China Ferrosilicon Production Statistics in June 2024

China's estimated ferrosilicon output reached 474,100 metric tons in June 2024, an increase of 29,400 tons from May. The national operating rate rose to 56.96%, with 73 enterprises and 262 submerged-arc furnaces in production. Inner Mongolia remained the largest producing region, accounting for approximately 31.68% of national output. However, cumulative production from January to June remained 3.27% below the same period in 2023.

1. China's National Ferrosilicon Output and Operating Rate in June 2024

China's ferrosilicon production increased in June 2024 compared with May. According to the supplied industry statistics, 73 ferrosilicon enterprises were in production, operating a total of 262 submerged-arc furnaces, 14 more than in the previous month.

The national average operating rate reached 56.96%. Estimated monthly output was 474,100 metric tons, representing an increase of 29,400 metric tons compared with May and 60,700 metric tons compared with June 2023.

*The original statistical material reports an increase of 4.03 compared with May but does not clarify whether this represents percentage points or a relative percentage change. The distinction should be confirmed before treating it as a percentage-point movement.

Two different trends can be identified from these figures. First, monthly output increased compared with both May 2024 and June 2023. Second, cumulative production for the first six months remained below the corresponding period in the previous year.

This distinction matters when evaluating the Chinese ferrosilicon market. A monthly increase does not necessarily indicate that total annual production has returned to its previous level.

2. Ferrosilicon Production by Region in China

China's ferrosilicon production is concentrated in several major industrial regions. Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Qinghai and Shaanxi accounted for most of the estimated national output in June 2024.

The following table organizes the reported regional data, including producing enterprises, operating furnaces, operating rates and monthly output.

*Capacity release rates are reproduced from the supplied statistics. Their calculation methodology is not provided, so they should not automatically be treated as equivalent to furnace operating rates.

**Other Regions combines Xinjiang, Sichuan, Shanxi and Chongqing. Regional output shares are calculated from the reported regional output divided by the national total. Figures may show minor rounding differences.

2.1 Inner Mongolia: China's Largest Ferrosilicon Producing Region

Inner Mongolia recorded an estimated ferrosilicon output of 150,200 metric tons in June 2024, representing approximately 31.68% of China's total production.

The region had eight producing enterprises and 78 operating submerged-arc furnaces. Its reported operating rate was 73.58%, the highest among the regional groups listed in the statistics.

These figures establish Inner Mongolia as the largest production contributor in the June dataset. Its output was approximately 38,100 metric tons higher than that of Ningxia, the second-largest producing region.

2.2 Ningxia: The Second-Largest Production Contributor

Ningxia produced an estimated 112,100 metric tons of ferrosilicon in June, accounting for approximately 23.64% of national output.

The region had 12 producing enterprises and 40 operating furnaces. Its operating rate was 43.48%, notably lower than Inner Mongolia's 73.58%.

Despite the lower reported operating rate, Ningxia remained an important contributor to China's total ferrosilicon production because of its production base and operating capacity.

2.3 Qinghai: A Significant Production Base

Qinghai recorded an estimated output of 82,300 metric tons, representing 17.36% of national production.

The region had 19 producing enterprises and 68 operating submerged-arc furnaces. Its operating rate reached 64.15%.

Qinghai had the largest number of producing enterprises among the six regional groups in the statistics. Its output was close to that of Shaanxi, despite the difference in enterprise and furnace counts.

2.4 Shaanxi: Production Supported by Multiple Industrial Applications

Shaanxi produced an estimated 82,100 metric tons of ferrosilicon in June, accounting for approximately 17.32% of national output.

The region had 22 producing enterprises and 40 operating furnaces, with a reported operating rate of 63.49%.

The original statistics also indicate that the furnace count includes ferrosilicon furnaces operated by magnesium metal plants. This distinction is relevant because some ferrosilicon production is associated with downstream magnesium reduction rather than conventional steelmaking demand alone.

2.5 Gansu and Other Producing Regions

Gansu produced an estimated 34,600 metric tons in June, with eight producing enterprises and 28 operating furnaces. Its reported operating rate was 43.75%.

The combined group of Xinjiang, Sichuan, Shanxi and Chongqing contributed another 12,800 metric tons, equivalent to approximately 2.70% of national production.

Although their combined output was relatively small compared with the major production regions, these figures complete the regional distribution reported for the month.

3. Regional Production and Operating Rate Analysis

Comparing regional output shares and operating rates provides a clearer picture of China's ferrosilicon production structure than looking at production volume alone.

3.1 Four Regions Accounted for Approximately 90% of Output

Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Qinghai and Shaanxi together produced 426,700 metric tons of ferrosilicon in June 2024.

