Monthly review: Needle coke demand market weakened in September

ICC News: In September, the overall market consolidation of needle coke was the main focus. From the perspective of the market, the performance of forged needle coke was weak in the carbon market. As anode materials are affected by graphitization, companies have also lowered their raw material procurement expectations. Looking at China’s needle coke market prices from January to September, the average price of domestic coal-based coal is at 8,700 yuan, increased by 40% year-on-year, and the average price of oil-based coal is at 9,500 yuan, increased by 44% year-on-year. The average price of imported coal-based coal is at US$1,275, increased by 96% year-on-year. The average price of imported oil-based coal is at US$1,400, a year-on-year decrease of 10%.

 

As of the end of September, the domestic coal-based needle coke is at 8500-10000 yuan/ton, the oil-based needle coke is at 9500-12000 yuan/ton, the joint coke price is 13000 yuan/ton, and the green coke price is 6000-6500 yuan/ton. In terms of import prices, the coal-based needle coke is 1500-1600 US dollars, the oil-based needle coke is 1600-2000 US dollars/ton, and the anode coke price is 850-1300 US dollars/ton. 

 

On the whole, the needle coke market is still facing the squeeze of upstream raw materials on its profits, and it also encounters resistance when the price is transmitted to the downstream. In the short term, needle coke will continue to maintain a consolidation operation under the tepid market.