Mysteel news: UHP graphite electrode prices down in China

Recently, UHP (ultra-high power) graphite electrode price in China has shown a weak trend, with a weekly decrease of 1500 yuan/ton. As of press release, UHP graphite electrode φ450 is quoted at 22500-23500 yuan/ton, φ600 is quoted at  25000-27000 yuan/ton. Graphite electrode enterprises have great shipping pressure, and some of them have suffered losses. 

In the downstream, 85 independent EAF steel plants' average operating rate was 42.56%, with a month-on-month increase of 0.21% and a year-on-year decrease of 37.24%, among which, Northeast China showed a sharp decline, East China and Northwest China showed a slight decline, North China showed a sharp rise, and South China and Southwest China showed a slight rise. 247 steel plants' blast furnace operating rate was 76.98%, down 1.55% from last week and 6.90% from last year; Blast furnace ironmaking capacity utilization rate was 84.01%, with a month-on-month decrease of 1.70% and a year-on-year decrease of 3.99%. Steel plants generally suffer losses, raw material prices continue to be suppressed, graphite electrode prices continue to face downward risks, coupled with the spread of the domestic epidemic, there are many unstable emotions in the market.

In terms of raw materials, the prices of low sulfur coke, needle coke and coal tar pitch were stable this week, and some manufacturers began maintenance. The market supply was low and the transaction was good, and graphite electrode cost pressure was still high, while the contradiction between supply and demand might bear the brunt. Domestic UHP graphite electrode prices are expected to be weak in the short term. Reading the latest graphite electrode market reports, feel free to contact us.