【GPC】Graphitized carburant prices remain stable with weak demand

1. Market Overview

On March 25th, the mainstream market price of graphitized carburants in China remained weak and stable, with a reference price of 4300 yuan/ton, unchanged from the previous day. The cost price remained generally stable, but downstream steel plants have increased maintenance and production cuts, resulting in weak demand. Additionally, steel plants are exerting pressure on the prices of carburants. As a result, enterprise prices are mostly weak and stable, leading to relatively chaotic market prices and a weak trend in the carburant market. The mainstream prices for graphitized carburants (C≥98%, S≤0.05%, particle size: 1-5mm) range from 4200 to 4400 yuan/ton, while semi-graphitized carburants (C≥98%, S≤0.3%, particle size: 1-5mm) are priced at 3600-3800 yuan/ton. 

2. Supply Aspect

Most enterprises producing graphitized carburants are operating normally, ensuring adequate supply.

3. Upstream Market Aspect

Calcined Petroleum Coke（CPC）: Prices of medium to high sulfur raw material petroleum coke remain firm. Additionally, shipments from medium to high sulfur calcined coke enterprises are acceptable. Some calcined coke enterprises intend to raise prices, but limited by the slow recovery of downstream demand, the price increase of calcined coke is expected to be limited.

4. Downstream Market Aspect

Steel: Steel plants and associations in various regions have issued letters one after another to implement production control measures to reduce losses and ensure survival. Plans for production cuts and shutdowns have been successively released, with many steel plants announcing maintenance and production cutbacks, resulting in an expanding impact and insufficient support for the demand of graphitized carburants.

5. Future Market Forecast

With raw material prices remaining stable and insufficient support from downstream demand, the prices for graphitized coke recarburizers are expected to remain stable. The mainstream price for graphitized recarburizer (C≥98%, S≤0.05%, particle size: 1-5mm) is between 4200-4400 RMB/ton; for semi-graphitized recarburizer (C≥98%, S≤0.3%, particle size: 1-5mm), the mainstream price is between 3600-3800 RMB/ton. Contact us for more information on the production and sales trends of carburants.