For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Graphite Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Graphite Price Index rose by 1.90% quarter-over-quarter, due to higher freight.
- The average Graphite price for the quarter was approximately USD 715.67/MT, reflecting CFR Houston costs.
- Tight port inventories and rising freight pushed the Graphite Spot Price, lifting the Price Index.
- Graphite Demand Outlook remained firm as battery and energy-storage procurement accelerated through the early summer.
- Higher container rates and insurance raised the Graphite Production Cost Trend, increasing landed cost pressures.
- Near-term Graphite Price Forecast indicates volatility as freight normalization and African supply recoveries influence trajectories.
- China and Canada export flows plus lean Gulf inventories influenced the Graphite Price Index premiums.
- Domestic processing ramp-ups and North American mine restarts displaced imports modestly, shifting competitive sourcing dynamics.
Why did the price of Graphite change in June 2026 in North America?
- Ocean freight surged, adding substantial landed-cost pressure to CFR Houston assessments and elevating seller offers.
- East African loading disruptions reduced alternate supply, tightening imports and prompting competition for Chinese cargoes.
- Battery processors accelerated spot procurement ahead of midyear ramps, drawing down inventories and sustaining prices.
Graphite Prices in APAC
- In China, the Graphite Price Index rose by 1.83% quarter-over-quarter, constrained feedstock and export demand.
- The average Graphite price for the quarter was approximately USD 815.00/MT reflecting export weighted volumes.
- Tight concentrates and forward bookings supported the Graphite Spot Price and Graphite Price Index firm
- Rising power surcharges and purification constraints pushed the Graphite Production Cost Trend higher, pressuring margins
- International anode restocking and mixed domestic segments shaped the Graphite Demand Outlook for near-term purchases
- Logistics risks, port delays and export licensing uncertainty inform the short-term Graphite Price Forecast regionally
- Shanghai warehouse inventories moderated, giving exporters limited prompt availability and sustaining selective offer levels today
- Major flake mines normalised operating rates post-maintenance, enabling stable output and relieving immediate supply tensions
Why did the price of Graphite change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Environmental inspections reduced flake concentrate availability, tightening feedstock supply for export-oriented processors and squeezing offers
- Export enquiries weakened as buyers shifted to spherical and synthetic grades, reducing immediate flake demand
- Stable electricity tariffs and normalised logistics removed cost pressures, while inventories and output pressured prices
India
- In India, the Graphite Price Index rose by 4.31% quarter-over-quarter, due to tighter import constraints.
- Domestic Graphite Spot Price remained supported by battery-grade demand despite steady feedstock costs and delays.
Graphite Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Graphite Price Index rose by 2.54% quarter-over-quarter, driven notably by logistics premiums.
- The average Graphite price for the quarter was approximately USD 673.33/MT, per Hamburg merchant assessments.
- Graphite Spot Price firmed as Graphite Production Cost Trend rose because electricity costs increased materially.
- Graphite Demand Outlook remains firm for battery anode development and electric-arc-furnace steel procurement and applications.
- Graphite Price Forecast indicates near-term support despite possible mid-quarter destocking and synthetic competitive pressures continuing.
- Hamburg warehouse days compressed, influencing Graphite Price Index through faster bids and lower merchant availability.
- Export licensing delays from China and Antwerp vessel rescheduling increased freight and elevated replacement costs.
- Domestic synthetic producers prioritized anode contracts, reducing merchant volumes and tightening availability despite operational throughput.
Why did the price of Graphite change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Limited seaborne arrivals and export curbs tightened spot supply, increasing replacement costs and price pressure.
- Higher Central European electricity tariffs raised synthetic-graphite conversion costs, supporting domestic cost floors and offers.
- Rhine barge surcharges and Antwerp rescheduling elevated logistics premiums, passing through to landed Hamburg prices.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Graphite Price in North America
- In the USA, the Graphite Price Index fell by 1.863% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting import oversupply pressures.
- The average Graphite price for the quarter was approximately USD 702.33/MT among US anode manufacturers.
- Soft post-holiday import offers pushed the Graphite Spot Price lower despite steady contracted offtake volumes.
- Freight upticks and permit scrutiny influenced the Graphite Price Forecast, prompting cautious purchasing and hedging.
- Elevated petroleum needle-coke prices sustained the Graphite Production Cost Trend, keeping synthetics comparatively persistently uncompetitive.
- Upcoming gigafactory commissioning improved the Graphite Demand Outlook but did not lift immediate spot purchases.
- Stable warehouse inventories restrained upside, keeping the Graphite Price Index rangebound despite occasional freight surcharges.
- Export licence vetting and scheduled maintenance abroad tightened specific grades' availability, prompting forward purchases, hedging.
Why did the price of Graphite change in March 2026 in North America?
- Import offers widened post-Lunar-New-Year, creating incremental supply overhang that depressed spot price formation in March.
