Market prices for carbon-increasing agents of various grades in China continue to rise slightly across the board, driven by rising raw material costs and robust market demand, resulting in modest price increases and relatively active market performance. Specifically: Prices for low-grade, conventionally calcined coal-based carbon-increasing agents have edged up slightly, primarily due to overall relatively low market supply—especially in the northwest region, where environmental regulations have led to a slight contraction in production. Rising market demand has pushed prices higher. In the North China and Northeast regions, plants are operating at good capacity levels and order fulfillment is strong. Prices for medium- and high-sulfur carbon-increasing agents have also risen, supported by higher raw material costs; additionally, some newly commissioned capacities from earlier periods, which had been put on hold due to weak market conditions, are now gradually resuming production as demand picks up. Meanwhile, certain enterprises in Henan Province have temporarily suspended operations due to environmental pressures. Downstream steel prices remain firmly high, and companies continue to show strong willingness to stockpile supplies for winter, thereby boosting consumption of carbon-increasing agents.

Pulverized Calcined Coal Carbon Additive: The mainstream prices in China’s low-grade pulverized calcined coal carbon additive market have once again seen a slight increase. Market transactions remain robust due to supply shortages. Specifically: Raw materials, constrained by scarce environmental resources, continue to trade at high prices, putting significant cost pressure on carbon additives; On the production side: This week, the industry’s overall operating rate continued to decline compared to the previous week. In the northwest region, environmental regulations remain stringent, and due to tight raw material supplies, some enterprises have reduced their operating rates significantly or even temporarily suspended production. Moreover, with chaotic pricing in the market, enterprises face pressure in securing orders. Companies with export orders are experiencing delays in shipments due to disruptions in both domestic and international trade as well as raw material shortages. Enterprises in the North China region report relatively good transaction volumes at present, thanks to their well-equipped environmental protection facilities. Meanwhile, enterprises in the Northeast region are currently enjoying stable and healthy production, primarily driven by increased demand from nearby steel mills and foundries, resulting in strong transaction performance.

Calcined Coke Carbon Additive: The mainstream prices in China’s calcined coke carbon additive market have risen again, primarily driven by another round of price increases for low-sulfur calcined coke—the raw material. In particular, prices in Jinxi and Jinzhou have rebounded sharply. Strong cost support has provided robust backing, though regional differences in mainstream transaction prices remain pronounced. For medium- and high-sulfur calcined coke screened materials, cost support has slightly strengthened, but the pass-through of rising raw material costs has been relatively slow. As a result, screened-material prices have edged up slightly from their already high levels, with noticeable variations in actual transaction prices. On the production side, this week’s market operating rates saw a slight month-on-month increase. Enterprises in the North China region maintained stable operations, while those in East China and Northeast China showed better production performance; several companies are gradually bringing newly commissioned capacity online. Downstream foundries and steel mills are adjusting their production capacities and facing stricter environmental regulations, yet demand remains relatively strong. We expect prices to rise modestly in the short term, though actual transaction price increases will likely be limited.

Graphite Petroleum Coke Carbon Additive: The mainstream price of China’s graphite calcined coke carbon additive market has slightly risen from its already high level. Market transactions remain relatively robust, and buyers are highly active. Let’s take a closer look: First, the price of low-sulfur petroleum coke—a key raw material—continues to climb at high levels, highlighting favorable cost conditions. Second, in terms of production: Overall plant operating rates remained stable compared to last week. Enterprises in the southwestern region are performing well, with some companies engaging in small-scale exports through traders and seeing strong order fulfillment for shipments to Jiangsu Province. One particular producer in Jiangsu currently has no plans to resume production this year. Additionally, several enterprises have adopted a factory-to-factory cooperation model, enabling them to operate in a chain-like manner—from raw materials to finished products and ultimately to end customers. Production in the South China region is currently robust; however, certain product models are in short supply, prompting companies to seek partnerships with negative-electrode graphitization firms. Enterprises in Tianjin, Yunnan, and Inner Mongolia are mostly operating smoothly, though significant price differentials persist due to variations in order volumes and differences in raw-material procurement costs. Currently, sales of negative-electrode resistance materials and filler materials remain generally strong, with companies reporting relatively good downstream order intake—especially in Inner Mongolia, where many regional enterprises are sourcing these materials. In Henan, some companies have temporarily suspended production due to environmental regulations and are relying on existing inventories to fulfill orders. Third, regarding exports: Overseas inquiries have dwindled, actual transactions are limited, and downward price pressures are quite pronounced.