SMM

Anode material prices extended decline in the week ending November 30. On costs, low-sulphur petroleum coke prices stopped falling, while oil-based needle coke prices saw minor drop amid cost support and downstream enterprises trying to push for lower prices. Graphitization prices for outsourcing providers did not change, but remain under downward pressure from faltering end demand and continued production ramp-up of integrated enterprises. To tackle sagging end demand, anode material enterprises are controlling inventory by lowering production. In view of intense market competitions and lower raw material cost, anode material prices could potentially head for further decline.