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Market Overview

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Silicon, a complex and crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic luster, is a brittle material. The silicon metal market exhibits partial consolidation.

It is estimated that the global silicon metal market will exceed 2959 kilotons by the end of 2022, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5.28% during the forecast period.

The Covid-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for the silicon metal market. It directly impacted manufacturers’ supply chains worldwide, leading to the temporary closure of production facilities in order to minimize the risk of virus transmission.

The rising demand for aluminum-silicon alloys is expected to drive the consumption of silicon metal. This is primarily attributed to the increasing demand for electric vehicles and the growth of automobile production on a global scale. Additionally, the widespread usage of smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices is anticipated to contribute to the growth of the silicon metal market.

However, the lower silicon production in China may hinder the market’s overall growth. Nonetheless, measures aimed at reducing production costs through technological improvements are projected to create potential growth opportunities throughout the forecast period.

With the Asia-Pacific region holding the highest market share, it is expected to continue dominating the market during the forecast period.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including product type, application, and region.

Segmentation by Product Type
Metallurgy Grade
Chemical Grade

Segmentation by Application
Aluminum Alloys
Semiconductors
Solar Panels
Silicones
Other Applications

Segmentation by Region
North America – United States, Canada, and Mexico
Europe – United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific – China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America – Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of Latin America
Middle East and Africa – Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East and Africa

The largest volume share in the global silicon metal market is accounted for by the metallurgy grade in the product type segment. This is primarily due to its extensive use in the manufacturing of aluminum alloys, especially in the automobile industry, where its low impurity levels are highly desirable. Metallurgical grade silicon (MG-Si) is produced by reducing silica (SiO2) in an induction furnace or an electric arc furnace. In the case of an electric arc furnace, highly pure silicon is reacted with wood or charcoal to produce metallurgical-grade silicon. Metallurgical silicon typically contains at least 98% silicon, with the remaining portion in the form of a thin layer less than 2 mm thick. Metallurgical-grade silicon discs have the least amount of silicon but are also the thickest in terms of film thickness.

The demand for silicon from solar panels has been experiencing significant growth. Silicon is the most commonly used semiconductor material in solar cells, accounting for approximately 95% of the modules sold today. Metallurgical silicon can be purified and converted into high-purity silicon, which serves as the foundation for semiconductors and solar cells. As a result, it finds application in the production of solar cells. The solar power industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, representing nearly two-thirds of the net power capacity worldwide, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The IEA forecasts that renewable power capacity will expand by 50% between 2019 and 2023, with solar PV contributing significantly to this growth. Solar PV is expected to account for nearly 60% of the projected expansion. In 2017, PV constituted 55.4% of the global net renewable capacity, which rose to 188.6 GW (59.1%) in 2022. Despite a temporary slowdown in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 on projects, the forecast suggests that if solar power continues to grow in countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa, it may reach 197.3 GW, constituting approximately 62.3% of the world’s renewable energy supply.

India is expected to witness a tripling of PV capacity additions in 2022 compared to 2020 as long-delayed large-scale utility projects go online. In the United States, capacity additions will continue to increase in 2022 due to the one-year extension of the 26% Investment Tax Credit (ITC), making projects more economically attractive. With ongoing cost reductions and tax credits, distributed PV is projected to contribute nearly 30% to the overall PV growth in the US in 2022. In Q3 of 2021, the US solar market installed 5.4 GW, representing a 33% increase in solar capacity compared to the third quarter of 2020. Texas and Virginia accounted for over half of the utility-scale solar installations in Q3 of 2021. Solar energy generated 54% of electricity in the US in Q1-Q3 of 2021, up from 44% in 2020. However, supply chain constraints and rising raw material prices are anticipated to negatively impact the market in 2022. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India ranked fourth in global solar PV deployment by the end of 2021, with a total installed capacity of approximately 61.97 GW as of November 30, 2022. India’s solar tariff is highly competitive, having achieved grid parity. These developments are expected to drive the demand for silicon metal in the solar industry throughout the forecast period.