This represented approximately 90% of the reported national output of 474,100 metric tons.

This concentration means that changes in production conditions across these four regions can have a substantial influence on China's overall ferrosilicon supply.

3.2 Operating Rates Differed Significantly Between Regions

Inner Mongolia reported the highest operating rate at 73.58%, followed by Qinghai at 64.15% and Shaanxi at 63.49%.

In contrast, Ningxia and Gansu reported operating rates of 43.48% and 43.75%, respectively.

This difference illustrates why production volume and operating rate should be evaluated together. A region's output depends not only on the percentage of operating capacity but also on the size and configuration of its production base.

3.3 Production Volume Does Not Directly Indicate Available Supply

A regional production figure measures the estimated amount of ferrosilicon produced during a particular period. It does not establish how much material is available for immediate export.

Some production may already be allocated to domestic steel mills, foundries, magnesium producers or other industrial consumers. Inventory levels, sales contracts, transportation arrangements and product specifications also affect the quantity available to buyers.

Therefore, regional output statistics should be used as a reference for understanding the production structure rather than as a direct measurement of exportable inventory.

4. Monthly and Year-to-Date Ferrosilicon Production Trends

The June 2024 production figures show a monthly increase, but the cumulative data present a different picture.

4.1 June Output Increased Compared with May

China's estimated ferrosilicon output increased from an implied 444,700 metric tons in May to 474,100 metric tons in June.

The month-on-month increase was 29,400 metric tons, equivalent to approximately 6.61% based on the reported figures.

The original statistics also recorded 14 additional operating furnaces compared with May. The increase in the furnace count and monthly output indicates an expansion in reported production activity during June.

4.2 June Output Was Higher Than in June 2023

Compared with June 2023, ferrosilicon output in June 2024 increased by 60,700 metric tons.

Based on the reported June 2024 output and year-on-year difference, the corresponding June 2023 output was approximately 413,400 metric tons. This indicates a year-on-year increase of approximately 14.68%.

4.3 First-Half Production Remained Below the Previous Year

Despite the stronger monthly production figures, China's cumulative ferrosilicon output from January to June 2024 reached 2,655,100 metric tons, 89,700 metric tons below the same period in 2023.

The reported year-on-year decline was 3.27%.

This difference between monthly and cumulative performance is important. June's production recovery did not fully offset the shortfall accumulated during the earlier months of 2024.

The percentage changes for the individual months are calculated from the reported output and differences. The first-half decline and its percentage are reproduced from the supplied statistics.

5. What the June 2024 Statistics Mean for China's Ferrosilicon Supply

For international buyers, production statistics are useful because they show where production is concentrated and how production activity changes over time. However, several additional factors must be considered before drawing conclusions about market supply or purchasing costs.

5.1 Regional Production Concentration

The concentration of approximately 90% of reported production in four regions highlights the importance of Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Qinghai and Shaanxi in China's ferrosilicon industry.

When evaluating a Chinese supplier, buyers may consider the production region alongside the supplier's actual manufacturing arrangements, product specifications and transportation route.

5.2 Monthly Production Is Only One Part of Market Supply

A rise in monthly output does not automatically result in an equivalent increase in material available for export.

Domestic steelmaking consumption, foundry demand, magnesium production, inventory movements and contracted deliveries all influence the balance between production and available market supply.

For this reason, the June 2024 output increase should not be interpreted as proof of an immediate surplus or a guaranteed decline in ferrosilicon prices.

5.3 Production Data Should Be Combined with Purchasing Specifications

Even when supply conditions are favorable, buyers still need to verify whether the available ferrosilicon matches their production requirements.

For example, steelmakers purchasing Ferrosilicon 75 may need to verify silicon content, aluminium, carbon, phosphorus, sulphur and particle size. A supplier's production volume alone cannot establish whether a particular batch meets the buyer's chemical specification.

Likewise, a foundry purchasing ferrosilicon granules may prioritize particle size distribution, fines content and batch consistency rather than simply choosing the supplier with the largest reported output.

6. What Buyers Should Consider When Sourcing Ferrosilicon from China

China's regional production statistics can help buyers understand the industry's supply structure. The next step is to evaluate individual suppliers according to the actual requirements of the intended application.

6.1 Confirm the Ferrosilicon Grade

Different ferrosilicon grades provide different silicon contents and are selected according to the required alloy addition and process conditions.

Grade names are commercial designations rather than complete chemical specifications. Buyers should confirm the actual silicon range and impurity limits in the agreed purchase specification and batch COA.

