Oct 21 2010
Worldwide demand for silicon and ferro silicon slumped in 2008 and 2009, as a result of global economic crisis.
However, the market is expected to bounce back to normalcy due to revival of the demand for silicon and ferro silicon, which was observed during the end of 2009. Historical factors such as regular semiconductor cycle length of 5-6 quarters, along with the timing of governmental fiscal and economic policy, are evincing revival of the market. Growing demand for core silicon from leading markets such as set-top boxes, 3G phones and mobile PCs, which are growing despite the downturn, are likely to aid in the survival of core silicon manufacturers. Growing demand for polysilicon from key PV markets is most likely to decrease the pressure on the silicon prices in the near future. The polysilicon industry is most likely to witness consolidation by 2011. On the other hand, Chinese manufacturers are expected to play a major role in the global polysilicon industry by 2012.
Europe represents the largest region for silicon and ferro silicon worldwide, as stated by the new market research report on Silicon and Ferro Silicon. Growth-wise, Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing regional market for silicon and ferro silicon, with a CAGR of more than 3.0% over the analysis period. Surging Chinese and other developing economies in the region represent primary growth drivers. China is a leading global producer and one of the leading exporters of silicon and ferrosilicon worldwide.
Metallurgy constitutes the largest end-use segment for Silicon. Consumption of silicon by the end-use is projected to reach 532.9 thousand tons by 2012. Chemicals represent the other major end-use segment. However, Semiconductors represents the fastest growing end-use segment of silicon. Ferrous Foundry represents the largest consumer of ferro silicon. Steel Industry represents the other principal consumer of ferro silicon. Growth in the silicon and ferro silicon will be in line with long-term trends in the end-use industries.
Currently, auto industry is highly challenging. Automakers face a tough environment not only in terms of high customer expectations, but also from more stringent environmental standards. Consequently, several new trends and innovations are emerging in the form of lighter, more fuel-efficient automobiles, cost-effective fuel cells, and hybrid electric vehicles. Another key trend is in the changing material mix of the automobile industry with a growing application of lightweight, high-performance aluminum in production. This trend bodes well for aluminum and has direct and positive implications for the ferroalloy industry, particularly for silicon metal as an alloying material. Over the years, aluminum penetration in the automotive market has witnessed substantial growth mainly to address concerns such as fuel economy, environmental issues, efficiency, and reduced emissions.
Major players profiled in the report include Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd., China National Bluestar (Group) Corporation, Bluestar Silicon Materials Co. Ltd., Compagnie De Saint-Gobain, CC Metals and Alloys LLC, Dow Corning Corporation, Elkem AS, Evonik Degussa GmbH, Ferroatlantica Group, Fesil ASA, Globe Specialty Metals, Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation, MEMC Electronic Materials Inc., Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, OSAKA Titanium Technologies Co. Ltd., Renewable Energy Corporation ASA, Shin-Etsu Handotai Co. Ltd., Sinosteel Zunyi Ferroalloy Co. Ltd., Sumco Corporation, Tokuyama Corporation, and Wacker Chemie AG.
The report titled "Silicon and Ferro Silicon: A Global Strategic Business Report" announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the Silicon and Ferro Silicon markets, impact of recession on the markets, current market trends, key growth drivers, competitive scenario, end-use overview, recent product introductions, recent industry activity, and profiles of major/niche global as well as regional market participants. The report provides annual sales estimates and projections for Silicon and Ferro Silicon market for the following geographic markets - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Latin America. Key end-use segments analyzed for Silicon include Metallurgy, Chemicals, Semiconductors and Others, and for Ferro Silicon include Ferrous Foundry, Steel Industry and Others. Also, a seven-year (2000-2006) historic analysis is provided for additional perspective.
Source: Global Industry Analysts, Inc.