The Asia-Pacific region experienced market growth supported by high demand from various industries such as automobiles, buildings, construction, and the solar industry. China dominates the silicon metal market in the Asia-Pacific region due to its growing demand from diverse industries. The significant applications of silicon metal include silicone products (adhesives and sealants, lubricants, chemicals, etc.) and aluminum alloys. These products find extensive use in automotive, building and construction, industrial, and other end-user industries.

China is actively promoting electric, hybrid, and fuel-cell electric vehicles, with a target of having a minimum of 5,000 fuel-cell electric vehicles by 2025 and 1 million by 2030. This government initiative, along with the increasing demand for electric cars in the country, drives the need for aluminum alloys, silicon adhesives, and semiconductors. China is one of the world’s largest producers of stainless steel, with a production of 1,336.67 million tons of steel in 2021, representing a 0.6% increase compared to 2020. The country’s stainless steel crude steel output in 2021 was estimated to be 30.63 million tons, a rise of 493,000 tons or 1.64% compared to 2020.

China is also home to leading global solar PV manufacturing companies such as JinkoSolar, JA Solar, and Trina Solar. Over the past two years, solar cell manufacturing in China has witnessed exponential growth. Industrial production of solar cells increased from 157,286 thousand kilowatt hours to 234,054 thousand kilowatts in 2021, representing a significant rise of 42.1%. Additionally, China is a key investment destination for the production of mobile phones, laptops, and other electrical appliances. Major global manufacturers have invested substantial capital in the Chinese market to meet the anticipated surge in demand. Consequently, China is expected to dominate the silicon metal market in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Competitive Landscape

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The silicon metal market exhibits a partial consolidation, with key players including Hoshine Silicon Industry Co. Ltd, Ferroglobe, Elkem, Dow, and Wacker Chemie AG.

Hoshine Silicon Industry Co. Ltd holds the leading position in the global silicon metal market. The company is primarily involved in the development, manufacturing, distribution, and sales of silicon metal. Its product portfolio comprises high-purity silicon metal catering to applications in semiconductors, silicon, aluminum alloys, and solar panels.

Ferroglobe secures the second position in the market as a manufacturer and supplier of silicon metal. The company boasts a robust global marketing and distribution network, enabling it to maintain a significant geographical presence.

Key companies profiled in this report include Anyang Huatuo Metallurgy, Dow, Elkem, Ferroglobe, Hoshine Silicon Industry Co. Ltd, Liasa, Minasligas, Mississipi Silicon, PCC SE, RIMA Industrial, Rusal, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd, Wacker Chemie AG, Zhejiang Kaihua Yuantong Silicon Industry Co. Ltd.

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Recent Industry Developments

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In October 2022, Ferroglobe announced the restart of its silicon metal facility in Polokwane, South Africa, with a capacity of 55,000 tons. The decision to revive the Polokwane facility is part of Ferroglobe’s strategic plan to meet the high market demand for silicon metal. By reactivating the plant, Ferroglobe aims to enhance its production capacity, optimize its asset footprint, and improve flexibility in managing the dynamic energy markets in Europe.

In August 2022, REC Silicon and Mississippi Silicon entered into an agreement that strengthens the solar supply chain in the United States. This collaboration will significantly benefit Mississippi Silicon by establishing a dominant position in the silicon metal market, particularly within the solar industry.

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Key Questions Answered

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What is the study period for the Silicon Metal Market?
The study of the Silicon Metal Market encompasses the years 2018 to 2028.

What is the growth rate of the Silicon Metal Market?
The Silicon Metal Market is experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 5% over the next five years.

Which region has the highest growth rate in the Silicon Metal Market?
The Asia Pacific region is witnessing the highest CAGR from 2018 to 2028 in the Silicon Metal Market.

Which region has the largest share in the Silicon Metal Market?
As of 2022, the Asia Pacific region holds the largest share in the Silicon Metal Market.

Who are the key players in the Silicon Metal Market?
The major companies operating in the Silicon Metal Market include Hoshine Silicon Industry Co. Ltd, Ferroglobe, Elkem, Dow, and Wacker Chemie AG.