Market Overview
Recently, the market prices for regular, high-power, and ultra-high-power graphite electrodes have ranged from 13,700 to 22,200 RMB/ton, remaining stable compared to the previous week. The average market price of graphite electrodes stands at 15,326 RMB/ton, also stable from the prior week. Graphite electrode manufacturers continue stable production, focusing on fulfilling existing orders, while companies that have halted production are still clearing their inventories. The market is experiencing slow buying and selling activities, with downstream companies purchasing graphite electrodes mainly based on immediate needs. Transaction prices are mostly negotiated on a case-by-case basis, with overall market prices remaining steady.
Price Range:
– Diameter 300-600mm graphite electrodes: Regular power 13,700-15,200 RMB/ton, High power 14,200-16,700 RMB/ton, Ultra-high power 14,700-18,700 RMB/ton
– Ultra-high power 700mm graphite electrodes: 21,200-22,200 RMB/ton
Upstream Market
– Low Sulfur Petroleum Coke: Prices at PetroChina’s refineries in the Northeast region remain stable, with downstream purchasing based on need. In the Northwest region, the price of Wushihua’s first-grade petroleum coke has been reduced by 100 RMB/ton, while other refineries’ prices remain steady. Yunnan Petrochemical’s petroleum coke recently produced has a sulfur content of 5.4%.
– Low Sulfur Calcined Coke: Market prices for low sulfur calcined coke (using Jinxi and Jinzhou petroleum coke as raw materials) are between 3,400-3,600 RMB/ton. Prices for low sulfur calcined coke (using Fushun petroleum coke as raw material) are between 4,460-4,800 RMB/ton, and those using Liaohe and Binzhou Zhonghai petroleum coke range from 3,150-3,400 RMB/ton.
– Needle Coke: The Chinese needle coke market remains stable today, with companies maintaining steady shipments. In terms of facilities, a phase one oil-based needle coke unit in Shandong has completed maintenance and is now fully producing anode-grade coke, which is in high demand. Other manufacturers continue stable production, fulfilling existing orders.
Downstream Market
– Steel: Downstream steel mills are operating poorly, purchasing graphite electrodes mainly to meet production needs, with no significant stockpiling intentions in the short term.
Market Forecast
The downstream market’s demand for graphite electrodes remains average, with purchases driven by order requirements. Overall trading activity is stable, with no significant changes in mainstream transaction prices. The short-term forecast suggests that the graphite electrode market will continue to operate steadily.
