Silica Fume Price Per Ton in 2026: What Drives the Cost & How to Get an Accurate Quote

If you are sourcing silica fume for concrete, refractory or oil-well applications, "what does silica fume cost per ton?" is usually the first question — and the hardest to answer with a single number. Price moves with grade, densification, packaging, order volume and ocean freight to your port.

This guide explains what actually drives the cost so you can read a quotation correctly and avoid surprises at delivery. Treat any single "price per kg" you see online as a rough indication only; the figure that matters is a current FOB or CIF quote for your specific grade, volume and destination.

Why There Is No Single "Price Per Ton"

Silica fume is a by-product of silicon metal and ferrosilicon production, so its supply and price track those industries. On top of the raw material cost, your delivered price depends on several factors that vary order to order. A quote that looks cheap on a per-kilogram basis can become expensive once packaging and freight are added — which is why comparing FOB and CIF quotes correctly matters more than chasing the lowest headline number.

The Main Factors That Move the Price

SiO₂ grade

Higher silica content and pozzolanic activity command higher prices. Grade 92 (the highest activity grade, used in UHPC and demanding marine work) costs more than Grade 85 (suitable for general industrial and refractory use). For most ready-mix and precast concrete, Grade 90 offers the best balance of performance and cost.

Densified vs undensified

Undensified microsilica has very low bulk density, so it costs more to package and ship per ton of material and usually carries a premium. Densified material is easier to handle and transport and is the default choice for most concrete producers.

Packaging

The most economical option is the 1-tonne FIBC jumbo bag. Smaller 25 kg bags cost more per ton to fill, palletize and shrink-wrap. Bulk vessel loading is cheapest per ton but only makes sense at large volumes.

Order volume

A full container load (FCL) is far more economical per ton than a small trial order. Long-term or repeat buyers can often secure fixed-price contracts that smooth out market swings.

Incoterms and freight

An FOB price covers the goods loaded at the Chinese port; a CIF price adds ocean freight and insurance to your destination. Freight can be a significant share of the delivered cost for low-value-density cargo, and it fluctuates with shipping rates and your discharge port.

How to Get an Accurate Quote (and Compare Suppliers Fairly)

To get a quote you can actually compare and budget against, give the supplier the details that drive the price up front:

• Required grade (e.g. Grade 90, ASTM C1240) and any standard you must meet
• Quantity and whether you want a trial order or full container loads
• Packaging (25 kg bags, 1 MT jumbo, or bulk)
• Destination port and the Incoterm you want quoted (FOB, CFR or CIF)
• Whether you need third-party inspection or special documentation

Then make sure you are comparing like for like — an FOB quote from one supplier against a CIF quote from another is not a fair comparison until freight is added in.

Frequently Asked Questions