【Graphite Electrodes】Exports Steadily Rising in August – UAE and Korea "Surging," Russia "Braking"

According to customs data, the total export volume in August 2025 was 27,900 tons, an increase of 5.42% month-on-month but a decrease of 5.11% year-on-year. From the cumulative data of January–August 2025, graphite electrode exports reached 208,300 tons, up 4.33% compared with the same period last year. Although monthly exports have shown fluctuations, the cumulative annual trend has remained in growth.

From the perspective of export destinations, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Russia remained China's main markets for graphite electrode exports this month.

United Arab Emirates: Strong Demand, Outstanding Market Performance

The UAE market performed prominently, with exports of graphite electrodes to the UAE in August reaching 4,000 tons, a month-on-month increase of 13.86%. The average transaction price was RMB 18,687/ton, the highest among the three major markets in the same period. Compared with traditional transfer destinations such as Southeast Asia and Mexico, the UAE is more suitable for the layout of high value-added industries. As more Chinese enterprises regard the UAE as a hub for re-export trade, shipments of graphite electrodes to the UAE have also increased significantly.

South Korea: Rapid Growth, Promising Potential

The South Korean market maintained steady growth, with exports of graphite electrodes to South Korea reaching 2,300 tons, a sharp month-on-month increase of 47.96%. The average transaction price was RMB 16,582/ton. According to The Korea Economic Daily, the South Korean government is planning a restructuring of its steel industry. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is expected to release a blueprint as early as the end of September, which will include reducing the output of traditional rebar and thick steel plates, while increasing the production of high-grade special products with government support. The restructuring of South Korea's steel industry will affect the demand structure of its graphite electrode market. The increase in high-grade special products will significantly boost demand for high-quality, high-performance graphite electrodes. In the future, demand for premium graphite electrodes in the Korean market will increase substantially.

Russia: Demand Retreat, Worth Watching

Unlike the growth in the UAE and South Korean markets, the Russian market showed a pullback. In August, exports of graphite electrodes to Russia totaled 2,200 tons, a month-on-month decrease of 4.82%, with an average transaction price of RMB 17,491/ton. It is understood that Russia's domestic construction industry has seen a sharp decline in demand, and overall steel demand in Russia is expected to fall by 10% year-on-year in 2025. Most steel mills will be forced to cut output, and some steel companies have already begun suspending certain production lines. The reduction in steel production has in turn led to decreased demand for graphite electrodes.

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