Graphite electrode market price

In July, the domestic ultra-high-power graphite electrode market exhibited a divergent pattern characterized by “strong performance in small specifications and stable performance in large specifications.” Rising raw material costs and tightened supply were the core driving factors. As August begins, there remains an expectation of further price increases for raw material petroleum coke, and uncertainties persist in the downstream demand market. How will the ultra-high-power graphite electrode market develop moving forward?

I. July Price Review      The domestic ultra-high-power graphite electrode market continued its upward trend. Taking the mainstream specification Φ500 as an example, prices in Jiangsu Province rose from 14,300 yuan per ton at the beginning of the month to 15,000 yuan per ton by the end of the month, with a cumulative increase of 4.9% for the month. Prices for the same specification in Henan, Hebei, Liaoning, and other regions also followed suit. The price of Φ350-Φ450 ultra-high-power graphite electrodes increased from 13,800 yuan/ton to 14,500 yuan/ton, with a cumulative increase of 5.1%. The prices of larger-sized electrodes (Φ600-Φ700) remained relatively stable. II. Rising costs support stronger prices      In July, domestic petroleum coke prices rose for two consecutive months. Taking Daqing calcined petroleum coke prices as an example, by July 31, domestic calcined petroleum coke prices had increased by 330 yuan per ton, a rise of 5.82%. Additionally, starting from August 1, petroleum coke prices rose again, and there is still an expectation of price increases in August. The cost of ultra-high graphite electrodes may continue to strengthen.

III. Graphite electrode demand may follow a pattern of high demand followed by a decline. Based on production conditions at independent electric arc furnace plants in July, capacity utilization rates declined compared to June. However, as finished steel prices recovered, the willingness of electric arc furnace plants to resume operations increased, leading to a surge in electrode demand. By late August, due to increased policy and safety production requirements, independent electric arc furnace production, operating rates, and steel mill refining may all decline, leading to a decrease in graphite electrode demand. Overall, graphite electrode demand in August is expected to follow a pattern of high demand initially followed by a decline.

IV. August Market Forecast      Overall, in August, as steel procurement plans are implemented, the prices of ultra-high graphite electrodes are expected to be further consolidated after the initial increase. Additionally, driven by rising petroleum coke prices and increased demand, the prices of ultra-high electrodes may rise again. However, the growth potential for demand is limited, and there is a risk of a decline. It is anticipated that the domestic market for ultra-high-power graphite electrodes in August may follow a pattern of initial price increases followed by stabilization.