Ferrosilicon remained a favorite discussion topic among the bears and bulls since last week. The price still holds week- on-week at 98-100 cents per lb, ex warehouse. It is believed that much of the Russian and Venezuelan material in the US is likely committed to contract customers; meanwhile, it was reported that trade data from China indicated nearly double the exports of standard grade material leaving the Asian nation’s shores en route to the US. No one can really say that this was not expected given the current anti-dumping case and negotiations. Sellers noted current quotes over 100 cents per lb, ex warehouse, but spot deals were slim over the past week, and any change is only likely to develop slowly. Recent low prices were believed to come from traders hoping to cash out on inventory. European players, meanwhile, were also likely looking to the US market to cash in on the recent upward trend. In the European market specifically, discussions were renewed on Russian and Chinese antidumping duties. Accordingly, some appreciation was noted one week ago, when spot prices rose to €1,030-1,060 per mt, ex warehouse, but there were no changes reported since. A response to the EU’s duties on said imports is not likely until early 2015.