【China Graphite Electrode】Exports Shine in April Despite Tariff Pressures

In terms of country breakdown, South Korea, Iran, and Russia were the top three destinations for China's graphite electrode exports in April, all showing month-on-month growth. Exports to South Korea reached 4,200 tons, up 89.66% MoM, ranking first; exports to Iran totaled 3,700 tons, up 49.31% MoM; and exports to Russia reached 2,400 tons, up 19.79% MoM.

Among them, South Korea saw the largest increase. This significant growth was mainly due to the resumption of domestic steel production in South Korea following its anti-dumping investigation into Chinese steel products, which indirectly boosted demand for graphite electrodes. In addition, the April price surge in U.S. domestic steel products exceeded the impact of the 25% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, giving Korean steel products a greater price advantage in the U.S. market. This stimulated South Korea's steel exports to the U.S., which in turn drove demand for Chinese graphite electrodes. For example, the representative steel product hot-rolled coil was priced at around USD 1,000 per ton in the U.S., while Korean products were cheaper, at about KRW 1.1 million (approximately USD 800).
Exports of graphite electrodes to the United States in April fell sharply to 200 tons, down 77.55% MoM, mainly due to the impact of U.S. trade policy. High tariff barriers have significantly weakened the competitiveness of Chinese graphite electrodes in the U.S. market.
Although April's export data was strong, the graphite electrode production side is already under noticeable pressure. Orders and business expectations are both declining, and the uncertainty of tariff policy further exacerbates the risks of export trade. Some originally stable export orders may be canceled or reduced due to policy adjustments.

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