(Shanghai, April 14, 2026) As of today, the domestic silica market continues to be supported by strong costs, stable prices at high levels, and high-end tightness. According to the latest data from the business agency, the benchmark price of silica by precipitation method on April 13 was 6066.67 yuan/ton, the same as at the beginning of the month; The mainstream quotation of silicone rubber grade products is 6800-8000 yuan/ton, and the quotation of high-end fumed phase products is 16000-32000 yuan/ton. Driven by the sharp rise in raw materials and downstream upgrading, the industry presents a new pattern of "stable general products, high-end rises, and greening".
Sulfuric acid soared by 72%, and cost pressures peaked during the year
The price of sulfuric acid, a core raw material, hit a new high in April. On April 9, the spot price was 2,000 yuan/ton, a monthly increase of 72.41% and an increase of more than 150% during the year, hitting a new high in nearly 20 years. The main reason is the tightening of sulfur supply caused by the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East, the centralized maintenance of equipment in the main domestic production areas, and the concentrated release of downstream rigid demand. Coupled with the rise in soda ash and energy prices, the production cost center of silica enterprises has moved up by 15%-20%.Although the cumulative increase of 800 yuan/ton in March, most enterprises are still in a state of "price increase to make up for losses". A leading enterprise in East China said: "The current quotation only covers 70% of the new costs, and the gross profit margin continues to be compressed." Downstream tire and silicone rubber companies have been moved to accept price increases, and they are mainly procured.
Structural differentiation intensifies, and high-end and special categories continue to be popular
The market is clearly differentiated: general-grade is stable, high-dispersion/gas-phase/food-grade is in demand.
Precipitation method (general): the operating rate is about 75%, the inventory is medium, and the price is stable.
High-dispersion silica (for tires): With the increase in the penetration rate of new energy tires, the demand increased by 12%, and the quotation was 800-1200 yuan/ton higher than that of GM.
Vapor phase / silicone rubber grade: Driven by silicone, electronics, and medical, the quotation is strong.
Food/pharmaceutical grade: Due to strict purity requirements and tight supply, the price increased by 20% year-on-year.
Accelerating green transformation Carbonization / bio-based has become a new hot spot
In April, the implementation of green technology in the industry was accelerated:
CO₂ carbonization method mass production breakthrough: Shandong Zhongke hydrogen-rich 200,000 tons/year project (phase I) EIA publicity, with a total investment of 1.02 billion yuan. This process replaces sulfuric acid, reducing emissions by 90% and reducing costs by 15%, and is supported by key policies.
Coal-to-gas/coal-to-electricity full coverage: The natural gas utilization rate in Shandong, Fujian and Jiangxi agglomeration areas reached 68%. Sanming Fengrun Chemical invested 43 million yuan to complete the conversion from coal to gas, reducing carbon emissions by 12,000 tons per year.
Bio-based silicon source expansion: Black Cat Co., Ltd. and Quecheng Co., Ltd. successfully piloted rice husk ash to silica, reducing carbon emissions by 40%, and is expected to be scaled up in 2027.
Industry concentration has increased, and leaders have expanded high-end production capacity
Under the dual screening of policy and cost, small and medium-sized enterprises have accelerated their exit, and CR10 has risen to 42%. Leaders such as Quecheng, Black Cat, and Jinneng Technology focus on high added value:
The Anhui base of Quecheng Co., Ltd. has an annual output of 80,000 tons of high-dispersion silica and put into production.
The technical transformation of gas-phase silica at the Jiangxi base of Black Cat Co., Ltd. has been completed, with a purity of 99.9%.
Market outlook: high and stable operation in the second quarter or re-price adjustment
The industry expects:
Short-term (April-May): Sulfuric acid supply is tight, and prices remain high. Under cost pressure, the industry does not rule out secondary price adjustments.
Medium and long-term: high-end, green, and globalization as the main line. The growth rate of silica for high dispersion, food and medicine, and batteries was 15%. Carbon tariffs (CBAM) promote the release of low-carbon silica export dividends.
To sum up, the silica industry is in a period of cost pain and transformation opportunities. Short-term price operation is high, and long-term technological innovation and green and low-carbon will become core competitiveness.
