How is China's selenium supply chain shifting from crude selenium to high-purity grades?

How is China's selenium supply chain shifting from crude selenium to high-purity grades?
China's selenium market is undergoing a structural shift. Crude selenium, once a low-value byproduct of copper electrolysis, is now being upgraded in-house as producers extend into refining. The price gap is stark: 99.99% high-purity selenium can command over 10 times the price of crude material. Demand is being pulled by photovoltaics—especially CZTSSe thin-film solar—and specialty semiconductor applications. However, traditional downstream sectors like glass and electrolytic manganese are stagnating as China's construction cycle matures. This means overall selenium demand growth is limited, but the value mix is improving. Producers who integrate refining capacity are better positioned to capture margins, while those selling only crude face persistent low profitability.