Mysteel News: A few domestic UHP graphite electrode transaction price rose

Recently, the UHP (UHP) graphite electrode price in China continues to remain stable at a high level. As of press time, UHP graphite electrode φ 450 quoted 26500-28500 yuan/ton, φ 600 quoted 28000-30000 yuan/ton, market transaction was general, most enterprises hold a wait-and-see attitude. At the beginning of the month, steel plants' bidding was at a low level, a few purchase prices were higher than last month, which will help to solid price after rising in the later period.

In terms of downstream, the average operating rate of 85 independent EAF steel plants was 71.03%, a decrease of 1.51% month-on-month and a decrease of 12.25% year-on-year, among which, East China and Southwest China showed a slight downward trend, while Northeast China showed a slight upward trend. The blast furnace operating rate of 247 steel plants was 82.61%, an increase of 0.70% week-on-week and a decrease of 4.75% year-on-year. EAF furnaces operating rate is not ideal, which is difficult to support UHP graphite electrode price after rising in the short run. In the later period, 7 steel plants in South China, Southwest and other areas issued maintenance and production reduction plans, which may have a negative impact on the price rise of some specifications of UHP graphite electrodes.

In terms of raw material cost, following the price rise last week, domestic petroleum coke and needle coke prices remained stable this week, but the market supply was tight. Jinxi calcined coke price increased by 103% year-on-year, and Jinzhou Petrochemical needle coke price increased by 47.36% year-on-year. Subject to raw material cost pressure, graphite electrode market overall supply is declining, and some enterprises turn to produce other products. High cost and low supply may support graphite electrode price to maintain a strong trend. Contact us for the latest graphite electrode market forecast.