【Raw Materials】Cost and Demand Pressure—Where is the Graphitized Carburant Market Heading?

Current Price Trends

As of late March, the price of graphitized carburant (C≥98.5%, S≤0.05%, 1-5mm, ton-bag) is around ¥3,500-3,600/ton (incl. tax) in North China and ¥3,600-3,700/ton (incl. tax) in East China. Compared to the previous period, prices for some specifications have slightly declined due to fluctuations in raw material costs and downstream demand.

Raw Material Market Overview

1. Petroleum Coke Supply & Pricing

• Some low-sulfur coke refineries are under inventory pressure, prompting aggressive sales, which could drive prices further downward.

• Mid-to-high sulfur coke prices had been declining, making them more cost-competitive, leading to improved downstream purchasing sentiment. Prices are expected to stabilize in the near term.

2. Supply & Demand Analysis

• Supply: Most graphitized carburant manufacturers are operating normally, and market supply remains sufficient.

• Demand: Steel industry and foundries continue to adopt a "procure-as-needed" approach, leading to moderate overall transactions. Machinery manufacturing and other sectors are cautious in procurement due to macroeconomic conditions, limiting any substantial demand growth.

Market Outlook

• Short-Term: The graphitized carburant market is expected to remain weak to stable. While raw material price fluctuations exist, their impact on pricing is limited. Downstream steel industry demand is unlikely to improve significantly in the near term, keeping buyers cautious.

• Long-Term: If global economic conditions improve and infrastructure investments increase, steel industry demand could rebound, providing new growth opportunities for the graphitized carburant market.

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