Graphite Electrode Prices Remain Firm, Exports Grow Slightly

This week, the domestic graphite electrode market remained stable. The mainstream price of UHP450mm with needle coke content of 30% in the market was 26,000-27,000 yuan/ton, the mainstream price of UHP600mm was 29,000-30,000 yuan/ton, and the price of UHP700mm was 34,000-35,000 yuan/ton. Since the domestic steel price has dropped by more than 300 yuan in May, most independent electric furnace steel mills can only produce for 8-16 hours due to losses.

The domestic raw material market continued to remain strong this week. At present, the leading manufacturers of oil-based needle coke in Shandong have maintained their quotations at 14,000-15,000 yuan / ton; although the price of some specifications of petroleum coke has dropped by 200-700 yuan, the price of calcined petroleum coke is stable. The price of calcined petroleum coke in the region is 11,000-11,500 yuan / ton, and the production cost of graphite electrode enterprises remains high.

This week, the overall domestic steel production declined slightly, and the price of construction steel continued to fall. The epidemic and the rain still had an impact on demand, and the confidence of manufacturers was obviously insufficient. However, due to the larger drop in scrap steel prices this week, some merchants took the initiative to cash out in warehouses, and the profits of electric furnace steel mills rebounded. Some large electric furnaces that had been suspended for maintenance in the early stage resumed production. Demand has increased slightly.

Judging from the current situation, the price of needle coke and other raw materials continues to rise in June with little momentum, and the positive policy side is still difficult to realize the boost to the steel market. In addition, the traditional high-temperature off-season in June is approaching, and steel market confidence is still needed. time. For graphite electrodes, controlling production and inventory is an effective measure to stabilize prices when the cost reduction is not expected.