Weekly review: Slow demand growth hinders needle coke price rising (12.2-12.9)

  Needle coke market trading were stable this week. Needle coke manufacturers operate at stable prices. The overall market operating rate remained at a medium low level. Anode materials price has decreased. Needle coke is purchased on demand. In terms of price, coal series needle coke price is 10000-12000 yuan/ton, petroleum series price is 10500-13500 yuan/ton, the coal series and petroleum series green coke price is 8000-9500 yuan/ton. In terms of import price, Japan's coal series price is 1100-1150 USD/ton, South Korea's coal series price is 1100-1100 USD/ton; In terms of petroleum series needle coke, Japan's price is 2500-2800 USD/ton, and United Kingdom's price is 1800-2000 USD/ton; Needle coke price for preparing anode is 1000-1500 USD/ton.

Raw material

This week, the raw material market continued to operate at a high level,  international oil prices fell, and the pulp market generally showed a downward trend. However, the resource of low sulfur mud is tight, market price is dominated by market demand, and there is almost no room for price decline. Petroleum series needle coke enterprises' profits are low. In terms of coal tar pitch, the price continued to rise this week, and coal series enterprises suffered heavy losses. However, recently, coal tar deep processing industry is gradually speeding up, and the supply is expected to increase. At present, downstream enterprises mainly supplement coal tar pitch according to actual needs, and the price growth will slow down.

Downstream

This week, graphite electrode market price increased, the mainstream UHP600 price increased 500 yuan to 25500-26500 yuan/ton. The increase in graphite electrode prices is supported by the tight supply of graphite electrode manufacturers. However, the operating rate of graphite electrode factory is low, and the demand for raw materials is general. In terms of anode materials, this week in order to meet downstream market demand, anode materials' market price has been adjusted accordingly. The production and sales of leading enterprises have temporarily stabilized, and the output of some small and medium-sized factories has declined. At present, terminal battery factories mainly clean up inventory, and the willingness to buy anode materials is poor. The demand for needle coke shall be consistent with the demand for battery anode materials. In the short term, anode materials are mainly supplemented according to the rigid demand.

Overview

Downstream demand is temporarily dominated by rigid demand procurement, with low operating rate and low inventory, while the cost of raw materials is still high. Manufacturers maintain a stable attitude of price rise. Needle coke market is expected to run smoothly in the short term. For needle coke further product market analysis, feel free to consult us.