Artificial Graphite Prices Steadily Rise Driven by Both Cost and Supply-Demand Dynamics [SMM Lithium Battery Anode Raw Material Market Weekly Review]

Published: May 14, 2026 08:10
[SMM Lithium Battery Anode Raw Material Market Weekly Review: Artificial Graphite Prices Steadily Rose Driven by Both Cost and Supply-Demand Dynamics] May 14: This week, artificial graphite anode material prices showed a steady upward trend, primarily driven by the dual forces of cost support and tight supply-demand conditions.

SMM May 14:

This week, artificial graphite anode material prices showed a steady upward trend, primarily driven by the dual forces of cost support and tight supply-demand conditions. Supply and demand side, effective capacity in the industry remained tight, with no new capacity released for the time being, making it difficult to fill the market supply gap; cost side, due to the transmission effect of sustained coke price increases in the earlier period, cost pressure on anode producers continued to climb. As the production lag effect gradually faded, previously accumulated cost pressure has been progressively passed on to downstream, further pushing prices upward. Looking ahead, under the dual logic of cost support and demand boost, artificial graphite anode material prices are expected to remain firm and sustained.

This week, natural graphite anode material prices remained stable with no notable fluctuations. Although the market supply side presented a relatively loose landscape with certain price-cut expectations, upstream raw material prices continued to fluctuate at highs, effectively offsetting the downward price pressure brought by ample supply, ultimately keeping market prices stable. Going forward, amid the interplay between rigid cost support and relatively loose supply, prices are highly likely to remain stable in the short term, with little chance of wild swings.


SMM New Energy Research Team

Wang Cong 021-51666838

Ma Rui 021-51595780

Feng Disheng 021-51666714

Lv Yanlin 021-20707875

Zhou Zhicheng 021-51666711

Zhang Haohan 021-51666752

Wang Zihan 021-51666914

Wang Jie 021-51595902

Xu Yang 021-51666760

Xu Mengqi 021-20707868

Hu Xuejie 021-20707858

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
[SMM Analysis] Korea’s Automotive Industry: 2030 Competitiveness Depends on EV Transition Execution
2 hours ago
[SMM Analysis] Korea’s Automotive Industry: 2030 Competitiveness Depends on EV Transition Execution
Read More
[SMM Analysis] Korea’s Automotive Industry: 2030 Competitiveness Depends on EV Transition Execution
[SMM Analysis] Korea’s Automotive Industry: 2030 Competitiveness Depends on EV Transition Execution
Korea’s auto industry maintained solid exports and production in 2025, but its 2030 competitiveness will depend on EV transition execution. The domestic market has matured, while hybrids have become a defensive pillar. EV adoption remains below the government’s target, and U.S.-EU policy pressure and Chinese EV competition are reshaping export strategies. Future competitiveness will hinge on pricing, localization, battery sourcing, and charging and safety confidence.
2 hours ago
[MinRes Announces Restart of Bald Hill Lithium Mine]
2 hours ago
[MinRes Announces Restart of Bald Hill Lithium Mine]
Read More
[MinRes Announces Restart of Bald Hill Lithium Mine]
[MinRes Announces Restart of Bald Hill Lithium Mine]
Mineral Resources Limited (MinRes) announced the restart of its wholly-owned Bald Hill lithium mine, citing sustained recovery in lithium prices. The mine was placed on care and maintenance in Nov 2024 to preserve 58.1Mt at 0.94% Li₂O.Located in Western Australia's Goldfields, Bald Hill has capacity of ~165,000 dmtpa of 5.1% spodumene concentrate (140,000 dmt SC6). Using existing inventory, equipment and workforce networks, MinRes can resume operations safely and quickly.Site activities ramp up in late May, crushing and mining start in June, first concentrate in July. First shipment from Port of Esperance expected Q1 FY27, full capacity Q2 FY27. Restart costs (incl. working capital) estimated at A$20m, incurred in Q4 FY26. FY27 guidance to be provided in August.
2 hours ago
EVE Energy signs battery supply agreement with India’s Godawari
3 hours ago
EVE Energy signs battery supply agreement with India’s Godawari
Read More
EVE Energy signs battery supply agreement with India’s Godawari
EVE Energy signs battery supply agreement with India’s Godawari
According to industry sources on May 16, EVE Energy recently said in a statement that it will supply Godawari with an initial 8 GWh of battery storage capacity, laying the groundwork to expand the volume to up to 60 GWh over the next five years. EVE Energy plans to supply its flagship 628 Ah large-capacity battery cells for the project.
3 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here
Artificial Graphite Prices Steadily Rise Driven by Both Cost and Supply-Demand Dynamics [SMM Lithium Battery Anode Raw Material Market Weekly Review] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)