Chinese UHP graphite electrode prices to rise further in Sep’26

• Petroleum, coal tar pitch price hikes support graphite electrode prices
• EAF steelmakers to ramp up production with peak season setting in

After the steady rally seen in August, Chinese prices for ultra-high-power (UHP) graphite electrodes will continue strengthening this month on firm cost support and improved demand, Mysteel’s recent report on the market predicts.

Last month in East China’s Jiangsu province, the price of 350mm diameter graphite electrodes averaged Yuan 16,290/tonne ($2,424/t), higher by 4.4% from the average price the previous month, while that of 600mm diameter electrodes also increased 2.9% on month to average Yuan 16,976/t, both including the 13% VAT, according to Mysteel’s assessment.

Entering this month, prices for 350mm and 600mm diameter electrodes had risen further to reach Yuan 16,900/t and Yuan 17,600/t respectively as of September 2, Mysteel assessed.

The continuous increases in prices of raw materials for UHP graphite electrodes, such as petroleum and coal-tar pitch, have provided upward momentum for the electrode prices, as reported.

For example, on September 2 Mysteel assessed the offering price for medium-temperature coal-tar pitch in North China’s Hebei province at Yuan 5,300/t, higher by a large 10.4% from a month earlier.

On the other hand, domestic electric-arc-furnace (EAF) steelmakers are expected to ramp up production this month as the country’s traditional peak season for steel consumption in autumn sets in, according to the report. This means that the mills’ replenishment demand for graphite electrodes is set to grow, it adds.

The strengthening of steel prices may allow mini-mills to agree to pay more for input materials such as electrodes, the report projects. As of September 2, China’s composite steel price had increased 3.3% on month to reach Yuan 3,502/t including the 13% VAT, Mysteel assessed.

Overseas demand for electrodes is also recovering. Statistics from China’s General Administration of Customs show that in July, the country’s exports of UHP graphite electrodes totaled 31,086 tonnes, significantly higher by 28.4% on month and up 2.9% on year.

Note: The article is published as part of a content sharing agreement between Mysteel Global and BigMint.