【Graphite Electrode】Market Remains Stable with Abundant Low-Priced Resources

The graphite electrode market is currently showing stability, with prices ranging from 16,000 to 24,500 yuan/ton, maintaining the previous levels. The market continues to see most transactions occurring at the lower end, as some graphite electrode enterprises are facing financial challenges and offering their products at competitive prices. Additionally, a few enterprises are following a "price optimization" strategy in their transactions, resulting in an overall low-price trend in the graphite electrode market. 

In the northeastern region, refining facilities under PetroChina are experiencing stable sales with a focus on secured pricing for petroleum coke products from Jinxi, Jinzhou, and Jilin petrochemicals. 

The mainstream transaction prices for low-sulfur calcined coke (with Jinxi and Jinzhou petroleum coke as raw materials) are in the range of 4,200 to 4,500 yuan/ton. Meanwhile, the mainstream transaction prices for low-sulfur calcined coke (with Fushun petroleum coke as raw material) are at 6,550 to 6,650 yuan/ton. As for low-sulfur calcined coke with Liahe and Binzhou Zhonghai petroleum coke as raw materials, the prices range from 3,900 to 4,200 yuan/ton.

The Chinese needle coke market remains weak but stable, and shipments are moderate. Petroleum-based needle coke manufacturers are operating at relatively low production capacity, and although inventory levels have decreased slightly due to previous consumption, they still remain relatively high. On the other hand, coal-based needle coke manufacturers are maintaining low production levels, with most of them being newly established or producing for internal use.

The steel industry is currently implementing staggered production schedules, and the low profitability of steel mills is affecting their enthusiasm for production, leading to a focus on essential graphite electrode procurement. The current off-season for the downstream electric arc furnace steel market has resulted in limited graphite electrode purchases. Coupled with the excess inventory in graphite electrode enterprises, the market is experiencing a situation of oversupply, keeping graphite electrode prices stable. Ultra-high power 450mm graphite electrodes are being transacted at low prices of 15,000 to 16,000 yuan/ton. For more industry news about the carbon market, feel free to contact us.