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October 22nd, 2024

Graphite Price | Prices | Pricing | News | Database | Chart

In Q2 2024, North America saw a notable drop in graphite prices due to a convergence of critical factors. Key drivers included ongoing supply chain disruptions and weakened demand, both of which were intensified by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Oversupply in the market has been a persistent issue, keeping prices down. Additionally, logistics challenges, such as rising freight costs and shipping delays, further pressured the supply side and contributed to lower prices.

The U.S. experienced the most significant price decreases, following a steady downward trend. Seasonal patterns, like reduced industrial activity during the summer, played a role in this decline. Broader economic indicators, including slowdowns in manufacturing and lower automotive sales, also reinforced the negative sentiment around graphite prices. Compared to the first quarter of 2024, graphite prices fell by 2%. At the end of Q2, graphite flakes (94%, -100 mesh) were priced at USD 1109/MT CFR Houston, signaling a stable but negative pricing trajectory. No major plant shutdowns occurred during this period, further cementing the outlook for continued price drops.

The APAC region also saw a notable decline in graphite prices during Q2 2024, driven by elevated supply levels that overshadowed demand from sectors like electric vehicles and electronics. This supply glut, combined with stable mining output, led to a consistent decrease in prices. International trade policies, including tariffs and export controls, added further complexity, exacerbating the bearish sentiment.

China experienced the most significant price changes within APAC, with an oversupply situation and stagnant demand contributing to a persistent downtrend. Seasonal factors, like a lack of peak demand periods, resulted in subdued trading activities. Compared to the previous quarter, prices dropped by 4%, reflecting the continued negative market sentiment. By the end of Q2 2024, graphite flakes (94%, -100 mesh) FOB Shanghai were priced at USD 804/MT, underscoring the ongoing supply-demand imbalance. Despite the price drops, no major plant shutdowns were reported, indicating that the price decline was driven primarily by market forces rather than supply chain disruptions.

In Europe, graphite prices fell steadily throughout Q2 2024, driven by a combination of economic factors and regional dynamics. The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) aimed to boost domestic production, leading to short-term oversupply. Rising energy costs and inflation, coupled with increased alloy surcharges for stainless steel, pushed production costs higher while demand remained weak. Global disruptions, such as rerouted shipping routes due to geopolitical tensions, added to supply chain inefficiencies.

Germany saw the most significant price fluctuations in Europe, with the automotive sector's recovery unable to offset the broader manufacturing slowdown. A decline in new car registrations and stagnant construction activity further suppressed demand for graphite, pushing prices down. Compared to the previous quarter, prices decreased by 2%, with graphite flakes (94%, -100 mesh) ending the quarter at USD 858/MT. Although no specific plant shutdowns were reported, operational challenges and broader industry disruptions continued to weigh on the market.

Get Real Time Prices for Graphite: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/graphite-1433

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