China solar wafer prices decline as market demand weakens

Solar wafer prices in China have entered a downward trend following the end of a mid-August rally. According to the OPIS Global Solar Markets Report, Free-On-Board (FOB) China M10 and 210R wafer prices fell to $0.149/pc and $0.156/pc respectively, representing weekly decreases of 1.97% and 2.50%.

Industry participants attribute the decline to weakening downstream demand and a weakened negotiating position for suppliers. N-type 183 wafers, which previously peaked above CNY 1.10 ($0.164)/pc due to overseas demand, have fallen back to approximately CNY 1/pc.

The market is currently monitoring the upstream polysilicon sector following a reported production-control initiative. An industry meeting involving the China Photovoltaic Industry Association and major manufacturers in Sichuan reportedly aims to target a 2026 polysilicon output of 1.0-1.1 million metric tons, which would be a 20% reduction from 2025 levels. The initiative also includes calls for approximately 500,000 MT of capacity in Sichuan, Yunnan, and Qinghai to suspend production for technological upgrades during the fourth quarter.