
Current Silicon Metal Price
The table below presents export quotations as of October 9, 2026, on a free-on-board (FOB) basis at Huangpu port. All prices are quoted in US dollars per metric ton (USD/ton).
| Grade | Quotation (USD/ton) | Change | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 421 | 1450–1480 | -- | FOB Huangpu |
| 2202 | 1980–2030 | -- | FOB Huangpu |
| 3303 | 1480–1500 | -- | FOB Huangpu |
| 441 | 1380–1400 | -- | FOB Huangpu |
| 553 | 1320–1340 | -- | FOB Huangpu |
Note: Data reflects Chinese export market quotations as of October 9, 2026, FOB Huangpu port, Guangzhou. The change column shows "--", indicating no daily price movement was reported for this session.
Silicon Metal Price Trend vs Previous
Silicon metal export quotations were unchanged in this update. All five grades-421, 2202, 3303, 441, and 553-maintained their prior quotation ranges. The 2202 grade continues to command the highest price band at 1980–2030 USD/ton FOB, reflecting its superior purity and narrower impurity specification. The 553 grade remains the most economical option at 1320–1340 USD/ton FOB, suitable for applications where full metallurgical-grade purity is not required.
With no directional movement reported, the market is best characterized as stable. Buyers should continue to monitor upstream quartz and coal input costs, power tariffs in Yunnan and Sichuan producing regions, and ocean freight trends, as these underlying variables can shift offer levels in subsequent sessions.
Grade and Market Context
Silicon metal is produced by carbothermic reduction of quartz in submerged-arc furnaces. The four-digit grade designation indicates the maximum permitted levels of iron and aluminum impurities, expressed in parts per thousand.
- Grade 421 permits up to 0.4% iron and 0.2% aluminum. It is widely used in aluminum alloys, where silicon improves castability and mechanical strength.
- Grade 2202 permits up to 0.2% iron and 0.02% aluminum. This high-purity grade serves the polysilicon and chemical industries, where trace impurities must be minimized.
- Grade 3303 permits up to 0.3% iron and 0.03% aluminum. It bridges the gap between standard metallurgical grades and high-purity applications.
- Grade 441 permits up to 0.4% iron and 0.4% aluminum. It is a general-purpose metallurgical grade for standard aluminum alloying and certain chemical processes.
- Grade 553 permits up to 0.5% iron and 0.3% aluminum. It is the standard metallurgical grade for large-volume aluminum alloying and less demanding chemical applications.
China produces the majority of the world's silicon metal, with Yunnan, Sichuan, Xinjiang, and Hunan as the principal producing provinces. Production is highly electricity-intensive, making power tariffs and seasonal hydroelectric availability key determinants of supply economics.
Silicon Metal 421 vs 441
Grades 421 and 441 are both widely used in aluminum alloying, but their differing aluminum limits affect suitability for specific alloy families.
| Dimension | Silicon Metal 421 | Silicon Metal 441 |
|---|---|---|
| Iron limit | ≤0.4% | ≤0.4% |
| Aluminum limit | ≤0.2% | ≤0.4% |
| Typical export price (Oct 9) | 1450–1480 USD/ton FOB | 1380–1400 USD/ton FOB |
| Price premium vs 441 | \~70 USD/ton higher | Baseline |
| Primary use | High-quality Al alloys, chemical | Standard Al alloys, general chemical |
| Purity advantage | Tighter aluminum control | Economical for less critical alloys |
| Typical consumers | Automotive castings, aerospace | Construction extrusions, general casting |
| Smelting energy | Similar furnace requirement | Similar furnace requirement |
For aluminum alloy producers manufacturing high-strength automotive components or aerospace castings, the tighter aluminum specification of grade 421 justifies the modest premium. General construction and extrusion alloy producers typically find grade 441 adequate and more cost-effective.
What Buyers Should Check Before Ordering Silicon Metal
1. Match the grade to your alloy specification. Using 441 in an application requiring 421-level aluminum control risks off-specification chemistry and downstream rejection.
2. Verify iron and aluminum test certificates. Even within a declared grade, actual impurity levels vary by furnace batch; request the specific CoA for the lot you intend to purchase.
