【Artificial Graphite】Import and Export Volumes Declined in February — What's Behind It?

Calcined petroleum coke, with its high carbon content, low sulfur, and low impurities, plays a vital role in modern manufacturing, especially in the aluminum and steel industries.

【Artificial Graphite】Import and Export Volumes Declined in February — What's Behind It?

In February 2026, China's artificial graphite imports totaled 669 tons, down 23% month-on-month and 85.5% year-on-year. In terms of import prices, the average import price in February 2026 reached RMB 59,389/ton, up 1.6% month-on-month and 231.2% year-on-year.

Data Source: China Customs, SMM

In February 2026, China's artificial graphite exports totaled 35,397 tons, down 32.25% month-on-month but up 65% year-on-year. In terms of export prices, the average export price in February 2026 reached RMB 8,628/ton, up 25.94% month-on-month but down 47.61% year-on-year.

Source: China Customs, SMM

On the export side, during the Spring Festival holiday, domestic anode material producers reduced production, and ports largely shut down for the holiday, leading to a near halt in production, customs clearance, and shipment. The concentrated “rush-to-export” shipments in January consumed February's export capacity in advance, resulting in a sharp 32.25% month-on-month drop in export volume.

Meanwhile, prices of raw materials such as petroleum coke and needle coke continued to rise, coupled with increased shipping costs, leading to higher export quotations and pushing the average export price up by 25.94% month-on-month.

Among the top five provinces exporting artificial graphite, one province saw a month-on-month export decline of nearly 90%, while two other provinces recorded declines exceeding 35%.

On the import side, due to logistical disruptions during the Spring Festival holiday in February, import volumes declined by 23% month-on-month.

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