【Calcined Petroleum Coke】Holding Steady and 

Observing Market Conditions

Market Overview

On April 22nd, the average market price of calcined petroleum coke was 2293 yuan/ton, remaining stable compared to the previous working day. Currently, the atmosphere in the low-sulfur calcined petroleum coke (cpc) market was general, with most transactions centered around executing long-term customer orders. Small and medium-sized enterprises mainly adjusted production based on sales contracts. Prices on the raw material end remained generally stable, with calcined coke companies mostly adopting a wait-and-see approach. In the high and medium sulfur calcined coke market, trading continued steadily, with a slight increase in daily production by some enterprises. However, downstream demand recovery was slow, but with firm prices on the raw material end. Additionally, a company in Hebei Province is expected to resume production in mid-May.

Current Prices

The mainstream transaction price for low-sulfur calcined coke (produced from Jinxi and Jinzhou petroleum coke) in the market is 3600-3900 yuan/ton; the mainstream transaction price for low-sulfur calcined coke (produced from Fushun petroleum coke) at the factory is 5050-5150 yuan/ton, and the mainstream transaction price for low-sulfur calcined coke (produced from Liaohe and Binzhou Zhonghai petroleum coke) in the market is 3300-3500 yuan/ton.

The mainstream contract price for medium-high sulfur calcined coke (Sulfur 3.0%, trace elements not required) was previously 2100 yuan/ton, and mainstream factory cash transaction price negotiation range is 2100-2150 yuan/ton. The mainstream contract price for medium-high sulfur calcined coke (Sulfur 3.5%, trace elements not required) was previously 1900 yuan/ton, and mainstream factory cash transaction price negotiation range is 1900-1950 yuan/ton; the mainstream contract price for medium-high sulfur calcined coke (Sulfur 3.0%, Vanadium 400) was previously 2400 yuan/ton, and negotiation price is 2500-2600 yuan/ton.

Supply Side

At present, Chinese commercial calcined coke daily supply is 27,160 tons, with a operating rate of 64.23%. Calcined coke market supply increased by 1.85% compared to the previous working day.

Upstream Market

Petroleum Coke: Currently, the main refineries are shipping steadily, while the local refinery petroleum coke market is generally shipping. With the weak market trend in the downstream carbon electrode market, coupled with the approach of the end of the month, companies are mainly purchasing petroleum coke out of necessity, and some refineries are under pressure to ship.

Downstream Markets

Graphite Electrodes: The market for graphite electrodes is quiet, with companies adopting a wait-and-see approach to the downstream market. Production plans are largely dependent on the volume of orders received.

Electrolytic Aluminum: Influenced by external markets and remarks by the central bank governor that the Chinese economy has continued to improve since the beginning of the year, with a monetary and financial environment favorable for economic recovery, and a decrease in social inventory of aluminum ingots, spot aluminum prices have risen.

Anode Materials: Market feedback indicates that consumption in the terminal new energy vehicle market is continuously increasing, driving overall order volumes for anode materials upward and leading to a growth trend in production scheduling. However, due to high bargaining power in the downstream sector, the actual transaction prices for anode materials remain low, and companies continue to face profitability pressures without significant change.

Market Outlook

In a market that has been weak for a long time, enterprises primarily purchase low-sulfur calcined coke out of necessity, with prices expected to remain temporarily stable in a short term. The market for mid-to-high sulfur calcined coke continues to have stable shipments, with prices also anticipated to generally hold steady tomorrow. For calcined coke market information, feel free to contact us.