Weekly Report on the Petroleum Coke Carbon Additive Market

I. Overview of the Current Situation

The petroleum coke carbon additive market remains stable overall, with significant regional price differentials and firm quotations. The mainstream ex-factory price (including tax) in the Tianjin region is 6,500–6,700 yuan/ton, while in the Liaoning region it is 6,800–7,000 yuan/ton. Traders are selling at stable prices, and there is limited room for price concessions.

II. Supply and Demand Analysis

On the raw material side, driven by rising crude oil prices and refinery maintenance, calcined coke prices have continued to rise, providing strong cost support. Liaoning Liaohe Petrochemical will undergo maintenance from April 15 through mid-June, tightening the supply of low-sulfur petroleum coke. Production at enterprises in both regions remains stable, with inventories at low levels. Operations are primarily order-driven, resulting in tight spot market conditions, and manufacturers show no willingness to lower prices.

Downstream steel mills and foundries maintain stable essential demand and restock as needed, with purchases primarily consisting of small, essential orders and few large orders. Since carbon additives account for a low proportion of per-ton steel costs and exhibit strong essential demand, downstream buyers are not highly price-sensitive. Transactions remain stable, with no obvious signs of demand contraction.

III. Market Outlook for Next Week

In the short term, the market remains firm overall, with no room for price reductions, presenting a scenario where prices are more likely to rise than fall. Maintenance at Liaohé Petrochemical will tighten raw material supply in Liaoning, supporting local prices to remain at high levels; in Tianjin, prices will also remain stable, driven by costs and regional trends. With supply and demand maintaining a tight balance and traders holding a firm outlook, there is a possibility of slight price increases.