Graphite Petroleum-Coke is used widely as a reduction agent and a refractory in metallurgical applications, as well as in steel-making. It is able to increase the amount of spheroidal carbon and can also improve the grade and structure of gray iron. Moreover, it has low sulphur content and stable distribution, which could effectively reduce the adverse effect of sulphur on the spheroidizing and pregnancy processes in the casting industry and save the cost.
Cheap Graphite Coke is an byproduct rich in carbon that results from the thermal cracking of heavy crude oil to produce gasoline and other liquid hydrocarbons. The coke consists of a porous, dark-gray solid with granular grains. Its main elements are carbon and hydrogen, but it also contains nitrogen, chlorine, sulfur and heavy metals. Petcoke has many uses, including as a source of fuel. However, it can also produce graphite electrodes for electric furnaces, titanium oxide, ferromanganese, and aluminum smelting.
The price of calcined petroleum coke (CPCo) has been in a consistent downward trajectory since the end of 2024, indicating an oversupply in the market coupled with weak demand from industries such as iron and steel. Moreover, competitive pricing strategies employed by exporters offering significant discounts have further pressured local prices.
Argus gives insight into the Petroleum Coke complex market, from refinery through to smelter. Price assessments are provided for both CpCo grade delivered and CpCo grade ex-waste. Our analysis and data is trusted by many customers in the cement and power markets as well as those involved with steel and graphite to manage their raw materials costs and supply chain risks.
In Q2 2024, the Petroleum Coke market in North America witnessed a number of critical factors impacting price trends, including high inventory levels, sluggish demand from downstream sectors, and huge discounts offered by Venezuelan suppliers. These factors, combined with rising inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties, weighed on sentiment in the market and caused prices to decline.
Petroleum coke plays a key role in the production and use of synthetic graphite. This graphite competes with natural graphite spheres for use as anode material in lithium-ion batteries. The choice of raw material impacts the anode's capacity, cycling behavior and power density. China's manufacturers are switching from natural graphite to cheaper alternatives such as needle coke or lower-sulfur Petroleum Coke.
Market for CKCo has shown a similar tendency in Europe. Prices have fallen over the last quarter as a result of CKCo's oversupply on the market, and due to competition from other suppliers offering discounts. The price of CKCo Calcined CFR Santos in Germany has been down by more than 40% compared to the same period last year, reflecting a challenging environment for the market. Nevertheless, a recovery in the market is expected in the coming months, as the supply of calcined coke from Venezuela returns to normal levels and a steady pace of industrial demand should emerge. Argus monitors all major developments in this market.
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