Resumen de Graphite: : Year in Review 2016
Like other refractory minerals, graphite has not yet felt the benefits of a slight recovery in global steelmaking this year and new markets like lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are not growing fast enough to absorb oversupply. In order to beat the downturn in the market for standard grades of graphite, existing and prospective producers are investing in technology capable of yielding value-added graphite materials such as micronised, battery-grade and expandable graphites. PRICE TRENDS The supply-heavy graphite market meant that producers were unable to raise offer prices this year, despite higher costs for many, including those Chinese suppliers affected by reduced limits on domestic trucking loads. OUTLOOK At the end of 2016, there was no sign of oversupply in the graphite market disappearing. [...]overcapacity is addressed, graphite prices will remain weak.
