SMM

SHANGHAI, Jul 4 (SMM) – Recent trends show a decline in anode material prices. As for raw materials: Daqing and Fushun petroleum coke prices stayed stable during maintenance, with some manufacturers applying new prices at June's end, causing a general price reduction. Needle coke prices saw a slight decrease. Despite a marginal recovery in downstream anode demand, purchasing has decelerated due to cost-cutting measures. Regarding graphitisation, while some manufacturers raised prices, customer acceptance was low due to excessive output compared to demand and continued downstream cost-cutting initiatives. Graphitisation processing fees are expected to remain unchanged. As for downstream demand, the power and energy storage sectors are witnessing a steady rise, spurring anode manufacturers to increase production. Nonetheless, in light of year-end cost reductions and a looming "reshuffle" in the anode industry, anode manufacturers' profit margins may continue to be under pressure.