- Battery makers kept contract offtake while delaying discretionary purchases, reducing demand and weighing on quotes.
- Freight increases and export permit scrutiny raised landed costs, yet ample cargo prevented price spikes.
Graphite Price in APAC
- In China, the Graphite Price Index fell by 0.86% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting comfortable supply and weak procurement.
- The average Graphite price for the quarter was approximately USD 499.67/MT, driven by stable supply and restocking.
- Limited March availability supported the Graphite Spot Price as exporters prioritized cargoes for Asian buyers.
- Near term Graphite Price Forecast points to modest firmness from export licensing and industrial restart.
- Rising regional power tariffs influenced the Graphite Production Cost Trend, pressuring operators to defer sales.
- Early quarter restocking by battery anode producers improved the Graphite Demand Outlook but remained mixed.
- Rising inventories pushed softer Graphite Price Index, prompting sellers to lower offers to seaborne buyers.
- Operational continuity at Heilongjiang and Shandong mines limited supply shocks, keeping market volatility contained recently.
Why did the price of Graphite change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Sustained domestic production and ongoing imports lifted inventories, reducing upward price pressure in March 2026
- Muted export inquiries from Japan and Korea constrained offtake, contributing to subdued March price movement.
- Stable production costs and easing energy curbs prevented rapid increases, leaving market balance tilted upward.
Graphite Price in Europe
- In Germany, the Graphite Price Index fell by 2.04% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak industrial buying pressure.
- The average Graphite price this quarter was approximately USD 656.67/MT, reflecting subdued buying with inventories.
- Graphite Spot Price softened in March as abundant African arrivals pressured offers and reduced urgency.
- Graphite Price Forecast shows limited near-term upside as destocking and seasonal slowdowns temper buying further.
- Graphite Production Cost Trend remained muted as fixed electricity contracts insulated synthetic furnaces from volatility.
- Graphite Demand Outlook stays subdued with battery, refractory and steel segments delaying procurement amid uncertainty.
- Graphite Price Index movements mirrored lower synthetic-anode benchmarks and redirected Asian flows into European ports.
- Major German synthetic producers ran near nameplate, supporting supply while import diversity moderated price spikes.
- Port inventory accumulation and smooth Rhine logistics reduced seller leverage, pressuring spot and contract negotiations.
Why did the price of Graphite change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Ample import arrivals increased port inventories, reducing immediate purchasing urgency across domestic processors and distributors.
- Soft industrial demand from steel and battery sectors, with high power tariffs, suppressed spot procurement.
- Stable feedstock and freight costs prevented spikes, enabling sellers to concede discounts and clear stocks.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Graphite Prices in North America
- In USA, the Graphite Price Index fell by 10.13% quarter-over-quarter, due to ample global supply.
- The average Graphite price for the quarter was approximately USD 715.67/MT on CFR Houston basis.
- Export vetting tightened, briefly lifting the Graphite Spot Price and tightening short-term availability for importers.
- Analysts adjusted the Graphite Price Forecast, noting modest recovery potential from anticipated battery procurement activity.
- High petroleum needle-coke prices kept the Graphite Production Cost Trend elevated, limiting synthetic substitution economics.
- Positive gigafactory ramps improved the Graphite Demand Outlook, while steel refractory demand remained seasonally subdued.
- Gulf Coast inventories rose, pressuring the Graphite Price Index and compressing seller margins and liquidity.
- Freight rates nudged up late December, increasing landed-cost uncertainty while logistics remained functionally fluid overall.
Why did the price of Graphite change in December 2025 in North America?
- Large imports from China and Mozambique increased availability, driving downward price pressure in U.S. markets.
- Battery and steel demand softened, with gigafactory buffers and seasonal mill maintenance reducing procurement needs.
- Chinese export-license vetting tightened and freight rose, raising lead-time uncertainty and prompting forward buying activity.
Graphite Prices in APAC
- In China, the Graphite Price Index fell by 7.86% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply from expanded production.
- The average Graphite price for the quarter was approximately USD 504.00/MT, reflecting subdued demand, elevated inventories.
- Producers withheld spot offers, tightening Graphite Spot Price visibility and supporting near-term seller discipline conditions.
- Freight and rail disruptions influenced the Graphite Production Cost Trend, raising processing costs for processors.
- Chinese export licensing uncertainty tightened available volumes, shaping the Graphite Demand Outlook among international anode manufacturers.
- Inventory accumulation at ports pressured the Graphite Price Index, encouraging buyers to adopt conservative procurement strategies.
- Market commentary and modelling underpin the Graphite Price Forecast indicating seasonal volatility and policy drivers.
- Operational restarts, inspections and power curbs altered run-rates, moderating available export flows into Q1 period
Why did the price of Graphite change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Expanded domestic production and processing capacity increased exportable supply, pressuring prices amid weak industrial demand.
- Logistics constraints and seasonal electricity curbs raised processing costs and delayed shipments, tightening export availability.
