For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Graphite Electrode Prices in APAC
- In China, the Graphite Electrode Price Index rose by 21.7% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting inland supply tightening.
- The average Graphite Electrode price for the quarter was approximately USD 2310.33/MT amid sustained restocking.
- Tighter inland availability lifted the Graphite Electrode Spot Price, prompting coastal traders to raise volumes.
- Market participants adjusted the Graphite Electrode Price Forecast lower for June before modest stabilization July.
- Rising petroleum coke and coal-tar pitch expenses drove the Graphite Electrode Production Cost Trend upward.
- Weakened finished-steel margins softened the Graphite Electrode Demand Outlook, reducing spot activity and order volumes.
- Port inventories and export bookings influenced the Graphite Electrode Price Index, creating volatile short-term moves.
- Scheduled Shanxi maintenance and environmental checks intermittently constrained output, supporting near-term Graphite Electrode market tightness.
Why did the price of Graphite Electrode change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Steady Shanxi furnace output increased available tonnage, easing spot tightness and pressuring ex-works offers further.
- Stable needle-coke prices limited upward cost-push, while earlier feedstock inflation supported elevated cost structures concurrently.
- Muted export demand and softer EAF purchasing reduced bids, prompting sellers to offer discounts thereby.
India
- In India, the Graphite Electrode Price Index rose by 6.96% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger restocking demand.
- Graphite Electrode Spot Price tightened as export nominations absorbed surplus inventory, supporting modest seller pricing.
Graphite Electrode Prices in North America
- Graphite Electrode Spot Price softened consistently through May and June as domestic electric-arc furnace (EAF) steel mill utilization rates dropped and replacement purchases were postponed.
- Graphite Electrode Production Cost Trend remained elevated due to higher needle coke feedstock prices and increased energy costs for graphitization, though this did not translate into higher selling prices amid weak demand.
- Graphite Electrode Price Forecast signals continued downside pressure in Q3 2026, with possible stabilization if U.S. infrastructure spending boosts steel production and mill restocking resumes.
- Graphite Electrode Demand Outlook is subdued, with U.S. EAF steelmakers operating at 68–72% capacity due to softer automotive and construction steel orders, reducing electrode consumption rates.
- Major North American graphite electrode producers maintained reduced operating schedules, with one Ohio-based facility idling a production line to align with lower order intake.
- Domestic inventories at distribution centers rose by approximately 18% over the quarter, weighing on the Graphite Electrode Price Index as buyers negotiated longer payment terms and volume discounts.
Why did the price of Graphite Electrode change in June 2026 in North America?
- Prices decreased in June 2026 primarily due to a sharp drop in EAF steel production (down 4.2% month-over-month) as several U.S. mini-mills conducted extended maintenance outages during the summer lull.
- Additionally, cheaper import offers from Chinese and Indian producers landed on the U.S. West Coast, creating competitive pressure on domestic suppliers and pulling the Graphite Electrode Spot Price lower.
- Ample warehouse stocks and reduced urgency from steel mills, combined with softening scrap prices that eased mill margins, further eroded buying interest and pushed the Graphite Electrode Price Index downward in June.
Graphite Electrode Prices in Europe
- Graphite Electrode Spot Price trended downward throughout the quarter as subdued European steel demand and high energy costs curtailed EAF mill operating rates across the region.
- Graphite Electrode Production Cost Trend remained challenging for European producers, as natural gas and electricity prices for graphitization stayed near multi-year highs, compressing margins significantly.
- Graphite Electrode Price Forecast projects a muted recovery in late Q3, contingent on a rebound in European automotive production and potential government stimulus for green steel projects.
- Graphite Electrode Demand Outlook is weak, with German and Italian EAF mills reducing shifts due to high power tariffs and softer finished-steel export demand to non-EU markets.
- European producers operated at historically low rates near 60–65% capacity, with one Spanish facility temporarily halting production in June to manage inventory overhang.
