According to data from Antaike, silicon wafer prices faced downward pressure this week. The average transaction price for N-type G10L monocrystalline wafers (182*183.75mm/130μm) stood at 0.83 yuan per piece, down 2.35% compared to last week. For N-type G12R monocrystalline wafers (182*210mm/130μm), the average transaction price was 0.93 yuan per piece, a 2.11% decrease week-over-week. Meanwhile, the average price for N-type G12 monocrystalline wafers (210*210mm/130μm) came in at 1.12 yuan per piece, falling 1.75% from the prior week.

Market research indicates that downstream cell and module prices also saw minor declines this week. The mainstream price for battery cells ranged between 0.25 and 0.27 yuan per watt, down 1.89% from last week. Module mainstream prices were between 0.67 and 0.70 yuan per watt, a 2.17% week-over-week drop. The silicon wafer market continued its weak performance this week, with limited downstream purchasing orders, subdued trading activity, and prices succumbing to downward pressure.

The supply-demand relationship for silicon wafers showed no clear signs of improvement this week. On the supply side, companies maintained stable operations with normal production loads, resulting in a relatively loose supply of wafers. On the demand side, weak terminal demand and high downstream inventory levels led battery manufacturers to primarily focus on digesting existing stock, showing a weak purchasing appetite. Additionally, planned production cuts by battery companies are expected to further reduce demand for silicon wafers. Furthermore, the weakening price of the raw material polysilicon has lowered the production cost for wafers.

Overall, market sentiment is negative, and some silicon wafer companies, in a bid to recover funds, have continued to lower prices to move inventory, contributing to this week's continued price decline. Industry surveys show that the overall operating rate for the industry remained flat compared to last week, with no significant changes. The operating rates for two leading companies were 54% and 56%, respectively. Integrated companies operated at rates between 58% and 60%, while other companies had rates ranging from 56% to 78%.

Looking ahead, the recent continuous decline in silicon wafer prices has pushed market prices below the production costs for most companies. Consequently, the potential for further significant drops is relatively limited. However, given the sluggish downstream demand and large inventory overhang, the silicon wafer market is expected to fluctuate at low levels in the short term.