Current graphite prices US$/tonne (94-97%C)
XL flake $1,750/t (+50 mesh)
Large flake 1,150/t (+80 mesh)
Medium flake $950/t (+100 to -80 mesh)
Small flake $700/t (-100 mesh)
Graphite Price Update!!
Graphite prices are up 25 to 30 per cent in the last couple months due to an improving steel industry, environmental related production problems in China and continued strong demand growth from the lithium ion battery industry. While still early, this is the first real sign that battery demand is finally doing for graphite prices what it has already done for lithium and cobalt. Prices for large flake graphite are now up to $1,200/t from US$750 earlier this year. This is still well below the 2012 peak of US$2,800/t which was entirely due to the commodity super cycle and strong steel demand. Batteries were then a small part of the market. Batteries are now approximately 25 per cent of the market and are growing rapidly. With steel demand also recovering and production issues in China and many producers closing down for the winter months, the supply/demand picture for graphite is very favourable and the potential for higher prices very real.
