In terms of raw materials, coal tar prices exhibited an "N" shaped trend this month, with overall prices trending upward. Prices dipped in the middle of the month but rose again towards the end. By the end of the month, the mainstream transaction price for modified coal tar was 5,600 to 5,700 yuan per ton, while the overall price of medium-temperature pitch was also in the range of 5,600 to 5,700 yuan per ton. The coal tar market price this month was mainly influenced by fluctuations in raw material coal tar oil prices, with downstream demand playing a supporting role. Coal-based needle coke enterprises suffered significant losses and were unable to operate. In the low-sulfur oil slurry market, prices continued to rise this week, with transaction prices ranging from 4,250 to 4,980 yuan per ton, putting considerable pressure on the cost side of oil-based needle coke enterprises.
On the downstream side, the graphite electrode market remained weak and stable this month. The resumption of downstream electric arc steel enterprises was slow, resulting in generally low demand for graphite electrode enterprises. These enterprises maintained only a low level of rigid demand for raw materials, with no significant improvement in the short term. In the anode material market, recent demand has been excellent, providing strong support for raw materials. As the operating rate of anode material enterprises continues to rise, the demand for anode materials in the medium to long term remains optimistic.
Overall, the needle coke market this month was supported by strong demand for anode materials, leading to positive overall sales and a dynamic balance in market supply. Next month, some needle coke enterprises are expected to shut down for maintenance, potentially leading to a decrease in supply. Given the positive demand outlook for anode materials, needle coke prices are expected to stabilize and rise in April.
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