【GE】Chinese Domestic UHP Graphite Electrode Prices Partially Rise

This week, prices for certain specifications of ultra-high-power (UHP) graphite electrodes in China increased. Prices for φ500mm and smaller electrodes rose by 200 yuan/ton. UHP graphite electrodes are quoted at 14,200 yuan/ton for φ450mm and 16,200 yuan/ton for φ600mm, with stable demand.

Downstream:

The average operating rate of 87 independent electric arc furnace (EAF) steel mills in China is 67.32%, down 0.51 percentage points week-on-week and 7.63 percentage points year-on-year. Rates in South China saw a slight increase, while those in Northeast China dropped significantly.

Among 247 surveyed steel mills, blast furnace operating rates were at 80.55%, down 0.92 percentage points from last week but up 2.24 percentage points year-on-year. Blast furnace ironmaking capacity utilization was 87.28%, a 0.05 percentage point decrease week-on-week and a 2.45 percentage point increase year-on-year. Steel mill profitability stood at 48.05%, down 1.73 percentage points week-on-week but up 12.55 percentage points year-on-year. Rebar blast furnace margins showed a loss of 172.91 yuan/ton, while EAF profits lost 217.62 yuan/ton. Declining profitability and operating rates in the steel market offer limited support for UHP graphite electrode demand.

Raw Materials:

Green coke prices in Daqing rose 250 yuan/ton week-on-week, while Yida needle coke prices remained stable. Demand for anode materials gradually recovered, with increased orders and higher operating rates supporting petroleum coke demand. However, graphite electrode companies face moderate demand for petroleum coke and significant cost pressures, prompting cautious market behavior.

Supported by raw material costs, UHP graphite electrode prices are expected to remain stable with a potential upward trend in the short term.

(Source: Mysteel)

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