(ICIS) -- Spot polysilicon prices in Asia are expected to weaken further, undermined by a slowdown in global demand as Europe continues to struggle with a debt crisis and the US economy feared to be slipping back into recession, industry players said on Thursday. Supply for the entire photovoltaic chain remains abundant and the supply-demand imbalance is adding to the downward pressure on prices, they added.
In the week ended 7 September, spot polysilicon prices dropped by USD 3/kg (EUR 2.13/kg) to USD 47-52/kg FOB (free on board) NE (northeast) Asia basis, while prices on DEL (delivered) China fell by CNY (yuan) 10,000-20,000/tonne (USD 1,563-3,125/tonne) to CNY370,000-400,000/tonne, ICIS data showed.
Polysilicon sits atop the solar chain and is the feedstock for solar ingot, wafer, cell and module.
In the leading Chinese market, buyers are dragging their feet in securing cargoes because of ample downstream inventories, market sources said.
MRC