Graphite Electrodes Enter Peak Season in September 2026, Raw Material Costs Rise & Overseas Inquiries Rebound

According to monitoring data from ICC Carbon and 100ppi, domestic electric arc furnace steel operating rates are rising steadily in the traditional “Golden September” peak season, and steel mills are restocking. Prices of upstream needle coke and modified pitch have surged, continuously lifting graphite electrode production costs. Meanwhile, leading global carbon manufacturers have announced price increases, driving a notable rise in overseas inquiries. Domestic and international markets are moving in tandem, supporting UHP graphite electrode spot prices.

At present, mainstream spot prices of UHP graphite electrodes are close to CNY 19,750 per ton, with stable price gaps across different sizes. The market remains structurally tight: regular-power electrodes have sufficient supply, while large-size UHP graphite electrodes are in short supply. Handan Dongyuan Metallurgical Carbon Co., Ltd. steadily manufactures a full range of UHP, HP and RP graphite electrodes with matching nipples. Products comply with national standards and are suitable for EAF steelmaking and submerged arc furnace smelting. We support export orders, custom sizes and bulk shipments.

Outlook: Strong raw-material cost support is expected to remain in the short term, while downstream EAF steel demand stays at peak-season levels. The graphite electrode market is expected to remain firm. Overseas buyers are advised to secure production schedules and delivery lead times in advance.