Prices for natural graphite have started to fall for the first time since March 2009 following slowing demand from major industrial markets and a stuttering Chinese economy.
High quality flake grades have fallen by up to 12% as the strong demand from the last 18 months dissipates.
Prices for flake graphite, 94-97% C, +80 mesh, have fallen back from $2,500-2,700/tonne to $2,200-2,700/tonne (CIF, European port).
The finer grade of -100 mesh. 94-97% C has fallen by $100 to $1,900-2,300/tonne (CIF, European port).
Traders in the European market are attributing...