Platts to clarify HK/China silicon metal specs

Platts is proposing to clarify the specifications for its price assessment for silicon metal in Hong Kong and China, and to align the naming convention for the price assessment across Platts Metals Alert, Platts Metals Week and Platts Market Data, effective April 12.

The updated specifications reflect what has prevailed in the market and will not result in changes to the data history or the consistency of the data going forward.

The name as it appears in Platts Metals Alert and Platts Metals Week will change to Silicon 553 grade, FOB China.

In addition, all silicon assessments will be listed under Light Metals in Platts Metals Week and no longer under Ferroalloys.

The assessment will include silicon exported main Chinese sea ports, including Hong Kong.

Assessed grades will be normalized to a specification with a minimum 98.50% silicon; maximum 0.50% iron; maximum 0.30% calcium and 0.2-0.5% aluminum, lumps size 10-100 mm.

Chinese origin, free market material, assessed in $/mt, loaded in bulk or supersacks on oceangoing vessel or packed in seagoing 20 ft or 40 ft container/s and customs sealed, export tariff-paid, within 30 days of date of transaction.

Payment by telegraphic transfer, cash against documents, including original bill of lading and irrevocable letter of credit drawn against approved bank at site or equivalent.

Assessment quantities are 100 mt and greater. Special packaging and payment terms to be normalized to meet stated specifications.

Assessment made Thursdays or closest business day from a survey of producers, traders and consumers.

Please submit comments and/or questions to Anthony Poole at anthony_poole@platts.com or +1 212 904-2992.