The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced production statistics for Jan’18 and the domestic sales volume reduced by 3,164 MT in comparison to Dec’17.
In addition, the average selling price rose by 68% to 452,000 Yen/MT Y-o-Y in Jan’18. However, compared with the previous month, the average domestic selling price has increased by 7.6%.
In Japan, the volume of graphite electrodes produced in Jan’18 decreased by a meager 0.2% in comparison to Dec’17.

Source: IRU, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Japan has highest GE production in the world and accounts for 53% of the world’s total GE capacity followed by Russia, India, and China.
According to Japanese Customs, the country has exported 8,508 MT graphite electrode in Jan’18, down by just under 2% against Dec’17 shipments – which stood at 8,673 MT.
In Jan’18, South Korea continued to be the top destination for Japanese graphite electrode exports, accounting for around 24% out of the total export share; followed by Baharain and United States.
| Japan Graphite Electrode Export | ||||
| Importing Country | Jan’18 | Dec’17 | 2017 | 2016 |
| South Korea | 2,026 | 2,012 | 25,382 | 22,058 |
| Bahrain | 1,141 | 626 | 6,082 | 648 |
| United States | 1,128 | 1,221 | 13,796 | 12,758 |
| United Arab Emirates | 664 | 447 | 2,487 | 7,158 |
| Saudi Arabia | 653 | 366 | 4,208 | 1,724 |
| Taiwan | 604 | 620 | 8,347 | 7,937 |
| Australia | 481 | 651 | 6,139 | 5,379 |
| Lithuania | 455 | – | 390 | – |
| Iran | 376 | 843 | 3,913 | – |
| Others | 978 | 1,886 | 27,925 | 30,995 |
| Total | 8,508 | 8,673 | 98,670 | 88,656 |
Quantity in MT
Source: Japan Customs

Leave a Reply