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PROJECT DIRECTORLynn Lupori

Head of Consulting, North America View profile

Graphite electrodes are a key input for electric arc steel-making and ladle refinement of steel as well as play an important role in other metals industries. Recently, significant price escalation and material shortages have occurred due to number of factors such as raw material supply and increased demand.  Consumers have reported price escalations of 10x prices as wells as changes in payment terms and overall availability of materials.

This study will outline the current market conditions for graphite electrodes and its key raw material inputs (in particular, needle coke), an outlook for prices and availability over the next 12 – 24 months and a longer term view of price trends and supply demand dynamics which will likely impact the market over the next 10 years.

This study will provide the following:

1)  Overview of Graphite Electrodes

a.  Overview of needle coke industry

b.  Description of electrode manufacturing process

c.  Current uses and relevant consumption rates of electrodes by industry

d.  Supply dynamics

i.  Major producers

1.  Ownership

2.  Locations

3.  Markets served

4.  Key supply chain relationships where known (i.e. Relationship with key raw materials suppliers or downstream consumers)

ii.  Historical trade flows

iii.  Trade barriers /restrictions currently in place

2)  Discussion of recent events (2017) in electrode & needle coke industries

3)  Short term (12-24 months) Forecast

a.  Relevant trends influencing pricing and availability

i.  Raw material availability

ii.  Anticipated changes in electrode capacity

iii.  Changes in demand for raw materials (needle coke) and electrodes based on anticipated consumption by key consuming industries

b.  Pricing forecast

c.  Discussion of methodology & risks in forecast

4)  Long term forecast (10 year forecast – annual basis)

a.  Relevant trends influencing pricing and availability

i.  Raw material availability

ii.  Anticipated changes in electrode capacity

iii.  Changes in demand for raw materials (needle coke) and electrodes based on anticipated consumption by key consuming industries

b.  Pricing forecast for electrodes

c.  Discussion of methodology & risks in forecast


This study will be performed over 10 weeks and will have a final report delivered in mid-December 2017.

In order to deliver this work, CRU will be utilizing its in-house network of experienced Consultants and Analysts who are experts in the related fields The team engaged in this study represent experts from around the world including China, the US, India and Europe. CRU is well positioned to deliver this work given our market knowledge and unparalleled interaction with industry participants throughout the relevant industries.

This study is being conducted with consumers and other interested industry participants around the world and is not proprietary to any one organization and is subject to CRU’s terms and conditions.

To learn more about the study and how to participate, please complete the form via the link below.

Explore this study with CRU

Project Team

  • Lynn Lupori | CRU Head of Consulting, North America

    Lynn Lupori

    Head of Consulting, North America Pittsburgh
  • Matthew Poole | CRU Associate Managing Consultant

    Matthew Poole

    Associate Managing Consultant London
  • Rebecca Gordon

    Chief Executive Officer, CRU Consulting London
  • Alex Amin | CRU Analyst

    Alex Amin

    Analyst London
  • Alexandra Anderson | CRU Prices Analyst

    Alexandra Anderson

    Analyst Pittsburgh