Views: 0 Author: catherine Publish Time: 2024-06-12 Origin: Site
Ferrosilicon is a crucial additive in steel production, primarily used to enhance the quality of steel. From 2000 to 2010, the ferroalloy industry experienced rapid growth, driven by national support for the industrial chain and encouragement of exports. However, since 2010, policies have shifted to restrict high-energy-consuming industries and reduce national energy consumption. Consequently, the export policy for ferroalloys transitioned from encouragement to restriction, with export tariffs raised accordingly. Currently, the export tariff on ferrosilicon stands at 25%.
The production of ferrosilicon predominantly employs the electric furnace method. In this process, carbon acts as a reducing agent while electricity serves as the primary heat source. The main raw materials for producing ferrosilicon are coke and steel scrap. These materials are smelted in electric furnaces to produce ferrosilicon alloys. During steelmaking, ferrosilicon is mainly utilized as a deoxidizer to aid in removing oxygen from molten steel. Additionally, it serves as an alloying element additive for producing low-alloy structural steel, spring steel, and other specialized products.
The downstream demand for ferrosilicon is primarily concentrated in the steel and metal magnesium industries, accounting for approximately 70% and 20% respectively. The remaining 10% is used in manufacturing and exports. Typically, about 3 to 5 kilograms of ferrosilicon are added per ton of steel; however, this amount varies depending on the type of steel being produced.
In China, major ferrosilicon production areas include Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Gansu among other provinces. These five provinces collectively account for 97% of the nation's total output with Ordos contributing the highest proportion.
An analysis of the current state of the ferrosilicon industry chain reveals that changes in national policies have significantly impacted industry development while market demand continues to evolve gradually. With shifts occurring within the steel industry itself—such as decreasing demand for silicon manganese—the demand for ferrosilicon remains relatively stable.
The industry's development is primarily concentrated in coastal industrial provinces as well as regions with substantial metal coal production capacities. Looking ahead into future prospects—with economic growth coupled with adjustments within industrial structures—the ferrosilicon and silicon manganese industry chains will continue facing new opportunities alongside emerging challenges.
