Erftcarbon GmbH today announced an increase in prices for its graphite electrodes of at least EUR 650 bis 1,150 per metric ton. The adjustment is effective immediately and applies to uncommitted volumes. The company is responding to persistently rising input costs, including raw materials, energy and logistics. 

“The price adjustment is necessary to ensure the continued production of graphite electrodes at our facilities and, consequently, the reliable long-term supply to our customers,” said Kai Portmann, Managing Director of Erftcarbon GmbH. “At current market price levels, economically viable production in Europe is no longer sustainable. This situation is the result of a prolonged period of depressed market pricing, coupled with significantly increased costs for raw materials, energy and logistics. Ongoing geopolitical developments have further exacerbated these pressures.”

Erftcarbon is implementing the increase in a measured and disciplined manner in response to these structural market dynamics. Portmann added: “Our commitment is clear: reliable supply and highest product quality. As a European manufacturer of UHP graphite electrodes, we are and will remain a trusted partner to the industry.”

In recent media interviews and at industry events, Portmann has also warned that imports are increasingly displacing European graphite electrode production. The increasing dependency of the electric steel industry on imports from outside the European Union represents a significant risk and may jeopardize the reliable supply of graphite electrodes, potentially impacting the ramp-up of green steel production.

“Several industries have already experienced the consequences of such dependency, particularly in light of known geopolitical risks, in recent years. The steel industry now faces similar risks. A strong European manufacturing base for graphite electrodes is therefore essential,” Portmann emphasized.