【Needle Coke】Subdued Market and Declining Transactions

【Needle Coke】Subdued Market and Declining Transactions

Ⅰ. Current Highlights

1. Modified coal tar pitch prices have been adjusted to 4,650-4,800 RMB/ton, while medium-temperature coal tar pitch prices stand at 4,500-4,600 RMB/ton. 

2. The average operating rate of electric arc furnaces (EAF) is 67.29%, increasing by 1.97 percentage points compared to the previous period and decreasing by 0.62 percentage points year-on-year.

3. The mainstream price for slurry oil is 3,700-3,950 RMB/ton. View the specifications & price info. of calcined coke.

Ⅱ. Market Situation

Data source:  Oilchem

Data source:  Oilchem

Low-sulfur petroleum coke saw a slight increase of 40 RMB/ton, but downstream buyers remain cautious. The mainstream price for raw coke is 5,500-6,500 RMB/ton, and for calcined coke is 8,500-10,500 RMB/ton.

Ⅲ. Production and Sales Dynamics

Supply: Most needle coke coal-based enterprises have stopped production or shifted to producing coal tar pitch, while some oil-based enterprises have temporarily halted production, maintaining low-load operation. Manufacturer inventories are relatively ample.

Demand: Demand from negative electrode enterprises has not seen significant improvement. EAF operation is moderate, and demand for needle coke from graphite electrodes remains low.

Ⅳ. Related Product Prices

Low-sulfur petroleum coke: 3,250-4,300 RMB/ton; Medium-low sulfur slurry oil: 3,700-3,950 RMB/ton; Medium-temperature coal tar pitch: 4,500-4,600 RMB/ton, modified coal tar pitch prices increased to 4,650-4,800 RMB/ton; Medium-grade synthetic graphite: 36,000 RMB/ton, and ultra-high power 700mm graphite electrode market: 26,000 RMB/ton.

Ⅴ. Market Outlook

Currently, the needle coke market shows a declining transaction volume and a generally subdued trading atmosphere. There is no significant boost in market demand, and no positive expectations for the future market. Contact us for more reports on needle coke market.