- Battery-sector restocking and licensing uncertainty prompted selective buying, supporting higher bids for quality material urgently.
Graphite Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Graphite Price Index fell by 8.38% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and weak demand.
- The average Graphite price for the quarter was approximately USD 670.33/MT, based on reported transactions.
- Rising warehouse cover and steady imports pressured the Graphite Spot Price, limiting seller pricing power.
- The Graphite Price Forecast anticipates gradual recovery as European battery demand resumes early next year.
- Stable needle-coke and energy costs moderated the Graphite Production Cost Trend, preserving tight supplier margins.
- The Graphite Demand Outlook remains constructive for batteries and green-steel, despite short-term destocking across sectors.
- Monthly Graphite Price Index movement reflected German port inventories and reduced East Africa freight inflows.
- SGL Carbon availability and scheduled maintenances influenced spot availability and near-term seller dynamics and pricing.
Why did the price of Graphite change in December 2025 in Europe?
- High port inventories and steady Mozambican shipments increased availability, depressing German spot offers throughout December.
- Downstream destocking by automotive and refractories buyers limited orders, reducing upward pressure across spot prices.
- Export license constraints and Rhine logistics frictions tightened natural flake flow, supporting sellers during December.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
Graphite Price in North America
- In the USA, the Graphite Price Index fell by 2.7% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand pressures.
- The average Graphite price for the quarter was approximately USD 796.33/MT, based on blended settlements.
- Graphite Spot Price weakness persisted despite tariffs, keeping the Graphite Price Index under downward pressure.
- Graphite Price Forecast indicates modest recovery potential this year as supply diversifies and demand stabilizes.
- Graphite Production Cost Trend elevated from high energy and tariff impacts, pressuring margins for producers.
- Graphite Demand Outlook remains cautiously positive driven by EV battery build-outs and energy storage pipelines.
- Elevated inventories and mixed export demand moderated spot purchases, keeping the Graphite Price Index rangebound.
- Supply disruptions and shifts to alternative sources tightened availability, supporting the Graphite Spot Price levels.
Why did the price of Graphite change in September 2025 in North America?
- Tariff measures reduced Chinese supply flows, prompting buyers to reassess sourcing and creating near-term tightness.
- Higher energy and shipping costs elevated production and freight expenses, constraining competitive imports and margins.
- Robust EV and battery demand absorbed inventories, while cautious buyers delayed contracts amid policy uncertainty.
Graphite Price in APAC
- In China, the Graphite Price Index fell by 5.254% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and weak demand.
- The average Graphite price for the quarter was approximately USD 547/MT, reflecting low market activity and high inventories.
- Spot volumes pressured the Graphite Spot Price as inventories remained elevated across major processing hubs.
- Disinflation in feedstock moved the Graphite Production Cost Trend lower, compressing producer margins and offers.
- Demand softness and delayed orders shaped the Graphite Demand Outlook, keeping offers subdued, activity muted.
- Export competition and tariff uncertainty influenced the Graphite Price Index and diverted some trade flows.
- Near-term expectations embedded in the Graphite Price Forecast assume cautious restocking and seasonal export disruptions.
- Operational restarts and capacity expansions sustained supply growth, limiting upside pressure on the Graphite Price Index.
Why did the price of Graphite change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Elevated inventories from surplus Chinese output reduced spot buying and significantly pressured regional price levels.
- Lower petroleum coke costs eased production expenses, contributing to narrower margins and restrained seller offers.
- Trade policy uncertainty and seasonal logistics disruptions delayed shipments, weakening near-term export demand and buyer caution.
Graphite Price in Europe
- In Germany, the Graphite Price Index rose by 0.688% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting supply tightness and demand recovery.
- The average Graphite price for the quarter was approximately USD 731.67/MT, from weighted spot contract transactions.
- Inventory accumulation from inexpensive Chinese material kept the Graphite Spot Price pressured despite domestic demand improvement.
- European buyers sought secure sources, supporting the Graphite Price Forecast for moderate strength into early autumn.
- Rising energy costs influenced the Graphite Production Cost Trend, compressing margins at local processors and tollers.
- Automotive electrification underpins the Graphite Demand Outlook, with battery anode requirements sustaining industrial procurement volumes.
- Export demand softness and logistics delays influenced the Graphite Price Index movement and regional arbitrage.
- Operational disruptions at domestic mines tightened availability, reinforcing spot market dynamics and supporting price resilience.
- Neutral investor sentiment limited speculative buying, keeping contract negotiations cautious and short term volatility contained.
Why did the price of Graphite change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Supply constraints from minor import disruptions and localized production inefficiencies tightened available volumes in September.
- Sustained demand recovery from automotive battery manufacturing increased purchasing, elevating spot market competition and order activity.
- Downstream cost pressures driven by higher energy expenses and logistics frictions raised operating costs, limiting producer discounts.
