The current market price of graphitized petroleum coke in China is affected by multiple factors, including the cost of raw materials, production processes, fluctuations in energy prices, and changes in downstream demand. The price of graphitized petroleum coke is mainly graded according to its sulfur and fixed carbon content, with higher prices for low sulfur (<0.5%) and high fixed carbon (>98.5%) products. The price of main low-sulfur coke continued to rise, and the price of medium- and high-sulfur petroleum coke followed suit. The following is a comprehensive analysis of the current market price:
Raw material cost
Calcined petroleum coke price: Calcined petroleum coke is the main raw material of graphitized petroleum coke, and its price fluctuation directly affects the cost of graphitized petroleum coke. Recently, due to the fluctuation of crude oil prices, refineries' petroleum coke inventory has been low, and the price of calcined petroleum coke is on the rise.
Energy cost: The graphitization process requires high-temperature treatment (2500℃~3000℃), which consumes much electricity. Meanwhile, the cold weather in winter has increased energy prices, further pushing up production costs.
Supply and demand
Supply-side: Due to the recent tightening of environmental protection policies, some small and medium-sized graphitization producers have stopped or limited production, resulting in reduced supply. The production capacity of large refineries is stable, but the overhaul of some coking units has also affected the market supply.
Demand side: The demand for carbonized materials from the foundry and metallurgy industries is increasing steadily. The rapid growth in demand for high-quality graphitized materials in the lithium battery industry drove up prices in the high-end market.
After-market forecast
Upward pressure: If energy prices continue to rise and environmental protection and production restriction policies are tightened, the price of graphitized petroleum coke is likely to remain high in the short term.
Potential risk: The downstream foundry industry, as well as metallurgical industry sectors, have limited ability to afford high-priced materials, and prices may be suppressed if demand growth slows.
