China's polysilicon industry changes: from being controlled by people to the world's largest producer

**Abstract** On January 20th, the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China issued final anti-dumping and countervailing duty rulings on polysilicon imported from the United States and South Korea, involving approximately $2.6 billion. This decision marked the conclusion of a two-year "double reverse investigation" into the polysilicon imports from these countries, bringing temporary relief to struggling domestic polysilicon enterprises. However, Lu Wei, Secretary-General of the China Polysilicon Industry Technology Innovation Strategy Alliance, emphasized that the "double reverse" measures are not a long-term solution. He stressed that true competitiveness lies in product quality and cost control, as well as breaking through foreign technological blockades and establishing international standards. Five years ago, the price of polysilicon was as high as $500 per kilogram, but now it can be purchased for just $25. Over the past decade, China’s polysilicon industry has evolved from small-scale production of 100 tons to large-scale manufacturing exceeding 10,000 tons annually. It has transitioned from being dependent on foreign technology, markets, and pricing to becoming the world's largest producer of polysilicon. **Roller Coaster Development** Polysilicon is a critical raw material for semiconductor integrated circuits and solar photovoltaic cells, playing a key role in both the information and renewable energy industries. Its most significant contribution has been lowering the cost of solar cells globally, which has had a major impact on energy conservation and emissions reduction. Lu Wei told Science and Technology Daily that the last ten years have been a golden period for the development of China’s polysilicon industry, especially in the past five years. In 2011, the Ministry of Science and Technology launched the “Twelfth Five-Year” National Science and Technology Support Program, focusing on the development of efficient, large-scale clean production technologies for energy-saving polysilicon, marking a breakthrough in the field. The Chinese polysilicon industry began in the 1950s and 1960s, with over 30 companies engaged in R&D, aligning with global trends. However, by the 1980s, many of these companies lost their market due to lack of scale and rapid technological advancements in downstream integrated circuit industries. After 2000, the industry became closely tied to the photovoltaic sector. From 2002, the domestic photovoltaic industry started to grow. The polysilicon industry experienced a bubble period from 2005 to 2008, followed by a downturn after the 2008-2009 financial crisis. By 2010–2011, the industry entered a mature adjustment phase. In 2011, the global polysilicon market was volatile, with prices fluctuating dramatically. By November, prices had dropped below $30/kg. At the time, more than 85% of domestic polysilicon producers were forced to halt operations, facing severe losses. **Breaking Through International Monopoly** Since its inception in the 1950s, China’s polysilicon industry has faced immense challenges from international technology and market monopolies. Ten years ago, advanced polysilicon technology was concentrated in the U.S., Japan, and Germany, with strict technical blockades and market dominance over China. Due to low technical levels, small production scales, and high costs, China relied heavily on imports, which constrained the development of the information and new energy industries. From 2005 to 2009, as demand for downstream applications surged, domestic companies had to import at high prices, often paying more than global market rates. In 2011, key polysilicon research was included in the “Twelfth Five-Year” National Science and Technology Support Plan. A collaborative effort between industry, academia, and research institutions led to significant progress in low-cost production technologies and clean production processes. Within three years, China developed independent intellectual property rights in high-efficiency, low-cost polysilicon production, reducing energy consumption by over 40% compared to the previous plan and cutting production costs significantly. Some advanced enterprises even managed to reduce costs below 120 yuan/kg. Despite breaking through foreign technological barriers, the industry still faced intense dumping from the U.S., South Korea, and the EU. Foreign polysilicon was sold at prices as low as $15/kg, while their actual costs exceeded $20/kg. With China producing half of the world’s solar cells, foreign firms aimed to maintain their market share and eliminate Chinese competitors. Over 40 polysilicon plants were shut down, leading to massive losses. The Ministry of Commerce responded with a “double opposition” against the U.S. and South Korea, proving China’s ability to compete technologically and economically. **“Double High” History Has Been Turned Over** In 2002, China produced only 50 tons of polysilicon annually. By 2013, annual output exceeded 80,000 tons, accounting for one-third of global production. By 2014, capacity surpassed 150,000 tons, driven by national science and technology support programs. While the industry once faced criticism for high pollution and energy consumption, recent advancements in process optimization have significantly improved efficiency and environmental performance. Technologies like thermal hydrogenation of silicon tetrachloride have enabled full recycling, reducing emissions and increasing production. Today, the energy consumption for producing 1 kg of polysilicon has dropped from 400 kWh in 2008–2009 to under 100 kWh, surpassing traditional industry benchmarks. With overcapacity and quality issues, the industry now needs to focus on cultivating the domestic market, strengthening industrial standards, and promoting sustainable growth through innovation and low-cost technologies.

Classic Composite Decking

Classic Composite Decking,Wood Plastic Composite Decking,Composite Wood Decking,Wood Plastic Composite

Jinhu Jusheng Plastic Wood New Material Co.,Ltd , https://www.goldenlakewpc.com