3. Confirm port of loading. Huangpu (Guangzhou) is the primary export port for silicon metal; verify that your logistics chain can efficiently receive from this origin.
4. Inspect for surface oxidation and lump integrity. Silicon metal that has been exposed to moisture may show surface staining; broken fines increase dust and reduce furnace charging efficiency.
5. Evaluate bulk vs container shipping. Large-volume consumers may benefit from break-bulk or bulk-vessel rates; smaller orders are typically containerized.
6. Plan around seasonal production patterns. Yunnan and Sichuan output can fluctuate with wet-season hydroelectric availability; secure contracts ahead of dry-season supply tightening.
FAQ
What is silicon metal used for?
Silicon metal serves as a critical raw material in three major industries. In aluminum alloys, it improves fluidity, reduces shrinkage, and enhances mechanical properties. In the chemical industry, it is the feedstock for silicone polymers, silanes, and fumed silica. In the photovoltaic industry, high-purity silicon metal is refined into polysilicon for solar-cell production. Lower-purity grades are also used in steelmaking as a deoxidizer and in certain refractory applications.
What do the grade numbers mean?
The four-digit grade code indicates the maximum permitted iron and aluminum content, in parts per thousand. For example, grade 553 allows up to 0.5% iron (the first digit) and 0.3% aluminum (the second digit). The third and fourth digits historically referred to calcium content, though modern specifications focus primarily on iron and aluminum limits. Lower numbers denote tighter impurity control and higher purity.
How is silicon metal produced?
Silicon metal is produced by smelting quartz (silicon dioxide) with carbon reductants such as coal, coke, and wood chips in submerged-arc electric furnaces. The process operates at temperatures above 1800°C, reducing the silica to molten silicon. The molten metal is tapped from the furnace, refined if necessary, and cast into ingots or crushed to lump form for shipment.
Can silicon metal be stored outdoors?
Silicon metal should be stored under cover in a dry environment. While it is not as moisture-sensitive as some ferroalloys, prolonged exposure to rain or humidity can cause surface oxidation and the formation of silica film, reducing effective silicon yield. Bulk storage on concrete pads with adequate drainage is standard practice.
What HS code applies to silicon metal for customs declaration, and are there any export restrictions?
Silicon metal is generally classified under HS code 2804.69 for customs purposes, though the precise subheading may vary by destination country depending on local tariff schedules and silicon content thresholds. Some jurisdictions differentiate between metallurgical-grade and chemical-grade silicon for duty assessment. China requires an export license for certain ferroalloy categories, and silicon metal shipments must comply with quality and environmental documentation standards. Buyers should verify the exact HS code with their customs broker before import declaration, as misclassification can trigger delays, penalties, or unexpected duty rates. Additionally, confirm whether anti-dumping duties or safeguard measures apply in your market, as these can significantly affect total landed cost.
Can buyers arrange a sample or trial order to validate silicon metal quality before bulk purchase?
Suppliers typically provide silicon metal samples of two to five kilograms for laboratory validation before bulk commitment. A trial shipment of ten to twenty metric tons is also common when qualifying a new supplier or switching between grades such as 441 and 421. Samples should be representative of the furnace batch and accompanied by a certificate of analysis showing iron, aluminum, and calcium content. Buyers should test for impurity levels relevant to their specific alloy recipe, as furnace-to-furnace variation can occur even within the same declared grade. Trial orders usually ship on standard FOB terms with full documentation, and any quality deviations from the agreed specification should be addressed in the contract's rejection clause.
For exact pricing tailored to your grade, volume, and delivery point, reach out directly.
Key Takeaways
- Silicon metal export quotations were unchanged across all five tracked grades on October 9, 2026.
- Grade 2202 remains the highest-priced at 1980–2030 USD/ton FOB Huangpu; grade 553 is the most economical at 1320–1340 USD/ton FOB.
- No daily price movement was reported, indicating stable supply-demand balance at current levels.
- Buyers should align grade selection with impurity specifications and verify CoA compliance before ordering.
- Q4 procurement should account for seasonal power-supply patterns in major producing provinces.
Get Your Tailored Quotation
Whether you need metallurgical-grade silicon for aluminum alloying or high-purity grades for chemical and polysilicon 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.