As a major producer and exporter of silicon carbide, China contributes about 80% to the global silicon carbide capacity, according to a recent report from Research and Markets. In 2013, China exported 286,800 tons of silicon carbide after the abolition of the export quota system, up 73.8% year on year. From January to November 2014, China’s silicon carbide export volume amounted to 289,800 tons.

 

In 2014, there were more than 200 silicon carbide smelting enterprises in China, with an annual capacity of over 2.20 million tons, including over 1.20 million tons of green silicon carbide and about 1 million tons of black silicon carbide. However, the rapid capacity expansion in the previous two years and the sluggish photovoltaic industry (one of the primary downstream sectors) led to a low-capacity utilization rate. As the photovoltaic industry warms up, and refractories, ceramics, LEDs and other industries grow steadily, China’s silicon carbide capacity utilization rate is expected to rise.

 

According to the report, major silicon carbide producers in China consist of Xindaxin Materials, Longhai Silicon, Lanzhou Heqiao, Yicheng New Material, Ningxia Jinjing and others. Among them, Xindaxin Materials acquired 100% stake of Yicheng New Material on April 27, 2013, to become China’s largest silicon carbide blade material production and recycling company; at present, its silicon carbide capacity is up to 210,000 tons per year, and its wafer cutting mortar recycling capacity hits above 60,000 tonsper year.

 

Although China’s silicon carbide industry has a large scale and sufficient capacity, the silicon carbide products of the industry are mainly low-end primary products, while fine, deep-processed products with high added value are in short supply. At present, only Tianfu Energy, SICC, Hebei Tongguang and EpiWorld can mass-produce silicon carbide wafers in China.

 

For more information, visit www.researchandmarkets.com.