【Graphite Electrodes】Prices Rise by 200 RMB/Ton

Last week, the domestic ultra-high power(UHP) graphite electrode prices in China exhibited a weak trend, with small and medium sizes increasing by 200 RMB/ton. The φ450 ultra-high power graphite electrode was quoted at 15,000 RMB/ton, while the φ600 was quoted at 17,500 RMB/ton. Market transactions were moderate, and bidding activities are nearing conclusion ahead of the holiday. 

On the downstream side, the average operating rate of 87 independent electric arc furnace steel mills in China was 68.04%, a decrease of 2.12 percentage points compared to the previous period but an increase of 61.00 percentage points year-on-year. The Northwestern region showed a significant decline, while the Southern, Eastern, and Southwestern regions experienced slight decreases, and the Central region saw a slight increase. Out of 247 steel mills, blast furnace operating rate was 76.23%, up 0.15% from the previous week and 0.26% higher compared to last year; blast furnace iron production capacity utilization was 82.98%, up 0.42% from the previous week and down 0.12% year-on-year; steel mill profit margin was 26.41%, down 0.43% from the previous period and 0.86% lower year-on-year. Electric furnace profits incurred a loss of 195.80 RMB/ton, blast furnace profits incurred a loss of 353.50 RMB/ton, intensifying losses for steel mills, leading to lower bid prices for graphite electrodes. Due to the low supply of ultra-high power graphite electrodes and tight supply of some popular specifications, prices are on an upward trend.

On the raw material front, Daqing petroleum coke has risen by 280 RMB/ton in the past two weeks, while Shandong Yida needle coke prices have dropped by 300 RMB/ton in the same period. With recent fluctuations in raw material prices, the cost of ultra-high power graphite electrodes is uncertain. However, as bidding activities are concluding, it is expected that the domestic prices of ultra-high power graphite electrodes will stabilize in the short term. Any inquiries of graphite electrode, welcome to contact us.