April Pre-Baked Anode Exports Reached YTD High in 2022

SHANGHAI, May 24 (SMM) - According to the General Administration of Customs, China's total exports of prebaked anodes reached 185,500 mt in April, up 8.22% MoM and 63.86% YoY, with a total export amount of US$192 million and a unit price of $1,035.81 yuan/mt.

In terms of exporting countries, the exports to Malaysia were 48,700 mt, accounting for 26% of China’s total export volume, with an export value of US$41,690,700; but the export unit price was the lowest at US$855.24/mt. The second ranking country/region was Norway, with a volume of 33,600 mt, accounting for about 18% of the total with an export value of US$36,540,200 and a unit price of US$1,087.18/mt.

Since the beginning of 2022, the monthly export volume of China's pre-baked anodes is generally higher than the same period last year, mainly because overseas markets such as Bahrain, India, Iceland and other countries/regions have posted higher demand for China's pre-baked anodes. And during the period when the operating rate of domestic carbon enterprises rise gradually, enterprises are more willing to sign export orders with a higher rate of return.

Market forecast: Most enterprises are delivering export orders as planned according to SMM research. But with the domestic costs going up, pre-baked anode prices have also reached new highs, with the mainstream export prices standing at US$1,300-1,500/mt. When the prices rise above US$1,500/mt, overseas demand would drop significantly in light of high cost. Therefore, SMM believes that the export volume in May will be subject to export prices. If the price were too high, the export volume is likely to fall.