Fastmarkets assessed the fortnightly price for graphite electrodes, HP, fob China at $2,300-2,400 per tonne on July 5, down $100 from $2,400-2,500 per tonne on June 21.
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Fastmarkets&#; fortnightly assessment of graphite electrodes, UHP, fob China was at $2,485-3,100 per tonne on July 5, widening downward by $265 from $2,750-3,100 per tonne previously, with liquidity reported at the low end for UHP 500 mm.
Market participants unanimously agreed that slow demand is pressuring the electrodes market, both domestically and abroad. The UHP spread on Fastmarkets assessment widened to $615 per tonne on July 5 from $350 per tonne on June 21.
A deal was reported at $2,485 per tonne for UHP 550 mm, while offer prices were as high as $3,600-4,000 per tonne.
The wide gap could be attributed to the fact that producers&#; costs in China vary depending on whether they use imported or locally produced material, according to sources.
&#;Even for the same supplier, the price could be different based on the raw materials used. Some tend to use domestic calcined needle coke, while others use imported coke, subject to the demand from their clients in different regions around the world,&#; a producer source in China told Fastmarkets.
Producers that use domestic feedstock were able to lower their offer prices in response to weak demand, while the relatively high costs of imported feedstock have narrowed margins for producers that use that material, sources said.
Prices for imported calcined needle coke were around $950-1,700 per tonne on June 29, while domestic prices stood at around 6,500-9,500 yuan ($899-1,315) per tonne on the same day.
&#;You can produce up to UHP 600 mm electrodes with the good quality domestic pet coke,&#; a trader in Europe said. &#;But electrodes prices are so low now that some producers are out of the market.&#;
&#;It is very hard for producers using imported needle coke under the present circumstances of sustained demand weakness. We don&#;t expect inquiries for material to pick up in Europe until September,&#; a second trader in Europe said.
The widening spread for UHP could also result from some cashflow factors with some trying to cash out while the market is under pressure. But this cases could be rare given that major producers are quoting prices based on the supply-demand fundamentals, a second producer in China said.
Demand for electrodes in China has been muted by weak consumption rates from the downstream steel sector.
&#;Electric arc furnaces are experiencing very limited marginal profits these days. Additionally, demand for steel remains weak. Steelmakers tend to keep inventory low during the slow summer season,&#; a source from one steelmaker in China told Fastmarkets.
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&#;Steel prices may be a little higher now in China, but production remains very low,&#; the first trader in Europe said.
&#;The market is saturated in China, so graphite electrodes prices are falling. A recovery in the export market and a boost to add stimulus is needed,&#; a third trader in Europe said.
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Graphite electrodes are vital components in various industries, especially in the steelmaking sector. These conductive rods play a crucial role in the electric arc furnace process, where they are responsible for transferring the electrical energy to the melting furnace. As the demand for high-quality steel grows, so does the curiosity surrounding graphite electrode prices.prices can be influenced by a myriad of factors. The most prominent ones include:: The primary material used in graphite electrodes is petroleum coke, which can be susceptible to price fluctuations. Other factors such as coal tar pitch, needle coke, and other additives also contribute to the overall cost.
Market Demand: Like any commodity, the demand for graphite electrodes plays a significant role in their pricing. During periods of high demand, prices may soar due to limited supply.
The production of graphite electrodes is energy-intensive. As energy prices fluctuate, so can the cost of production.International trade dynamics and geopolitical events can impact the pricing of graphite electrodes.Improvements in production techniques and technology can affect the overall cost of graphite electrodes.The cost of graphite electrodes is typically measured in USD per metric ton. However, it's important to note that there is no fixed price, as it can vary based on the factors mentioned above. It is essential to stay updated with current market trends, as prices are subject to change due to economic fluctuations and industry developments.
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