Related product prices down, needle coke market wait-and-see increase

This week, China’s needle coke market price was flat compared with last week. The market was stable. At the end of the month, each enterprise has entered the new single price negotiation period, from the actual situation, it was more difficult to increase the price in June. UHP graphite electrode (needle coke as raw material) applies in EAF/LF for steelmaking. On the one hand, downstream market consumption was weak, and the demand for new device still takes time to release. On the other hand, the market price is changeable, and enterprises tend to buy on demand.

This week, the overall operation of the market remained at a medium level, and the prices of raw materials fluctuated, the crude oil prices continued to grow, which strongly supported the oil slurry market. The cost pressure of oil-based needle coke remained unchanged, the coal tar pitch price was slightly loosened, and the coal-based needle coke cost remained basically stable.

This week, the demand for needle coke was generally good, graphite electrode market price was stable, and the operation of downstream EAF plants was general. Under the high cost presure, graphite electrode enterprises’ production enthusiasm was not good enough, therefore, the demand for needle coke was less than expected. Anode material market demand was strong, and constant orders were pouring into raw coke market. However, affected by the price reduction of related products, the market wait-and-see mood increased, and the purchase was mainly on demand. 

This week, the domestic overall needle coke enterprises’ inventory was in the middle level, mainstream oil-based manufacturers’ inventory was low, the shipment was good, the coal-based needle coke operation increased and the market was active. The overall inventory of needle coke would increase.

Judging from the current market situation, the raw material price is relatively stable, the cost side is strongly supported, the demand side is general, and the downstream procurement is mainly based on demand. In terms of market sentiment, the related products prices are reduced, and the market wait-and-see sentiment is increased. Next week, the needle coke market price is expected to maintain stable. If you have any questions about graphite market, please contact us.