For detailed product information, available grades and production specifications, visit our Ferrosilicon Product and Production Page.

6.2 Check Chemical Composition and Batch Consistency

Before placing an order, buyers should request a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA). Important elements to check include:

• Silicon (Si): Confirm the minimum content or agreed range.
• Aluminium (Al): Verify the maximum permitted level, particularly for applications with strict aluminium limits.
• Carbon (C): Check the specified carbon limit.
• Phosphorus (P): Confirm compliance with the required steel or foundry specification.
• Sulphur (S): Check the limit according to the intended application.

The acceptable limits depend on the grade, applicable standard and customer's production requirements. They should be agreed before shipment rather than assumed from the grade name.

6.3 Match Particle Size to the Feeding Process

Ferrosilicon can be supplied in different physical forms, including lumps, granules, powder and briquettes.

• Lumps: Commonly selected for bulk additions in steelmaking and other high-temperature processes.
• Granules: Used where controlled particle size and more consistent feeding are required.
• Powder: Specified by particle size distribution for applications such as dense-medium separation and welding consumables.
• Briquettes: Used in processes where a compacted feed form is suitable for handling and charging.

Particle size distribution, undersize content and oversize tolerance should be included in the purchase specification.

6.4 Evaluate Packaging and Delivery Arrangements

For export orders, buyers should confirm the packaging weight, bag construction, moisture protection, destination port and applicable Incoterms.

Common arrangements include 25 kg bags and 1 MT jumbo bags, with customized inner liners available subject to agreement. The supplier should also confirm the shipping documents and batch identification arrangements before dispatch.

7. Frequently Asked Questions About China's Ferrosilicon Production

Q1. What was China's ferrosilicon output in June 2024?

China's estimated ferrosilicon output reached 474,100 metric tons in June 2024, an increase of 29,400 metric tons compared with May and 60,700 metric tons compared with June 2023.

Q2. What was China's ferrosilicon operating rate in June 2024?

The reported national average ferrosilicon operating rate was 56.96% in June 2024. The statistics covered 73 producing enterprises and 262 operating submerged-arc furnaces.

Q3. Which region produced the most ferrosilicon in China in June 2024?

Inner Mongolia was the largest producing region, with estimated output of 150,200 metric tons, accounting for approximately 31.68% of national production.

Q4. How many submerged-arc furnaces were operating in China in June 2024?

The supplied statistics recorded 262 operating submerged-arc furnaces across 73 producing ferrosilicon enterprises, 14 more furnaces than in May 2024.

Q5. Why did China's monthly ferrosilicon output increase in June 2024?

The statistics recorded an increase of 14 operating furnaces and a higher national operating rate compared with May. These changes accompanied a 29,400-metric-ton increase in estimated monthly output. The supplied data do not establish the individual causes of the production increase.

Q6. Did China's total ferrosilicon production increase during the first half of 2024?

No. Although June output increased year on year, cumulative production from January to June 2024 reached 2,655,100 metric tons, which was 89,700 metric tons, or 3.27%, below the same period in 2023.

Q7. Does higher ferrosilicon production necessarily mean lower prices?

Not necessarily. Production is only one factor affecting market prices. Domestic consumption, export demand, inventories, electricity costs, raw material prices and transportation conditions also influence ferrosilicon market movements.

Q8. What should international buyers check when purchasing ferrosilicon from China?

Buyers should verify the silicon content, impurity limits, particle size distribution, batch-specific COA, packaging specifications, order quantity, destination port and delivery terms. Production statistics alone cannot establish whether a particular supplier's material meets the buyer's requirements.

Conclusion: China's Ferrosilicon Production in June 2024

China's estimated ferrosilicon output reached 474,100 metric tons in June 2024, with a national operating rate of 56.96%. Inner Mongolia was the largest producing region, while Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Qinghai and Shaanxi together contributed approximately 90% of national output.

The monthly production increase contrasted with the 3.27% year-on-year decline in cumulative output during the first half of 2024. This difference highlights the importance of examining monthly production, regional operating rates and cumulative output together when assessing China's ferrosilicon supply structure.

For international buyers, these statistics provide historical market context. Actual purchasing decisions should still be based on current supplier quotations, verified product specifications, batch COA, available quantities and delivery arrangements.

To learn more about available grades, physical forms and product specifications, visit ZhenAn's Ferrosilicon Product Page.

Data note: This article presents the June 2024 historical statistics supplied for the original page. Regional output shares and monthly growth percentages are arithmetic calculations based on those figures. The original statistical publisher, sampling methodology and certain operating-rate definitions were not supplied; these should be verified before the figures are used as independently audited market data.