Recently, market research shows that the ex-factory tax-included price of calcined coke (particle size 8-25mm, sulfur content ≤3.5%) is about 3,000 yuan/ton, while products of the same specification with sulfur content ≤4% are priced around 2,800 yuan/ton. Currently, the domestic calcined coke market is trending strongly upwards, with solid cost support. From the raw material side, the sharp rise in petroleum coke prices is the main driving force.
As of the end of April, petroleum coke prices had risen 29.01% compared to the beginning of the month, with Sinopec and local refineries adjusting quotes upwards for several consecutive days. The rapid increase in costs has compressed the profits of calcined coke companies, forcing manufacturers to raise prices to ease pressure. On the demand side, trends are showing differentiation.
Although there are inquiries in the prebaked anode and graphite electrode markets, actual transaction prices are relatively conservative, and the acceptance of high-priced raw materials is generally moderate; at the same time, there remains rigid demand for aluminum anodes, and the purchase of high-quality calcined coke in the negative electrode material sector remains stable, providing strong bottom support for the market.
Overall, the recent rise in calcined coke prices is mainly driven by upstream costs. In the short term, against the backdrop of high raw material prices, calcined coke prices are expected to remain firm, but the increase is limited by the downstream's ability to accept high-priced resources.