Lower-Purity Silicon (Under 99.99% by Weight)

Metallurgical-grade silicon (typically below 99% purity) is classified under 2804695000 and is used primarily as an alloying element in aluminum production, as a raw material for silicone polymers, and as a precursor in polysilicon manufacturing. It is distinct from the higher-purity grades used directly in semiconductor or solar applications.

Brazil is the leading supplier, followed by Canada and Norway. Australia and Malaysia also contribute meaningfully. These countries host large electric-arc furnace smelters that produce silicon from quartz and carbon reductants at industrial scale.