China’s graphite electrode market strengthened through March as tighter effective capacity and renewed domestic restocking supported firmer pricing. Winter emission controls in Shanxi continued to restrict furnace utilisation early in the month, and even after curbs eased, producers prioritised clearing accumulated backlogs rather than releasing additional spot volumes. Buying interest increased from mid March onward as electric arc furnace steelmakers rebuilt inventories ahead of upcoming melting schedules, with coastal mills accelerating procurement. Export demand remained subdued, leaving domestic consumption and limited availability to guide the upward trend in graphite electrode prices. On the supply side, firmer feedstock costs, higher conversion expenses and elevated coal tar linked binder prices added pressure to production economics. Policy driven capacity constraints and cautious vendor selling further tightened the graphite electrode market. Looking forward, sentiment remains supported by restricted supply, logistical risks and steady steel sector requirements.