- Rotterdam warehouse stocks swelled by 14% over the quarter as delayed Asian shipments arrived simultaneously, further pressuring the Graphite Electrode Price Index and extending buyer-led negotiations.
Why did the price of Graphite Electrode change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Prices decreased in June 2026 primarily because of a significant slowdown in European steel production, driven by weak construction activity and reduced automotive OEM orders, which lowered electrode consumption per furnace.
- A surge of competitively priced graphite electrode imports from Asia (particularly China and India) entered the European market in June, undercutting domestic offers and forcing local producers to match lower levels.
- Additionally, high electricity costs led some EAF operators to shift melting schedules to off-peak hours or reduce overall melt rates, diminishing the need for new electrode replacements and accelerating the decline in the Graphite Electrode Spot Price during June.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Graphite Electrode Prices in North America
- In North America, the Graphite Electrode Price Index rose modestly quarter-over-quarter, supported by stable industrial activity and replenishing steel sector inventories.
- The Graphite Electrode Spot Price firmed as buyers accelerated procurement ahead of second-quarter production schedules.
- Graphite Electrode Price Forecast suggests continued upside through early Q2 2026, subject to scrap availability and EAF utilization rates.
- Graphite Electrode Production Cost Trend increased due to higher calcined petroleum coke prices and logistics costs.
- Graphite Electrode Demand Outlook remains positive, driven by steady electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking activity in the US and Canada.
Why did the price of Graphite Electrode change in March 2026 in North America?
- Prices increased in March 2026 as EAF steel mills ramped up operations after winter maintenance, boosting spot buying.
- Domestic producers raised offers following tighter local supply and higher raw material input costs.
- Import volumes remained constrained, limiting downward pressure from overseas competition.
Graphite Electrode Prices in APAC
- In China, the Graphite Electrode Price Index rose by 5.0% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter supply.
- The average Graphite Electrode price for the quarter was approximately USD 1898.33/MT, reflecting tighter supply.
- Graphite Electrode Spot Price tightened as mills reduced spot availability while domestic restocking elevated buying.
- Graphite Electrode Price Forecast indicates gains into April supported by limited prompt availability and rebuilding.
- Graphite Electrode Production Cost Trend rose as binder pitch and electricity tariffs increased conversion expenses.
- Graphite Electrode Demand Outlook remains supportive as EAF steelmakers rebuild stocks ahead of April schedules.
- Graphite Electrode Price Index strength reflected concentrated Shanxi supply and week low inventories constraining offers.
- Export demand absorbed limited volumes while ports remained manageable, preventing excess supply and downward pressure.
Why did the price of Graphite Electrode change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Winter emission curbs and seasonal production halts reduced output, tightening availability and lifting domestic offers.
- Higher binder pitch, electricity tariffs pushed production costs, enabling mills to pass through price increases.
- EAF steelmaker restocking ahead of April cycles strengthened demand, exports softened, sustaining upward price momentum.
Graphite Electrode Prices in Europe
- In Europe, the Graphite Electrode Price Index increased slightly over the quarter, with regional variations due to energy cost disparities.
- Graphite Electrode Spot Price saw selective tightness in Southern Europe, while Northern markets remained balanced.
- Graphite Electrode Price Forecast indicates moderate gains ahead, conditioned on industrial demand recovery post-energy crisis.
- Graphite Electrode Production Cost Trend rose sharply as electricity prices rebounded in key manufacturing hubs like Germany and Italy.
- Graphite Electrode Demand Outlook is cautiously optimistic, supported by green steel initiatives and EAF modernization projects.
Why did the price of Graphite Electrode change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Prices increased in March 2026 due to higher energy costs pushing up production expenses, prompting mill price hikes.
- A slight uptick in steel order books improved sentiment, encouraging electrode stock-building.
- Limited import availability from Asia, owing to logistics delays, also contributed to the upward price movement.
