Graphite electrodes are the essential consumables in EAF steelmaking. Due to their outstanding electrical conductivity and excellent high-temperature resistance, they play a critical role in ensuring efficient and stable furnace operation, thereby improving steel production capacity and product quality.

【EAF Steel】More Maintenance in EAF Mills, Rebar Inventory Accumulation Slows

Driven by restocking from downstream users and expectations of a U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate hike, domestic construction steel prices rose slightly this week, ending nearly two months of continuous inventory buildup. As of September 18, the average rebar price in China was 3,214 RMB, up 18 RMB from last weekend.

Raw Materials: This week, the scrap steel market followed with a small increase, with many steel mills raising prices to replenish inventories. The average purchase price of scrap steel for EAFs increased by 12 RMB from last week to 2,210 RMB/ton (excluding tax), narrowing the losses of EAF steelmakers. According to statistics, as of September 18, the capacity utilization rate of 135 EAF steel mills in China was 45.24%, down 0.16% from last week. Daily EAF steel output stood at 285,800 tons, marking six consecutive weeks of decline.

Although steel market demand showed slight improvement this week, compared with flat products, long products still face greater production and sales pressure. Coupled with expectations of reduced scrap supply during the National Day holiday, some EAF steel plants have already shut down early for maintenance and will not resume production until after the holiday. Meanwhile, some EAF mills are shifting toward special steel, stainless steel, and flat products. In the short term, growth momentum for EAF steel output remains insufficient, with the focus still on structural optimization.

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