News on imports

News on suppliers, market trends and technology innovations in polysilicon and wafer production is selected, assessed and written for you by Bernreuter Research.

REC Silicon’s fluidized bed reactor polysilicon plant in Moses Lake, Washington with vehicle at night

REC Silicon blames layoffs on trade war – that’s only half the truth

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U.S.-based polysilicon manufacturer REC Silicon has blamed the layoff of 100 employees on the trade dispute, but it is more a response to the slump of global demand in the wake of China’s cap on domestic PV installations.

Reopening ceremony for Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee with Dr. Tobias Brandis, Dr. Rudolf Staudigl, Mary Beth Hudson, Dr. Peter-Alexander Wacker, and David Wilhoit (from left)

Wacker restarts U.S. polysilicon plant after eight-month halt

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After investigating the cause of the hydrogen explosion that occurred on September 7, 2017 and repairing the damaged equipment and building, Wacker has restarted production at its U.S. polysilicon plant near Charleston.

Monthly polysilicon imports into China from February 2017 through January 2018

Growing mono wafer makers fuel polysilicon imports into China

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After the low in December, polysilicon imports into China surprisingly surged to an unusually large volume of 16,261 metric tons in January, an increase of 29.7% month over month.

Monthly polysilicon imports into China from January through December 2017

China’s polysilicon imports drop in December, ahead of spot price

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After a short recovery in November, polysilicon imports into China fell back to 12,534 metric tons in December, a decrease of 16% month over month.

Shares of main polysilicon importers in China 2012 through 2017

Section 201 trade case: New hope for Hemlock and REC Silicon?

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Employees of the U.S.-based polysilicon manufacturers Hemlock Semiconductor and REC Silicon have urged U.S. President Trump in two letters to seek a solution for the U.S. polysilicon industry in the trade conflict with China.

Monthly polysilicon imports into China from December 2016 through November 2017

China’s polysilicon imports in November returned to level of June

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After a seasonal low in October, polysilicon imports into China in November rose to 14,918 metric tons, an increase of 33.8% month over month.

Monthly polysilicon imports into China from November 2016 through October 2017

Weak Chinese polysilicon imports worsened by Wacker shortfall

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Polysilicon imports into China dropped considerably from the record high of 17,628 metric tons (MT) in September to 11,153 MT in October.

Duties on polysilicon imports from South Korea into China (2017 and 2014 tariffs)

China raises duties on polysilicon imports from South Korea

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On November 21, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (Mofcom) announced new duty rates for polysilicon imports from South Korea into China, following a mid-term review that took one year.

Monthly polysilicon imports into China from October 2016 through September 2017

Another record high for Chinese polysilicon imports in September

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With a volume of 17,628 metric tons (MT) in September, polysilicon imports into China reached the second record high in a row after they had hit 16,141 MT in August.

Monthly polysilicon imports into China from September 2016 through August 2017

Strong demand drives Chinese polysilicon imports to next record

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With a monthly volume of 16,141 tons, polysilicon imports into China reached another record high in August, anticipating stronger demand for PV systems.