 |
| Wacker |
Semiconductor Demand Drives Recovery as Solar Oversupply Weighs on Market
German chemical giant Wacker Chemie aims to regain €1–1.3 billion in polysilicon sales in 2025 after a sharp decline in 2024. The company’s 2024 polysilicon revenue fell 41% year-on-year to €949 million, down from €1.6 billion in 2023. However, Wacker expects growing semiconductor demand to lift sales volumes, even as challenges persist in the solar-grade market.
Semiconductor Growth Fuels Polysilicon Expansion
Wacker is ramping up production of semiconductor-grade polysilicon at its Burghausen facility in Germany, with a new plant slated to launch in 2025. This expansion aligns with rising chip demand from the automotive and data center industries. The company anticipates increased volumes of higher-purity polysilicon, which commands better margins.
Meanwhile, the solar-grade polysilicon market remains oversupplied. Chinese producers have expanded output capacity beyond current solar panel installation needs, putting downward pressure on prices and margins.
Silicone Business to Grow by 10% in 2025
Wacker also forecasts 10% revenue growth in its silicones division in 2025. The company refines silicon metal in-house to produce silicones, which are used in diverse industrial applications. In 2024, silicone sales rose 2% to €2.81 billion, driven by increased sales of specialty products and higher plant utilization rates.
To meet future demand, Wacker has expanded production in Zhangjiagang, China, and is building a new specialty silicone facility in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. The new site is expected to begin operations by the end of 2025, potentially boosting sales in 2026.
We publish to analyze metals and the economy to ensure our progress and success in fierce competition.
No comments
Post a Comment