Group 1: Silicon Iron Market Overview - In April, the silicon iron market showed a weak overall trend, primarily due to declining coal prices and weak demand [1] - Silicon iron prices experienced a fluctuating downward trend, heavily influenced by electricity prices, which are closely linked to coal and renewable energy generation [1] - The production capacity utilization rate for silicon iron was reported at 60.57% in March, an increase of 6.61% from February, with a total production of 502,740 tons, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 12.26% and a year-on-year increase of 18.02% [1] Group 2: Future Outlook for Silicon Iron - In May, the silicon iron market is expected to continue being influenced by coal prices, with a forecast of fluctuating prices due to reduced production in April [2] - The summer peak season for coal and electricity may provide support for silicon iron prices [2] Group 3: Manganese Silicon Market Analysis - The manganese silicon supply-demand situation is relatively stable, with a noticeable production decline in April following a rebound in March [2] - Despite the decrease in production, manganese silicon inventory continues to rise, indicating weak demand and ongoing oversupply issues [2] - Manganese silicon prices are also affected by coal prices, but more significantly by manganese ore prices [2] Group 4: Manganese Ore Inventory and Market Conditions - As of April 18, manganese ore port inventory was at 3.727 million tons, a year-on-year decrease of 28.8%, marking the lowest level since 2020, although there was a slight month-on-month increase [2][3] - Current manganese ore availability for manganese silicon plants is approximately one and a half months, with expectations of Australian ore resuming shipments in May [3] - The manganese silicon industry continues to face overcapacity, with new production capacity planned for the northern regions, which will increase market supply pressure [3] Group 5: Long-term Market Prospects for Manganese Silicon - Despite a rise in state reserves, manganese silicon warehouse receipts continued to increase in April, indicating ongoing weak price trends for May [3] - Long-term prospects for the manganese silicon market may improve in the fourth quarter as the supply-demand situation gradually stabilizes, potentially leading to a strong independent market [3]