China-Based Wafer Makers Have Lowered Quotes Due to High Inventory Levels

Since the US Department of Commerce in early June imposed preliminary anti-subsidy tariffs on solar-grade crystalline silicon wafers, solar cells and PV modules imported from China, China-based wafer makers have lowered quotes from US$0.99/wafer to US$0.97-0.98 due to high inventory levels, while Taiwan-based makers have increased prices from US$0.98-0.99 to US$1, according to industry sources.

China-based PV module makers have asked partnering Taiwan-based solar cell makers to use Taiwan-made wafers, and to ship solar cells by the end of June to avoid the tariffs, the sources claimed. This has resulted in increased orders for Taiwan-wafer makers and price hikes, accordingly.