In China, silicon metal spot goods get slightly scarce due to the producers' operational adjustment, and the current price has gone up. However, because of the electricity rate being lowered from June as a high-water season, there is an anticipation of a price fall in the future market. On the other hand, the customers in Japan are taking a wait-and-see attitude while expecting the price will fall in June - July, but the fear has been voiced that the in-hand stock will run short while waiting for cheap products with price cut. It is quite likely that the shipment for new contracts at the moment will be after the end of June.

• [Editor:Ginna]