Latest Update in the SMM Niobium / Tantalum Market

[SMM Silicon-Based PV Morning Meeting Summary: Silicon Metal Futures Prices Decline, Market Sentiment Remains Negative] Last week, silicon metal prices continued to decline. Last Friday, above-standard #553 silicon metal in east China was priced at 11,300-11,400 yuan/mt, down 150 yuan/mt within the week. Silicon futures Si2502 contract hit a new low at 11,235 yuan/mt, with the silicon metal market holding a negative sentiment towards the outlook.

[The Technological Transformation Project of Zhuzhou Cemented Carbide Group Co., Ltd.'s Ultrafine Tungsten Carbide Powder Intelligent Production Line, Undertaken by Minmetals 23rd Metallurgical Construction Group, Successfully Started Production] On the morning of December 16, the unveiling and start production ceremony of the ultrafine tungsten carbide powder intelligent production line technological transformation project, undertaken by the Second Company of Minmetals 23rd Metallurgical Construction Group for Zhuzhou Cemented Carbide Group Co., Ltd., was held, marking the official commencement of trial operation for the project.

[PV Modules Won the Bid at 0.62 Yuan!] On December 20, the winning bid result for the PV module procurement of the 600,000 kW PV project in Bohu County, a supporting project of the National Energy Bayingolin Pumped Storage Project by Xinjiang Electric Power Bayingolin Power Generation Company, was announced. The winning bidder for Section 1 is Shanghai Electric Group Hengxi PV Technology (Nantong) Co., Ltd., with a winning bid price of 0.625 yuan/W. The candidate for Section 2 is Hoshine Silicon Industry Co., Ltd., with a winning bid price of 0.629 yuan/W. (Polaris Solar PV Network)

[Major News in the PV Industry! The Biden Administration Reportedly Considering Tariff Exemptions for Solar Equipment from Mexico] ① The Biden administration is reportedly considering exempting tariffs on solar equipment imported from Mexico, which could benefit the Chinese-funded PV company Maxeon; ② The company's factory in Mexico can produce 2.5 GW of components annually, accounting for approximately 93% of the country's total capacity; ③ If Biden waives the tariffs, the policy's sustainability remains uncertain, as Trump had threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, and US manufacturers have lobbied to increase the duty-free quota. (Cailian Press)

SMM Shanghai and Other 1# Lead Markets: SHFE Lead Surges Strongly While Spot Market Trading Remains Sluggish SMM, December 23: In the Shanghai market, Honglu lead was quoted at 17,475-17,525 yuan/mt, on par with SHFE lead 2501 contract; in Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, JCC and Jinde lead were quoted at 17,475-17,525 yuan/mt, on par with SHFE lead 2501 contract. In Anhui, Henan, and other regions, smog warnings have re-emerged, leading to rising expectations of supply tightening, and SHFE lead surged strongly...

[SMM Weekly Data on Copper Inventories in Major Regions] As of Monday, December 23, SMM copper inventories in major regions across China increased by 700 mt from last Thursday to 99,400 mt. However, the total inventory was 49,000 mt higher YoY from 50,400 mt. Among them, inventories in Shanghai were 41,700 mt higher YoY, those in Guangdong were 5,600 mt lower YoY, and those in Jiangsu were 13,500 mt higher YoY.

According to customs data, China exported 72,700 mt of aluminum wheels in November 2024, down 5% MoM and 6% YoY.