Rising Global EAF Steelmaking Share Boosts Exports of Domestic Graphite Electrodes

According to 2026 carbon-industry monitoring data released by GEP Research, the proportion of crude steel output from global electric arc furnaces exceeded 32% for the first time in 2025, pushing total global consumption of graphite electrodes to 1.29 million tons. Chinese domestic graphite electrodes account for 68% of global graphite electrode output and remains the world’s core supply source for graphite electrodes.

Rising EAF steelmaking share is upgrading the demand structure for graphite electrodes. Industry analysis shows that overseas steel mills are shifting from basic consumable purchasing to systematic evaluation of comprehensive performance and long-term stability. As large-capacity EAFs and high-efficiency smelting conditions increase, ultra-high-power graphite electrodes continue to gain market share, while resistivity, thermal shock stability and nipple matching accuracy become key procurement criteria.

Overseas steel mills are paying closer attention to life-cycle operating cost. In real furnace operation, inferior electrodes can cause breakage, cracking, abnormal oxidation and overheated nipple connections, directly increasing unplanned furnace shutdowns and electrode consumption per ton of steel. Instead of focusing only on unit price, more end-users now value stable quality, traceable inspection data and lower long-term comprehensive cost.

Regional supply-chain restructuring is creating new export opportunities for Chinese carbon products. Steel plants in Central Asia, Southeast Asia and parts of Europe are optimizing their supplier portfolios and showing stronger purchasing intention for Chinese graphite electrodes and supporting carbon products with controllable lead times, wide specification coverage and stable bulk delivery capability.

Handan Dongyuan Metallurgical Carbon Co., Ltd. strictly follows overseas metallurgical testing standards. The company specializes in graphite electrode manufacturing and supplies full-range RP regular-power, HP high-power and UHP ultra-high-power graphite electrodes with matching nipples. Controlled baking, impregnation and graphitization processes help achieve stable resistivity, high flexural strength, reliable conductivity and strong thermal shock resistance, lowering breakage risk during customer operation.

For global EAF, submerged arc furnace and high-temperature metallurgical projects, Dongyuan Metallurgical Carbon supports custom diameters and stable large-volume export delivery. Overseas steel mills, metallurgical project buyers and trading companies are welcome to discuss graphite electrode selection, technical indicators, inspection standards and long-term supply cooperation.