Integrated Capacity Gap Supports Artificial Graphite Strength; Weak Demand and Cost Floor Keep Natural Graphite Stable [SMM Lithium Battery Anode Raw Material Market Weekly Review]

SMM, June 18:

This week, artificial graphite anode material prices remained stable. Cost and profit side, the cost pressure from earlier raw material and outsourced processing price hikes has gradually eased, but enterprise profits remain at low levels. Supply-demand side, end-use demand has been steadily releasing, and there is a capacity gap in the self-integrated finished product capacity of first- and second-tier anode enterprises. The natural graphite anode market showed sluggish performance, with downstream demand still weak and downstream enterprises maintaining sentiment to push for lower prices. However, the profit margin for natural graphite anode has already shrunk to a low range, making manufacturers reluctant to accept price cuts for shipments, with frequent production halts and shutdowns. Overall, natural graphite anode material prices are unlikely to see significant fluctuations.

Looking ahead, the supply-demand gap for artificial graphite is expected to further widen, and prices have a foundation for a sustained, steady rise; natural graphite anode materials are constrained by weak downstream demand and transactions close to the cost line, with near-term market likely to remain in a stalemate.

SMM New Energy Research Team

Wang Cong 021-51666838

Ma Rui 021-51595780

Feng Disheng 021-51666714

Lyu 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