The bull rally in prices of graphite electrode set to continue in 2019 and might even hit new highs. According to industry experts, increases in graphite electrode (contract) prices in the early part of 2018 are more than 300% Y-o-Y from the average cost in 2017. A Graphite Electrode producer from India revealed, “The price was around USD 2,500 per tonne in early 2017 and now we see spot prices of $23,000-26,000 per tonne.”

Graphite Electrode Prices to Remain Firm in 2018, the global demand and supply gap for Graphite Electrodes is set to widen substantially in the coming years as the consumption will increase amid supply tightness.

We, Rongsheng Kiln Refractory expect rising demand to lift graphite electrode prices, but rising prices for needle coke, the key raw material making up 50-60% of total cost, is likely to play a greater role in increasing graphite electrode prices.