Coal-based cylindrical activated carbon

Market Intelligence on Coal-Based Columnar Activated Carbon: Recent Developments

I. Price Trends
1. Domestic Market: Recently, the prices of coal-based columnar activated carbon in the domestic market have shown a stable trend with a slight increase. The average ex-factory price for mainstream specifications (e.g., iodine value of 800-1000 mg/g) has risen by approximately 2%-3% compared to the previous month. In some regions, the increase reached 5% due to rising raw coal prices and environmental production restrictions.
2. International Market: International market prices have increased by approximately 4%-6% month-on-month, influenced by rising shipping costs and tightened supply in certain production regions. Notably, demand has grown significantly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

II. Supply and Demand Dynamics
1. Supply Side:
- Major domestic production regions (such as Shanxi and Ningxia) have seen a decrease in overall operating rates to around 75%, with reduced market supply, due to stricter environmental policies causing some small and medium-sized enterprises to suspend operations for maintenance.
- The price of raw anthracite coal remains at high levels, providing significant cost support. Some enterprises have raised their ex-factory prices to transfer cost pressures.
2. Demand Side:
- Demand in the water treatment industry is steadily growing, particularly in the industrial wastewater treatment sector, where there is an increased demand for high-quality activated carbon.
- Demand in air purification and environmental protection sectors is recovering, with procurement volumes increasing in some regions due to strengthened air governance policies.
- Export market performance is strong, with order volumes in Southeast Asia and India growing by approximately 15% year-on-year, driven by an increase in infrastructure construction projects.

III. Cost and Profit
1. The price of raw anthracite coal has increased by approximately 8%-10% compared to the previous month, leading to an increase in activated carbon production costs by 150-200 yuan per ton.
2. Some enterprises are maintaining their profit margins by enhancing product value-added (e.g., developing high-iodine-value, low-ash products), but profit margins for small and medium-sized enterprises are noticeably compressed.

IV. Industry Policies and Events
1. Environmental Policies: Many regions have strengthened the supervision of VOCs emissions from activated carbon production enterprises. Some enterprises have faced production restrictions or shutdowns due to non-compliance with environmental standards.
2. Trade Policies: Customs have tightened inspection standards for activated carbon exports, causing export obstacles for some enterprises and temporarily alleviating supply pressure.

V. Analysis and Judgment
1. Short-term: Influenced by rising raw material costs and tightened supply, the price of coal-based columnar activated carbon is expected to remain stable and strong, with an increase of 2%-4%.
2. Medium-term: If environmental policies continue to tighten or raw coal prices rise further, prices may exceed the annual high. However, seasonal fluctuations in demand may limit the magnitude of the increase.
3. Long-term: With growing demand in the water treatment and environmental protection sectors, the overall market outlook is positive. However, intensifying industry competition will drive enterprises to develop towards high-end and differentiated products.

VI. Forecast
1. Price: In the next 1-2 months, the price of mainstream domestic specifications may rise to 8,500-9,500 yuan per ton, while the international FOB price may rise to 1,200-1,300 USD per ton.
2. Supply and Demand: The supply side is affected by environmental production restrictions and is unlikely to fully recover in the short term. On the demand side, the water treatment and export markets will continue to support prices.
3. Risks: Attention should be paid to fluctuations in raw coal prices, the enforcement of environmental policies, and the impact of international trade friction on exports.